At his 95th birthday party Thursday, Rev. Billy Graham gave what his son said would be his last sermon.
Graham's son, Franklin, told USA Today: "This will be my father's last message to the nation ... He won't be able to do this again." In his message, Rev. Graham said the country needs a "spiritual awakening."
The message was a 30-minute video called "My Hope America." Graham told viewers he's worried about the direction of the country and says people's faith in God isn't as strong as it used to be. (Via WCCB)
It was all part of a large gathering that took place in Asheville, North Carolina Thursday night. At least 700 guests gathered to celebrate the famed preacher's special day. (Via WSOC)
There were several noticeable guests in attendance, including Donald Trump, former Gov. Sarah Palin, media mogul Rupert Murdoch and North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory. (Via CBS)
Graham was brought in on a wheelchair. His declining health kept him from delivering a sermon on stage. But he did take a quick moment to thank people, including his best friend of almost 70 years. (Via WSB-TV)
GRAHAM: "Cliff, I want to thank you. This celebration is partly for you as well. And I want to thank you for all you have meant to me through all these years." (Via WGCL)
Graham's son also said his father still has great memories of his many sermons over the past six decades but added he has recently lost a lot of energy. (Via WAGA)
The sermon started airing on several evangelical TV stations Thursday night. It will air on Fox News three times this weekend and will broadcast in Spanish eight times on two other networks this weekend. There's also a link to the program at watchbillygraham.com.
