Billy Graham regaining strength at Asheville hospital

ASHEVILLE, N.C.,None — Nurses caring for evangelist Billy Graham report that he had another restful night and slept well.

Mission Hospital representatives said Graham had a busy Sunday, with friends and family visiting.

The 93-year-old evangelist was visited over the weekend by his son, Franklin Graham, and daughters, Gigi Graham and Anne Graham Lotz and her two daughters.

On Saturday morning, Eyewitness News spoke with a family member who said Graham had a restful night and is doing well.

The 93-year-old evangelist was admitted to the hospital in Asheville Wednesday night after suffering from congestion, a cough and slight fever that was later diagnosed as pneumonia.

He is expected to be released in a couple of days.

In a public ministry that lasted six decades, Graham became the most prominent American Protestant leader and arguably the most famous American Christian in the world. His public crusade meetings packed stadiums and made him an acquaintance of every president from Harry Truman to Barack Obama.

Graham was last hospitalized in May, when he spent five days at the same hospital for pneumonia.

Earlier this year, his 30th book, "Nearing Home," a reflection on aging and mortality, was published. "I am certainly no expert on the subject of growing old, but now that I am gaining some experience, I have to admit that not all things get better with age," Graham wrote in the book.

Previous Stories: September 30, 2011: Billy Graham responding well to treatment September 30, 2011: Rev. Graham discusses past in new interview May 16, 2011: Rev. Billy Graham Returns Home Following Hospital Stay May 12, 2011: Billy Graham In Good Spirits At Asheville Hospital

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