Union Co. school has big plans for Rev. Graham's 96th birthday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Friday is the Rev. Billy Graham's 96th birthday.

His family has marked it with a low-key celebration at his home in Montreat, North Carolina But his ministry is celebrating it with the release of a new video that features the evangelist discussing heaven – and a Union County school has big plans to show it to as many people as possible.

"I haven't looked at it yet. I'm waiting to watch it with all the people this weekend," said Bob Daniel, pastor at Grace Academy and Grace Church.

Daniel is making himself wait to watch Graham's latest video, "Heaven," but he's been showing the trailer to his students at Grace Academy in Stallings.

Click here to learn more about Rev. Graham's new video

Daniel, his students and his congregation will watch the full video Sunday -- part of a nationwide effort by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to have churches and other community groups see it together.
 
"We'll do it on Sunday, on a Thursday night youth meeting. We'll do it at chapel here at school and also smaller venues," said Daniel.

The new video features archive footage plus interview segments conducted last year with Graham, and true stories about death and dying.

To watch the new video, visit here

Grace Academy senior Seth Marklawson-Vance is planning the technical setup for Sunday's presentation and said he's honored to help spread Graham's message.

"He has touched so many lives. He has changed so many people's entire worlds," he said.

"Of course it's relevant to all people. The Lord's word can appeal to anybody from age 96 to three, you know?" said eighth-grader Joshua Morrison.

Morrison and other students have been working to spread the word about Sunday's presentation, making signs and posters. They hope there will be more videos, which Morrison said he would tell Graham if he could.

"Keep doing what you're doing, you know? You've left behind a great legacy and I love you and I think everyone he's ever preached to love you, and he's definitely gonna have a great spot in heaven," said Morrison.

WSOC