Book Review: “Billy Graham: The Man I Knew” by Greg Laurie with Marshall Terrill

How did I get this book?

Well, we are new to Saint Petersburg, and in our neighbourhood I noticed a quirky sign for a store I had never heard of. It was called Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. I was intrigued. On my first visit there, I spied this book on the discount shelf. I paid way under $10 for it.

It caught my eye because it’s two men that I respect in ministry. I wanted to read it.

What’s it about?

It’s a recounting of the major turns and moves in the life and ministry of Billy Graham. The difference is that it’s a memoir from a friend, so throughout the book, there are these anecdotes from Greg. He comments on different parts of Billy’s life, and then will include his own interactions with him.

And, yes, there were a couple of stories that I hadn’t heard about or read in Billy’s other biographies. It’s really meant to show what a truly remarkable life Billy led, and how he impacted the world in a positive way. Greg doesn’t hide his hope that not only will people come to know Christ, but that they will be inspired to live for Him, and that we would have faith for another work of God like what happened in, around and through Billy Graham.

What did I think?

It’s really inspiring. After finishing the book, I watched some of the messages from different crusades that Greg referenced in the book. I listened to hear how Billy preached, recognizing the structure that Greg broke down in the book.

This book would give anyone, but especially those of us that are in ministry, a huge shot in the arm of encouragement. The Lord can truly do amazing things through very ordinary people.

And that’s proven not only by the life of Billy Graham, but also Greg Laurie.