Billy Graham: An Ordinary Man and His Extraordinary God - Hardcover

An experienced teacher—with a gift for explaining how everyday people can connect personally with the God who loves them—Lonnie J. Allison came to Wheaton Bible Church in 2013 from his previous role as Executive Director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College. Lon has taught master’s and doctoral evangelism courses at Gordon Conwell Seminary, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and Northern Seminary, and is a visiting professor at Wheaton College Graduate School. He maintains an active speaking schedule at churches and conferences around the world, and is the author of Going Public with the Gospel, That the World May Believe, and Possible: Discover the Joy of a Prayer, Care, Share Life. He and his wife, Marie, have three grown children and live in West Chicago, Illinois.

“I woke at 5:00 am this morning and read the entire book! I love good biographies and this book is no exception. Lon Allison explores the extraordinary life of Billy Graham: his roots, conversion, ministry, family life and even his regrets. You will be drawn to the person of Jesus who fills every chapter. I highly commend this book to you.”
—Becky Manley Pippert, author of Out of the Saltshaker and into the World
 
“This is a book that is about an extraordinary God who spoke through and is displayed himself through Billy Graham. In chapter after chapter, you will read about how you also can experience a close relationship with God.”
—Steve Douglass, President, Campus Crusade for Christ/Cru

“This is a book you must read because this is a man you should know. Through him, millions have come to know the God who loves them and gives hope. And this God, the God who made the universe and you and me, loves you. He loves you deeply and dearly. There are so many of us who loved Billy Graham, myself included, and Lon is someone who knew and loved Billy and had the privilege of serving by his side. His is a unique perspective into a unique man whose message will impact your unique life.”  
—Dr. Michael Oh, Global Executive Director and CEO, Lausanne Movement
 
“As a lover and collector of biographies, I am thrilled with Lon Allison’s new book on Billy Graham. There are already a dozen biographies of Graham on my shelf, but Lon’s contribution is a unique profile of this great evangelist and America’s pastor. And that’s because Lon himself is a passionate evangelist and pastor. He gets Billy Graham. Lon loves to share the gospel, which is woven into this biography with gripping clarity. This is a book to read for yourself and to purchase for your friends!” 
—Jim L. Nicodem, Senior Pastor, Christ Community Church, St. Charles (IL), author of Prayer Coach
  
“Billy Graham’s recent graduation to the presence of the Lord provides the perfect chance to reflect on the life lessons, faith, vision, and passion for the Gospel that characterized his life and can characterize the lives of all followers of Jesus. Mr. Graham modeled a refreshing humility and confidence in the power of the Good News to radically change lives. He devoted his life to a simple yet powerful message, and Lon Allison shares the belief that nothing in life is more important than communicating this message far and wide. Read this book and be inspired to follow in the footsteps of one of the great ones.”
—Kevin Palau, President, Luis Palau Association
 
“A great introduction to one of the defining figures of our times. My friend and fellow evangelist, Lon Allison, has given us an honest and insightful portrayal of Billy Graham that authentically conveys both the man and the power of his message.”
—J. John, Reverend Canon and Evangelist, England
 
“Lon Allison’s winsome biography about Billy Graham is much more than a biography. Not only do we get a look at Billy’s ordinary life which became an extraordinary life, we get portraits of Jesus Christ in almost every chapter. Mr. Graham never wanted the attention to be on him. He wanted Jesus and his Gospel to shine. In this book, you will see Jesus shine forth, and it will be an encouragement to Christians and a helpful explanation for non-Christians.”
—Ed Stetzer, PhD, Billy Graham Chair of Church, Mission and Evangelism, Wheaton College
 
 “My two favorite evangelists of this generation are Billy Graham and Lon Allison. I believe it’s no accident they had a long partnership in ministry and relationship. Not only will you get great insights from this book about Billy Graham, you’ll get great insights as well about how to represent the Christian faith in our generation with class and power.”
—Ray Johnston, Founding and Senior Pastor, Bayside Churches, California