The Apostle Paul had traveled thousands of miles and preached in dozens of cities by the time he wrote his letter to the church at Rome. His epistle shines as one of the most elegant and exhaustive treatments of the Christian life and doctrine ranging from justification by faith alone, to sanctification by the Holy Spirit, to our glorified life in heaven with the Lord.

At the same time, he wanted each believer and the entire Church to take responsibility for making sure that the whole world has an opportunity to hear the Gospel. “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:14-15, NKJV).

Those questions still challenge Christians today. Who is going to tell the world about Jesus? Who is going to cast God’s lifeline out to those who are perishing? Who is going to preach? Who is going to send the preachers?

God has used the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to help meet those challenges for more than 50 years. We strive to communicate the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by every means possible, but preaching always has been–and always will be–the heart of every endeavor. We feel, like Paul, “compelled to preach” (1 Corinthians 9:16) the Good News of Christ’s victory over sin and death.

God called both my father and me as evangelists, to proclaim God’s offer of forgiveness through faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice. BGEA is a ministry of evangelism, “preaching Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23).

Over the decades, God has provided the means for us to have Crusades in hundreds of the world’s greatest cities. We have translated and televised programs to reach multitudes who had never heard the Gospel. We have helped to train tens of thousands of evangelists to preach effectively in their own communities.

Wherever the Word is preached, God kindles a fire in people’s hearts. Whenever they hear the truth of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and realize that He is who He says He is–”I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6)–many will place their trust in Him.

When men and women place their faith in Christ, their sins are forgiven, and they receive the gift of eternal life. I have no greater joy than when I see throngs of people come forward at our invitations and confess Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This is all the work of God, and to Him alone belongs the praise.

In this coming year, we will be holding evangelistic Crusades in five international locations, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Ecuador, Panama and Ukraine, as well as in three U.S. cities. We’ll also conduct several more My Hope World Television Project outreaches, which the Lord has used to draw millions of people to saving faith.

I want to thank those who have helped continue to send BGEA on its evangelistic mission. More important, millions of souls around the world are eternally grateful.