Bishop T.D. Jakes reflects on the life of the late Billy Graham: 'We lost a General in the Kingdom of God'

EEW Magazine // Deaths

When news hit that Evangelist Billy Graham went home to be with God Wednesday at the age of 99, condolences and reflections poured in from around the world.

Dallas-based pastor of The Potter's House, Bishop T.D. Jakes, was among those who shared their thoughts on the man who  evangelized more than 200 million people over six decades

Here is the statement of the mega-pastor and best-selling author:

We lost a General in the Kingdom of God!

Reverend Billy Graham was the embodiment of the great commission we have all been given to “…go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). His tireless efforts led a countless number of souls to Christ, and his example of strong moral character coupled with his ability to build bridges brought him to provide guidance and council to Presidents from Truman to Obama.

He reached the nation's heart! As a voice on the radio, a massive ministry that evolved into televised crusades, he dabbled in television films, was a prolific author and a merciful soul.

Reverend Billy Graham sat with Dr. Martin Luther King, he gave platforms to the late greats like Ethel Waters, Archie Dennis, George Beverly Shea and many others of all cultures and kinds.  He now goes through the gates as he famously lifted his voice to sing the majestic hymn, “Just as I am without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me. And that thou bidst me come to thee; Oh Lamb of God I come!”

You have earned your rest, sir. Well done, good and faithful servant!

Asked what he'd like people to say about him when he died, Graham said, "I want to hear one person say something nice about me and that's the Lord, when I face him. I want him to say to me, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.'"