Billy Graham

NEW YORK - More than 30 years ago, Sue Schelble was a young, single nurse working in Chicago when she first decided to check out a Billy Graham crusade. "I grew up in church, taught Sunday school and played the organ, and never understood the true message until I heard Billy Graham preach it in such a clear, simple way," Schelble, 57, of Akron, Ohio, said through tears as she prepared to hear the man she calls her "spiritual father" one last time. Graham preached what could be his final revival sermon yesterday, ending a three-day crusade in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens that drew an estimated 230,000 people.

Billy Graham would like to pray with Obama CHARLOTTE, N.C.: Billy Graham's work as a pastor to presidents is coming to an end, but he is praying for Barack Obama as the nation's next leader begins his work, Graham's son said yesterday on the ailing evangelist's 90th birthday. Franklin Graham said in an interview that his father's mind remains sharp even as his body continues to fail. But the preacher who has counseled every president beginning with Dwight D. Eisenhower is not in line to mentor Obama.

MONTREAT, N.C. -- Billy Graham's features endure, a miracle of regularity: that determined jaw, frank brow. Then those eyes, all these years with that same pale, steady fire. And the voice: unrelenting, persuasive.The Lord's top salesman, going into his pitch, opening his case, and laying out ... everlasting rock. Living water. Eternal life. A new heart. "I'm going to ask you to do something tonight," he's told the multitudes gathered before him in the vast coliseums of the world.At 77, Graham is fragile these days, living with Parkinson's disease, but he says he will preach until God retires him."

On June 17, 2007, KAREN R. DAY-CHAMBERS, of Bel Air, went to her heavenly home; beloved wife of Gary L. Chambers, devoted mother of Ryan C. & Brooke T. Day; adored daughter of Orville D., Jr., and Phyllis A. Stewart; dear sister of Kelly L. Stewart-Mason; loving granddaughter of Ida Stewart and the late Orville D. Stewart, Sr. and Dorothy and Gordon Schafer. Family and friends will honor Karen's life at the family owned Evans Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services - Bel Air, 3 Newport Dr., (Rts.

On July 18, 2006, GARY D. SWANEY, born October 21, 1932, in Haydentown, PA; father of Yvette Gifford, Eric and Lance Swaney and Celeste Borne; grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of three. Also survived by many friends and aquaintences. Services at Donaldson Funeral Home, 313 Talbott Avenue, Laurel, MD, on Saturday at 10 A.M. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201. (704) 401-2432.

On July 23, 2004, JOYCEMAE I. COOK; beloved wife of the late Clarence Cook. Surviving are son Ray, daughters Susana Landers, Juanita Van Scheetz, Cinda Gump, and Rebecca Pruitt; sister Mable Braune. Also survived by fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Services on Tuesday, at 11 A.M. from Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, 91 Willis Street, Westminster. Burial in Lakeview Memorial Park. Visitation at the funeral home on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Contributions to Billy Graham Crusade, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 or Carroll Hospice, 95 Carroll Street, Westminster, 21157.

On June 17, 2007, KAREN R. DAY-CHAMBERS, of Bel Air, went to her heavenly home; beloved wife of Gary L. Chambers, devoted mother of Ryan C. & Brooke T. Day; adored daughter of Orville D., Jr., and Phyllis A. Stewart; dear sister of Kelly L. Stewart-Mason; loving granddaughter of Ida Stewart and the late Orville D. Stewart, Sr. and Dorothy and Gordon Schafer. Family and friends will honor Karen's life at the family owned Evans Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services - Bel Air, 3 Newport Dr., (Rts.

Three years after a group of local Christians first talked about inviting the Rev. Franklin Graham to preach in Baltimore, tens of thousands of people are expected at Camden Yards this weekend for three days of music, prayer and preaching. The Metro Maryland Festival is aimed at winning what Graham's ministry calls "decisions for Christ." "What we're trying to do is get people to come to have a genuine relationship with the lord," said Mount Pleasant Church Bishop Clifford M. Johnson Jr., a member of the committee that has brought Graham to Baltimore.

CHRISTIAN FESTIVAL The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will hold the Metro Maryland Festival tomorrow through Sunday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The event includes music by American Idol finalist George Huff, Andrae Crouch and Randy Travis, as well as speeches from Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son. Billy Graham will also speak, health permitting. Saturday morning features KidzFest. ....................... The festival events are at 7 p.m. tomorrow, 7 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday . KidzFest will be at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Billy Graham would like to pray with Obama CHARLOTTE, N.C.: Billy Graham's work as a pastor to presidents is coming to an end, but he is praying for Barack Obama as the nation's next leader begins his work, Graham's son said yesterday on the ailing evangelist's 90th birthday. Franklin Graham said in an interview that his father's mind remains sharp even as his body continues to fail. But the preacher who has counseled every president beginning with Dwight D. Eisenhower is not in line to mentor Obama.

Region Wrestler Graham to miss Fanfest Former professional wrestling champion Superstar Billy Graham will not be appearing at the Capitol Wrestling Legends Fanfest in Rockville this weekend due travel problems, according to wrestlingobserver.com. Graham, whose real name is Wayne Coleman, was to appear along with 29 other former pro wrestlers at the three-day event that concludes today. Because of increased airport security, Coleman was not allowed to bring his prescription medication on the plane because his real name was on the medicine while his tickets were issued to "Billy Graham," the Web site said.

Years before professional wrestling became a pop culture phenomenon punctuated by pay-per-view extravaganzas and pyrotechnics, Wayne Coleman was clearly ahead of his time. Performing as Superstar Billy Graham, with tie-dyed attire, bleached-blond hair and a chiseled, bronze physique, and spouting Muhammad Ali-inspired jive talk, Coleman provided a vivid diversion during wrestling's era of dimly lit arenas and grainy UHF stations in the 1970s. Capitol Wrestling Legends Fanfest Tomorrow through Sunday; Doubletree Hotel, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville; 30 professional wrestling legends are scheduled to appear.

On July 18, 2006, GARY D. SWANEY, born October 21, 1932, in Haydentown, PA; father of Yvette Gifford, Eric and Lance Swaney and Celeste Borne; grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of three. Also survived by many friends and aquaintences. Services at Donaldson Funeral Home, 313 Talbott Avenue, Laurel, MD, on Saturday at 10 A.M. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201. (704) 401-2432.

NATIONAL Summit tests Russia/U.S. bond President Bush faces a test of his bond with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin this week in St. Petersburg, where the two are to meet at a summit amid strained relations between their nations. pg 1A Bush panned for spy program Rep. Peter Hoekstra, a Republican and chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, lashed out at President Bush yesterday, suggesting that the White House may have broken the law by failing to inform Congress of a major intelligence program and other activities.

The would-be converts streamed out of the stands at Camden Yards yesterday - adults and children, men and women, black and white, flowing down the aisles and flooding the outfield grass. The Rev. Billy Graham, making what will probably be his last visit to Baltimore, coaxed them along. "You may be young; you may be old," said the 87-year-old evangelist, his rich voice husky with age, but still clear and strong. "Whoever you are, you come and say yes to Jesus. Let him bring his peace into your heart and give you a new start in your life."

Three years after a group of local Christians first talked about inviting the Rev. Franklin Graham to preach in Baltimore, tens of thousands of people are expected at Camden Yards this weekend for three days of music, prayer and preaching. The Metro Maryland Festival is aimed at winning what Graham's ministry calls "decisions for Christ." "What we're trying to do is get people to come to have a genuine relationship with the lord," said Mount Pleasant Church Bishop Clifford M. Johnson Jr., a member of the committee that has brought Graham to Baltimore.

Region Wrestler Graham to miss Fanfest Former professional wrestling champion Superstar Billy Graham will not be appearing at the Capitol Wrestling Legends Fanfest in Rockville this weekend due travel problems, according to wrestlingobserver.com. Graham, whose real name is Wayne Coleman, was to appear along with 29 other former pro wrestlers at the three-day event that concludes today. Because of increased airport security, Coleman was not allowed to bring his prescription medication on the plane because his real name was on the medicine while his tickets were issued to "Billy Graham," the Web site said.

The would-be converts streamed out of the stands at Camden Yards yesterday - adults and children, men and women, black and white, flowing down the aisles and flooding the outfield grass. The Rev. Billy Graham, making what will probably be his last visit to Baltimore, coaxed them along. "You may be young; you may be old," said the 87-year-old evangelist, his rich voice husky with age, but still clear and strong. "Whoever you are, you come and say yes to Jesus. Let him bring his peace into your heart and give you a new start in your life."

CHRISTIAN FESTIVAL The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will hold the Metro Maryland Festival tomorrow through Sunday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The event includes music by American Idol finalist George Huff, Andrae Crouch and Randy Travis, as well as speeches from Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son. Billy Graham will also speak, health permitting. Saturday morning features KidzFest. ....................... The festival events are at 7 p.m. tomorrow, 7 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday . KidzFest will be at 10 a.m. Saturday.

NEW YORK - More than 30 years ago, Sue Schelble was a young, single nurse working in Chicago when she first decided to check out a Billy Graham crusade. "I grew up in church, taught Sunday school and played the organ, and never understood the true message until I heard Billy Graham preach it in such a clear, simple way," Schelble, 57, of Akron, Ohio, said through tears as she prepared to hear the man she calls her "spiritual father" one last time. Graham preached what could be his final revival sermon yesterday, ending a three-day crusade in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens that drew an estimated 230,000 people.