GRAHAM: Missed opportunity

It has been a week since Franklin Graham, famous son of Billy Graham, visited Spokane in his Decision America tour of the Pacific Northwest. More than 15,000 people were honored to attend his rally last Thursday at the Spokane Fairgrounds and Event Center despite the 105 degree weather. The Spokesman-Review ran a front-page story on Friday Aug. 10 about his tour in our area. (Thank you to the Spokesman-Review.) Thousands from the Coeur d’Alene area attended, yet our newspaper never even mentioned it. I don’t understand why.

He was challenging people to get involved in their local, state and federal government, to vote, and to support candidates from whatever party who share their values. It was fair and above board and not political. He also gave opportunity for people to make decisions for Christ.

Franklin Graham is the head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association since 2001, as well as the well-known Christmas Shoebox Outreach to underprivileged children around the world called Samaritan’s Purse. Many local churches participate in sending these gift boxes throughout the world every November. This organization also helps disaster areas with temporary housing, water filtering kits and other essentials including portable hospitals with trained medical personnel and hundreds of volunteers — who often stay on to help rebuild damaged structures and broken discouraged lives years after these disasters. It has been 16 years since we have had the honor of his presence in the Spokane area. There was also a free concert by Jeremy Camp known for his upbeat Christian music over many years.

Perhaps this was just overlooked; perhaps it was done on purpose. In any case, I’m glad that social media promoted it, as well as several local businesses and churches. For those who missed it, Google it and enjoy a replay. It will be encouraging and challenging.

MARY LOU THOMPSON

Hayden