Friday, August 29, 2008
Fri, 29 Aug 2008
Liberty University School of Law professor Basyle J. Tchividjian announced that the book he co-authored with his brother to commemorate the life of his grandfather, Billy Graham, will be released on September 16. It is published by Multnomah/Random House. With Rev. Graham’s 90th birthday approaching on November 7, his grandsons are releasing the hardcover, tabletop gift book titled, Invitation: Billy Graham and the Lives God Touched – Stories of Real People Transformed By God. The book contains stunning photos and stories that pay tribute to the man whose life changed millions. Rev. Graham’s grandsons, Basyle “Boz” and co-author Aram Tchividjian, know him simply as “Daddy Bill.”
Respected and admired throughout the world, Billy Graham has brought the message of faith to over two billion people in 185 countries and territories. He has preached in person to over 200 million, which has not been done by any other person in history.
Invitation explores through stories and photographs the profound impact Rev. Graham’s ministry has had upon the lives of multitudes of people. Invitation combines more than 60 photographs—drawn from family collections and the archives of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association—with the powerful stories of those changed by one man’s message of God’s grace and love.
The brothers collected stories for the book through a website they launched last year called www.thankyoubilly.com where visitors—who have filled the stadiums, watched televised programs, and read his books—recount how they were introduced to God and forever changed as a result of Rev. Graham’s life. The authors are among 19 grandchildren and the sons of Gigi (Virginia) Graham, the eldest daughter of Billy and Ruth Graham.
Often accompanying him to special events including crusades and inaugurations, the authors reflect on the grandfather they came to know after the cameras were turned off and the crowds went home—the same grandfather who before surrendering to Jesus Christ in 1934 had once referred to religion as “hogwash”.
A practicing attorney based in Florida for many years, Basyle “Boz” Tchividjian recently relocated to Central Virginia, where he has joined the faculty at Liberty University School of Law. Aram Tchividjian lives and works in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he runs a website design and programming company.
Those who want to share their stories or view “I Remember” video testimonies of Pat Boone, Joni Earekson Tada, and others can visit www.thankyoubilly.com.