In his first sermon in nine months — and the first to a Cincinnati crowd in 25 years — the Rev. Billy Graham urged people to put aside their differences and commit their lives to Jesus Christ.

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The Rev. Billy Graham preaches at Paul Brown Stadium. (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

        “If you believe Jesus Christ is God's son, you'll not have to pay the eternal price of sin,” said the Rev. Mr. Graham, opening a four-day mission. “We're all on death row — the only way out of death is Jesus.”

        The 83-year-old evangelist's visit comes as Cincinnati is still working on problems of racial division that erupted into rioting last year. He delivered a message that called for people to be neighbors regardless of skin color and to seek Christian salvation.

        “Be a neighbor to the person next to you in Cincinnati. Whether their color is dark or it is light, we are to love each other and work together,” he said.

        “There are people in Cincinnati who feel left behind,” said the Rev. Mr. Graham, urging them to turn away from material temptations in favor of Christ.

People make their way to the stage to pledge their lives to Jesus. (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

        The crowd of nearly 35,000 at Paul Brown Stadium applauded often during the Rev. Mr. Graham's speech, including a thunderous ovation as he was helped to his place on the stage.

        Although he looked healthy and strong Thursday, the Rev. Mr. Graham told the audience of the difficult times in the past few years because of his failing health. A few times, he said, he thought he was dying.

        “I didn't say to the Lord, "I'm a preacher, and I've preached to many people,'” said the Rev. Mr. Graham. “I said, "Oh Lord, I'm a sinner. I still need your forgiveness.'”

        And at least 2,000 people poured from the stands onto the field to commit their lives to Jesus Christ. Where the 30-yard-line would be, Dave and Debbie Lojek asked for forgiveness and for saving grace.

        “It was something that was lacking in our lives,” said Mr. Lojek, 44 of Middletown. “We wanted some inner peace. So the best way was to come down.”

People take shelter from the thunderstorm. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        Before the Rev. Mr. Graham spoke, God did. A thunderstorm hit the riverfront about 6:15 p.m. Stadium officials asked the crowd to move into the concourses and under shelter.

        While most people milled around, a few took the opportunity to begin worship early. In a corner outside Section 104, a handful of black women began singing “My God is an Awesome God.” After a few refrains, a white man joined in, then another. Soon four dozen people were singing with the group.

        The storm ended about 15 minutes before the service began. The 4,000-voice choir — dressed in red T-shirts — fanned out behind the stage, and sang “Bless His Holy Name.”

        Despite an unprecedented call for the Rev. Mr. Graham to stay away from the city, only a handful of boycotters stood outside the stadium, carrying signs and urging people to leave.

Robin Jones of Middletown (left), Missy Dant of Sharonville (center) and an unidentified man pray. (Craig Ruttle photo) | ZOOM |

        General Kabaka Obu said he came to remind the Rev. Mr. Graham that he had apologized to Jews for remarks made to President Nixon, but “we haven't heard him apologize to black people.”

        The Rev. Mr. Graham disclosed during the altar call that he had met this week with the Rev. Damon Lynch III, a boycott leader, as well as his father, the Rev. Damon Lynch Jr., a mission organizer, and that they prayed together.

        Inside, African-Americans were present among the predominantly white crowd."

        “I'd rather listen to him than be listening to the streets,” said C.J. Pruit, 14, an African-American from West End. The Rev. Mr. Graham “seems like a nice guy. We need more people like him.”

        “It beats listening to bullets flying across the street,” said Michael Houston, 14, also of the West End. “Having black and white coming here to Paul Brown Stadium is good because people of different races are coming together. Maybe they can talk and be friends.”

Hundreds gather at the stage at the end of the program. (Joseph Fuqua II photo) | ZOOM |

        Although accompanied to the stage, the Rev. Mr. Graham never used the stool that stood behind him. Despite having Parkinson's disease and other health problems, his voice was steady and powerful.

        He warmed up the audience with a few jokes, including a reference to Cincinnati's long history with and love of pigs.

        Then as Jesus uses parables in the Bible, the Rev. Mr. Graham relied on stories to convey his message. A joke about a Catholic priest and a Texas Baptist illustrated that different denominations can learn much from each other and should work together.

        The world-famous evangelist used the story of the Good Samaritan to talk about how people should love and help one another.

Choir members sing. (Craig Ruttle photo) | ZOOM |

        At the end of the service, the Rev. Mr. Graham introduced his son, Franklin, who will share his testimony during the mission.

        Bengal Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz greeted the audience, then offered his testimony after the opening prayer and songs.

        Chairman of the mission, Mr. Munoz likened his life to two sides of a coin: On one side, a tough childhood with a single mother and a drug-addicted father. On the other, his faith in God.

        Early in his career, he said he realized: “It wasn't about the money. It wasn't about the prestige. It was the need for the Lord Jesus to be at the center of everything.”

Nancy Hickman of Lincoln Heights sings along as Diann McMillian performs. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        Ushers passed offering plates before the Rev. Mr. Graham spoke. The local mission committee needs nearly $1 million from offerings during the four-day mission to meet a $2.785 million budget.

        Pat and Tammy Ellis brought their 20-year-old son, Mike, to hear the Rev. Mr. Graham. Paralyzed from a car accident in January 2001, Mike sat in a wheelchair on the field, wearing a shirt that said, “I know Jesus.”

        They came to hear the word of God from the Rev. Mr. Graham. And to give thanks for what they already believe has been a miracle in their lives.

        “The doctors only gave him two to three hours to live,” said Mr. Ellis. “We just feel Jesus had a hand in his being here.”

       Steve Eder of the contributed to this report.

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