World Leaders Praise Billy Graham in New Book

Billy Graham is being feted in a new book in which he’s showered with lavish praise by U.S. presidents, world leaders, and media stars, Politico reports.

In the upcoming tome, “Billy Graham & Me: 101 Inspiring Personal Stories from Presidents, Pastors, Performers, and Other People Who Know Him Well,’’ George W. Bush calls the evangelical giant “a great man.’’

“His message of faith and love resonates wherever he goes. We love him as a brother; our sons and daughter love him as a father; and all of us love him as a wise counselor,” Bush says.

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President Barack Obama recalls when he first met Graham, the legendary minister “seemed larger than life . . .

“And [he] was as kind and as gentle as could be. And we had a wonderful conversation. Before I left, Reverend Graham started praying for me, as he had prayed for so many presidents before me.’’

Bill Clinton, who was visited by Graham, says: “Whether he was speaking to our nation after the terrible tragedy in Oklahoma City or speaking to me privately in the Oval Office, he embodied St. Paul’s maxim that of all the virtues, faith, hope, and love abide . . .’’

Others raving about Graham in the book include: Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Lamar Alexander, Tony Blair, Mike Huckabee, Henry Kissinger, John Lewis, Dan Rather, Greta van Susteren, and J.C. Watts.

The tributes were compiled from speeches and interviews over the years.

The book, which was compiled and written by Steve Posner and Amy Newmark, is part of the wildly popular “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series. It hits book stores on February 12th.

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