Today, November 7th, is Billy Graham’s birthday. He is 89 years old. This is from the press release at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website.

As evangelist Billy Graham marks another birthday, turning 89 on Wednesday, he expressed gratitude for his health, his family and the ongoing hope of being reunited with his wife Ruth in Heaven.

Since the passing of his marriage and ministry partner of nearly 64 years on June 14 this year, Mr. Graham said he has been surprised at the depth of his grief, but simultaneously encouraged by the commensurate magnitude of God’s grace.

“At times, I feel as if part of me has been ripped out, and in a sense that’s what has happened, because Ruth was such an important part of my life,” he said. “But my faith gives me great comfort, and I can’t imagine going through something like this without strength that only the Lord can provide. It has been an added blessing that our five children have been so faithful in visiting and spending time with me – I am grateful for and proud of each of them.”

While Mr. Graham has stayed close to home most of this year, he was hospitalized for a couple of weeks at the end of August for diagnosis and treatment of intestinal bleeding. He has continued his recovery at home since being discharged on Aug. 30 from nearby Mission Health and Hospitals in Asheville, N.C.

“I am looking forward to spending the holidays with family,” Mr. Graham added. “I know in many ways this time of year will be especially difficult without Ruth, who maintained many of our family traditions. But I am thankful for the confidence we have in Heaven. It is for this reason I will rejoice most in Christ’s birth this Christmas.”

Happy birthday, Billy!