Anne Graham Lotz, born on May 21, 1948, in Asheville, North Carolina, is the daughter of renowned evangelist Billy Graham and Ruth Bell Graham. Her upbringing was marked by her father's frequent absences due to his ministry work, leaving her primarily under the care of her mother and grandparents. Despite this, Anne found her faith early, becoming a Christian at eight after watching 'The King of Kings.'
Finding Her Ministry Calling
In 1966, Anne married Dr. Daniel Lotz and settled in Raleigh, North Carolina. As a young mother of three, she felt distanced from God, overwhelmed by the demands of family life. Yet, it was through this struggle that Anne discovered her calling. In 1975, she encountered the Bible Study Fellowship and began leading a local class, which grew significantly under her guidance.
Anne founded AnGeL Ministries, driven by a call to be a 'messenger' rather than building a personal ministry empire. Her 'Just Give Me Jesus' revival events have inspired countless individuals across the globe to seek a personal relationship with God.
Faith Through Loss and Illness
Life's trials didn't spare Anne. In 2015, she lost her husband, Danny, after nearly five decades of marriage. The shock was profound, but Anne found solace in God's unwavering presence. She candidly shared her grief, stating, 'Even during the days that followed, I knew that God had not been caught by surprise.'
Three years later, Anne faced another challenge when diagnosed with breast cancer. Remarkably, she viewed this diagnosis as an opportunity to glorify God, saying, 'God has been—and is—my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in this trouble. Therefore, I will not fear.' Her journey through cancer was marked by faith, confident that her suffering was not a punishment but a chance to demonstrate God's love.
Living With Unwavering Purpose
Anne's life underscores the power of a vibrant relationship with God. She emphasizes the importance of prayer and spending time alone with Jesus. 'The Christian life is so much more than just being saved from hell and is so much more than just going to heaven,' she explains, highlighting the sustaining power of a personal connection with God.
Through loss, illness, and her own insecurities, Anne Graham Lotz has remained steadfast in her mission: to know God and make Him known. Her testimony is a powerful reminder of Jesus's faithfulness amidst life's most daunting challenges.
