Missionary Family Testimony China
Ruth Bell Graham's life began on June 10, 1920, in Qingjiang, Jiangsu, China, where she was born to medical missionaries L. Nelson Bell and Virginia Leftwich Bell. Surrounded by the realities of missionary work in China, Ruth sensed a deep calling to dedicate her life to the Gospel early on. She harbored dreams of serving as a single missionary in Tibet, but her path was destined for a different kind of ministry.
At 13, Ruth was sent to a boarding school in Pyongyang, North Korea, a time marked by intense homesickness. Yet it was here that Ruth found comfort in the Psalms, learning to lean on God during her separation from family. Reflecting on these years, Ruth would later say, "I learned things that only God himself could teach." Her sister's suggestion to personalize scripture by inserting her own name brought her solace, particularly in Isaiah 53.
God Changed My Calling
In the midst of her studies at Wheaton College, Ruth encountered a pivotal moment when she met Billy Graham. Their connection was unmistakable, and when Billy asked if she believed God brought them together, she agreed. This moment of divine intervention redirected Ruth's life path from her missionary dreams to a partnership in evangelism with Billy. "My job is to take care of the possible and to trust God with the impossible," Ruth often remarked, a philosophy she lived by as she supported Billy's ministry and raised their five children.
Christian Marriage Partnership Ministry
Their marriage, beginning on August 13, 1943, in Western Springs, Illinois, was a testament to mutual support and shared faith. Ruth became Billy's most trusted advisor and confidante, contributing significantly to his sermons and books. Her literary talents shone through in the 14 books she authored, often using poetry as an emotional outlet.
Ruth's life was marked by unwavering faith and a deep reliance on prayer and scripture, especially in raising her children. She clung to passages like Philippians 4:6-7, trusting in God's peace to guard her heart and mind. Her faith, humor, and wisdom left an indelible mark on all who knew her. As Billy Graham poignantly expressed the day before her passing in 2007, "Ruth is my soul mate and best friend, and I cannot imagine living a single day without her by my side." Ruth's legacy continues to inspire, demonstrating the profound impact of living a life rooted in faith and dedication to God's calling.
