Graham set to return to evangelical limelight

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Making his first public appearance since a series of medical problems sidelined him this spring, evangelist Billy Graham on Wednesday toured preparations for his weekend crusade in Kansas City.

Graham, 85, never left a golf cart as he looked over the stage set up at Arrowhead Stadium and addressed reporters, but he said he felt healthy.

"I got too old and fell too many times and broke too many bones," he said. "But I'm fine and look forward to preaching the gospel."

The Heart of America crusade was originally scheduled for June but had to be postponed after Graham fell in his Montreat, N.C., home in May and broke his pelvis.

Despite the setbacks, Graham said he felt compelled to fulfill the crusade, his first since an Oklahoma City gathering in June 2003.

"It's been on my heart for almost five years to come to Kansas City," he said.

To accommodate his health, organizers installed a special pulpit -- being used for the first time -- that includes a seat hidden from view so Graham can continue to speak and appear standing.

This will be his third crusade in Kansas City and his fourth appearance; he first spoke here in 1945 shortly before an historic six-month crusade in England. Richard Hastings, the crusade's local organizer, said the delays did increase the event's $4.7 million price tag, raised through local churches, Graham's organization and private donations. But he said it was worth it.

"I think there's no doubt this is the last crusade he'll have in Kansas City," said Hastings, president and chief executive of St. Luke's Health System. "We're really fortunate and thankful that he's been able to come."

The crusade kicks off Thursday night and continues through Sunday with appearances by the Charlie Daniels Band, Christian singer Michael W. Smith and a Saturday night youth-oriented concert.

While the crusade will conflict with the Banquet 400 NASCAR race being held on Sunday at nearby Kansas Speedway, Hastings said they've tried as much "crossover" as possible: NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip will address the crusade on Saturday while Graham's son and successor, Franklin, will say a prayer before the race and ride in the pace car.

Graham is scheduled to also hold a crusade at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., next month and last week announced a crusade at Madison Square Gardens in New York City.