President Ma Ying-jeou on the afternoon of October 30 at the Presidential Office met with Reverend Franklin Graham of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The president extended a warm welcome to Reverend Graham on his visit to Taiwan.
President Ma praised Reverend Graham as one of the world's best-known preachers. He said he is delighted to have the opportunity to meet with Reverend Graham. The president noted that Reverend Graham not only bears a distinct likeness to his famous father the Reverend Billy Graham, but also shares with his father a talent for preaching. Reverend Billy Graham came to Taiwan in October 1975 to hold an evangelical service, just several months after the passing of former President Chiang Kai-shek. The evangelical service attracted a large audience and provided spiritual comfort to Christians in Taiwan, the president said. The visit made a deep impression on many people.
President Ma said religion has played an enormous role in the development of Taiwan society. Christianity has made many positive influences on Taiwan. People in Taiwan have become very anxious at this moment as Taiwan is feeling the impact of the global economic downturn, he said. Reverend Graham's visit to Taiwan to hold an evangelical service is sure to help increase confidence among the public and enable everyone to realize the comfort that religion provides. President Ma also said he hopes that Reverend Graham will be a frequent visitor to Taiwan and be able to provide even more encouragement to Christians here.
Reverend Graham expressed his appreciation to President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him. After the meeting concluded, he led those attending the meeting in a prayer, wishing the best for President Ma.
The delegation from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association included Reverend Franklin Graham, the association's Asia director Reverend Henry Holly, and Reverend Chad Hammond, the director of the association's in Taiwan. Joining the delegation were Reverend Nathaniel Chow, Reverend Te-chien Chang, Reverend James C. C. Shia, and Reverend Simon Hong. The group was accompanied to the Presidential Office in the afternoon by Legislator Shyh-Bao Lai to meet with President Ma.