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Triangle pastor says Billy Graham is why he joined the ministry

The legendary Billy Graham's reach was far and wide and transcended people of all ages. A local minister said his encounter with Graham at the age of ten changed his life forever.

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By
Candace Sweat
, WRAL reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — The legendary Billy Graham's reach was far and wide, transcending people of all ages.

A local minister said his encounter with Graham at the age of 10 changed his life forever.

Steve Ellis said it all started with the invitation to see a movie.

The movie was a Graham film at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte. "The Restless Ones" followed a wayward son who later surrenders to Christ.

Graham made an appearance in the movie with footage from his crusades.

"At the end of the movie, a guy came out and gave an invitation like you would hear Dr. Graham often at the end of crusades asking people to go forward," Ellis said.

Ellis said Graham’s message changed his life.

“(Graham) gave instructions on how to pray and said, ‘If you receive this gift today, you will receive a friend who sticks closer than a brother.’ Well, I didn't have a friend, and my brother wasn't that kind to me either, so I made the choice," Ellis said.

Ellis said a Billy Graham-sponsored event in Charlotte prompted him to join the ministry. (is this the movie again or something else?)

“Just admiring the man from a distance gave me a lot of encouragement to do it right and don't cut any corners," he said.

As for Graham's death, Ellis said he has conflicting emotions. But he remembers words from Graham himself.

"One day you will see or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don't believe it for a minute. I am as alive as I've ever been. I've just changed addresses," Graham said once in an interview.

Ellis said he bought a copy of "The Restless Ones" on VHS to commemorate the film and the decision that changed his life.

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