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IRL, Indy 500: Billy Graham to Give Invocation on Race Day

19 May 1999

INDIANAPOLIS - Renowned evangelist Billy Graham will give the invocation moments before the 83rd Indianapolis 500 on May 30. Graham has preached to more people in live audiences than anyone in history - more than 210 million people in more than 185 countries and territories - through various meetings, including Mission World and Global Mission. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video and film.

Graham, 80, has received countless secular and religious awards, including the Congressional Gold Medal. He regularly is listed by the Gallup organization as one of the "Ten Most Admired Men in the World." Gallup also described Graham as the dominant figure in that poll in the last 52 years, as he has made an unprecedented 41 appearances and 34 consecutive appearances.

He also has appeared on the cover of numerous magazines, including Time, Newsweek, Life, U.S. News and World Report and Parade.

Graham is a best-selling author of 18 books. His latest book, "Just As I Am," achieved a "triple crown" by appearing simultaneously on three top best-seller lists in one week after it was published in 1997. In the book, Graham shared how his unwavering faith in Christ formed and shaped his career.

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