The past year has tested many American Christians, but evangelist Franklin Graham is taking that in stride. The president of Samaritan’s Purse and The Billy Graham Association (BGEA), is thanking God for the unprecedented times 2020 presented because it offered new continued opportunities to share the gospel.

“During this unprecedented year with unexpected challenges, like the coronavirus pandemic, God has given us new opportunities to share the Gospel,” Graham asserted in a blog post published on BGEA’s website. “No matter what is going on in our nation or the world, our responsibility to share the truth and hope of Jesus Christ has not changed.”

Additional gospel opportunities came through the 24/7 Billy Graham Prayer Line and through the ministry’s Gospel TV spots. On the prayer line alone, Graham reported that “we have received more than 239,000 calls since March.”

Looking at 2021, Graham is hopeful that his ministry can start hosting in-person evangelistic events, including ones in Italy.

“My son Will is preparing for the Tiftarea Celebration in Tifton, Georgia, February 5–7. This will be our first in-person large evangelistic event since the pandemic shut everything down.” he wrote. “The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) has been engaged in evangelistic ministry in Italy before and during the pandemic, and we’ve been invited by hundreds of churches to come back and preach the Good News,” Graham shared.

“Whether in person or online through virtual events, we want to share the life-changing Gospel with as many people as we can,” he concluded.

Graham also took the time to thank the officers and first responders who have worked hard throughout 2020 to keep the country safe.

“We want to thank law enforcement personnel and their spouses and encourage them through Biblical teaching, inspiring worship, and testimonies from other officers,” he continued.