Billy Graham rose from humble beginnings in rural North Carolina to become one of the world"s most famous evangelists. Born in 1918, Graham grew up on his family"s farm. During the Great Depression of the 1930"s, his strict Presbyterian parents grew more religious. Graham attended church meetings with them out of duty, but one night a fiery Baptist preacher ignited his faith. At age 15, he committed his life to Christ. Graham got his first chance to preach while still a student at the Florida Bible Institute. He delivered his sermon in such a rapid fire manner that it was over in just eight minutes. But Graham perfected his style and launched an impressive career. During his lifetime, Graham has preached-in person-to more than two hundred million people in almost two hundred countries and has reached millions more through radio, television, movies, and books.