[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 52 (Monday, April 13, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S2106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO REVEREND HENRY HOLLEY

 Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I wish to honor a great Christian 
crusader, a great Georgian, a great American and a great friend, the 
Reverend Henry Holley, upon his retirement.
  Reverend Holley spent 45 years with the Billy Graham Evangelical 
Association, spreading the Gospel across the world, including in China, 
Japan, Brazil, and even North Korea, as international crusade director.
  For many years, Reverend Holley traveled an average of 150,000 miles 
and 200 days overseas each year. At 87 years of age, he has logged 13 
million air miles in his travel over his career with the Billy Graham 
Evangelical Association as a result of working in Korea more than 275 
times and China more than 100 times.
  Henry Holley's career on behalf of the Lord has more than a few 
``highlights.'' Reverend Holley organized the historic 1973 crusade in 
Seoul, Korea, where never before had so many come to one place to hear 
a preacher proclaim the Gospel. On the final day, there were 1.1 
million people in attendance. During the 5-day Seoul Crusade more than 
3.2 million people came to hear Dr. Billy Graham face-to-face.
  In 1974, Holley was crusade director for another precedent shattering 
crusade: the Greater Rio de Janeiro Billy Graham Crusade in Brazil held 
at the world famous Maracana Stadium. More people attended this meeting 
than any other crusade ever held in North or South America, with 
250,000 attending on closing day.
  In 1992, Holley was responsible for the diplomatic and administrative 
preparation work for a historic visit by Dr. Billy Graham to North 
Korea. Reverend Holley directed the small team that accompanied Dr. 
Graham to the capital city of Pyongyang. The significant mission to 
Pyongyang was highlighted by Dr. Graham preaching the Gospel in the two 
churches in North Korea. In addition, he lectured at Kim Il-Sung 
University--the first American to do so. Dr. Graham and Reverend Holley 
also had a personal meeting with President Kim Il-Sung where he brought 
private messages from President George Bush and Pope John Paul II.
  Organization and administration were drilled into Holley during his 
first career lasting 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including 23 
years Active Duty and 7 years Reserve Duty. Reverend Holley has served 
our Nation and our Lord in extraordinary ways throughout his entire 
life.
  He has recently retired from Billy Graham Evangelical Association, 
though he continues to remain active in a consulting capacity and has 
worked with Franklin Graham for many years. And Reverend Holley 
promises not to really stop working ``until he's old.''
  For nearly 45 years, Henry Holley and his wife of more than 65 years, 
Bettie, have made their home right near mine in Marietta, GA. Bettie 
has stood by his side through his career and shared in his successes 
and joys, including their three grown children, four grandchildren and 
two great-grandchildren.
  I try to talk to, and visit with Henry Holley, as often as I can. I 
know that God put him in my life for a reason and I am honored to call 
Reverend Holley my friend.

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