Civil Rights, Communism, Presidents, Kings, and the Heart of the Average Man; the Life and Ministry of Evangelist Comes to Television in a One-Hour Special, ``Billy Graham: God's Ambassador''.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) has opened its storied archives to allow Gaither Film Productions (GFP) to document the extraordinary life and ministry of Billy Graham. Slated for an Easter 2006 release, the one-hour special, "Billy Graham: God's Ambassador," features rare archival footage of Graham's early life, ministry, and worldwide evangelistic efforts.

"This documentary reminds us of the difference that can be made when we surrender our life to Jesus Christ and allow him to use us for His glory," said Franklin Graham referring to "Billy Graham: God's Ambassador," the only BGEA-authorized video biography of Graham.

Award-winning producer/director Michael Merriman spent more than five years delving into the Billy Graham Archives at Wheaton College as well as crisscrossing the country conducting interviews with Graham's family, friends, and associates, including current and former U.S. presidents and NBC News anchor, Brian Williams.

"I hope this documentary reminds people of the significant contributions Billy Graham made to the cause of human civil rights and to the downfall of communism around the globe, but what is most remarkable is that this man and his ministry have profoundly changed millions of lives throughout the world, regardless of language or culture," said gospel music pioneer Bill Gaither, who for several decades has had a friendship with Graham and performed at a number of Crusades. "God has seldom had a more effective instrument than Billy Graham in spreading His love and forgiveness and in preparing the hearts of thousands of believers around the world to reach their own people for Christ."

World-renowned journalist Sir David Frost hosts and narrates the documentary; Bill Carter and Barry Jennings serve as executive producers for GFP.

For the past 60 years, Billy Graham has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone in history--over 210 million people in more than 185 countries and territories. He has been a confidant and counselor to every U.S. president in the past 40 years as well as to kings, prime ministers and leaders throughout the world. He is regularly listed as one of the "Ten Most Admired Men in the World." Although he has graced the covers of magazines the world over, he has always preferred that the spotlight focus on Jesus Christ.

"Billy Graham: God's Ambassador" will air on PBS member stations Easter week and on more than a dozen television networks nationwide, including the Biography Channel, i (formerly PAX), Daystar, INSP, RFD and others the weekend of April 15. A two-hour version of the documentary will be available on DVD and VHS April 4. The DVD features more than one hour of bonus material, including Graham's Portland, Oregon Crusade sermon, a message from Franklin Graham, and a musical segment hosted by Bill Gaither, for a total of three hours of material.

Artwork available at gaither.com.