In Gratitude: The Reverend Billy Graham was presented to the Rev. Billy Graham by the Rev. Lowell G. Almen, Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, on June 21, 1996, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

This mosaic of the emblem of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was presented to The Reverend Billy Graham in gratitude for his forthright witness to the Gospel, his profound ecumenical awareness, his visionary leadership in evangelism endeavors, his conscientious attention to integrity in both moral practice and fiscal operation, and his unremitting service in calling people on every continent to faith in Christ.

He stands as a giant in the twentieth century in faithful proclamation that "by grace we are saved through faith, and this is not our own doing; it is the gift of God -- not the result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:9-9).

This mosaic was designed and created by David Hetland. At the center of the emblem is the cross, underscoring the Christ-centered focus of evangelical witness. The sphere over which the central cross is set points to the global context for mission. the design is reminiscent of the traditional "Jerusalem Cross" -- with a cross in each of the four quadrants of the sphere -- and provides a reminder of the Great Commission to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world.