Thousands Gather in New York for Billy Graham's Final 'Crusade'

Tens of thousands of Christians gathered Friday in New York, where the Reverend Billy Graham delivered the first of three sermons at what he calls his final U.S. "crusade."

The man known as America's pastor preached for a half hour to the overflow crowd gathered for the three-day prayer event. Many arrived hours early for a chance to see the 86-year-old preacher.

During six decades as a Christian evangelist, Reverend Graham has preached to an estimated 200 million people in more than 180 countries. He has counseled U.S. presidents and other world leaders, and taken part in nine presidential inaugurations.

Reverend Graham suffers from Parkinson's disease, fluid on the brain and prostate cancer. He uses a walker because of a pelvic fracture.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.