When you hear the name Billy Graham, do you think first of his leadership? Most of us do not. We recall his preaching to vast crowds in stadiums. We see the gracious television guest, appearing with hosts from Johnny Carson and David Frost to Larry King and Barbara Walters—always responding with gentle wisdom, explaining the gospel, but humbly admitting his own limitations. We remember his leading the nation in dramatic times of grief, or helping inaugurate presidents, but more as national pastor than leader.
Dr. Lester Sumrall once told me a personal story about Smith Wigglesworth that illustrates his bold and unashamed personality. He told me how Wigglesworth would frequently travel with his daughter Alice. She had a hearing problem and would often sit and listen to her father’s sermons with a “hearing horn.” Once, a man yelled from the audience: “Wigglesworth! If you are such a healer in the power of God, then why does your daughter need a hearing horn?” Unshaken by the question, Wigglesworth looked to the man and said, “When you can tell me why Elijah was bald, I’ll tell you why Alice needs a hearing horn.” Smith Wigglesworth never minced his words, and he was never shaken by religious persecution. I admire that quality in Smith Wigglesworth. In fact, I’ve always loved his ministry. I am continually blessed by the mixture of his boldness, his faith, and his compassion. As I’ve traveled throughout the world, I’ve found that others have never grown tired of his ministry. Smith Wiggleswort...

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