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Saturdays with Billy: My Friendship with Billy Graham
Discover a beautiful friendship between Billy Graham and his friend and pastor, Don Wilton. This handsome gift book, complete with color photos, looks behind the scenes of Graham's life, which continues to inspire us in our own spiritual journeys.
Most Saturdays for 15 years, Don drove the long road to meet with Billy at his home in Montreat, North Carolina. There the two friends spent hours talking about family, politics, sports, and their spiritual lives.
Now, in Saturdays with Billy, Don shares:
More than 20 heartwarming stories of his times with his friend, illuminating the qualities in Billy's character that were true to the end and revealing the heart of the man whose light still shines
A quote from Billy before each chapter, as well as dynamic color photography throughout
Just as Billy's words changed Don's life, they have the power to change ours--a testament to a man who leaned on God's grace into eternity.
Most Saturdays for 15 years, Don drove the long road to meet with Billy at his home in Montreat, North Carolina. There the two friends spent hours talking about family, politics, sports, and their spiritual lives.
Now, in Saturdays with Billy, Don shares:
More than 20 heartwarming stories of his times with his friend, illuminating the qualities in Billy's character that were true to the end and revealing the heart of the man whose light still shines
A quote from Billy before each chapter, as well as dynamic color photography throughout
Just as Billy's words changed Don's life, they have the power to change ours--a testament to a man who leaned on God's grace into eternity.
- GenresNonfiction
208 pages, Hardcover
First published March 9, 2021
9 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 20, 2021
Don Wilton and Billy Graham were friends. Then Don became his paster. Don would make himself available to meet with the great Evangelist every Saturday or when the need arose. Don felt he was sitting at the feet of a gentle man of God, whose love and ministry were a blessing, encouragement and a mentoring masterclass. Billy Graham felt linked to a church, God’s plan through his son to nurture and sustain those who love him.
This book is about their friendship. How their relationship changed over time and identifies what made Billy Graham’s preaching and crusades so far-reaching in spreading the gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ.
I value Mr Graham’s long ministry and Bible based preaching. This book highlights his motivations and covers his whole life of service through to his passing to be with the Lord.
It was good to be reminded of events and activities. The book is mostly USA focused and it affirms Billy Graham was a family man, an obedient servant and throughout his ministry sought to glorify the name of Jesus.
Don Wilton writes in a very American way; full of sentimentality and nothing but love and appreciation for “Brother Billy”. This isn’t an independent view or a critique of his life. As a pastor he wouldn’t be expected to sensationalise the life or overplay his mentor’s shortcomings. No Billy Graham does this in his own words. In his humility and love for his Saviour Jesus Christ, his belief in the power and veracity of Scripture and the sovereignty of God. Throughout his ministry it was not about the man, the evangelist or his success. No it was the work of the Holy Spirit to change hearts and transform lives. In all he did Billy Graham sought to bring glory to God in Christ Jesus.
A book that portrays the frailty of man and the difficulties of growing old after others, like his beloved wife, Ruth who went some years earlier to be with her Lord. A man of faith and faithful to the end.
A book of love, of friendship and ministry which invites the reader into the home of Mr Graham and shares simple truths to sustain others and enlarge our own faith.
This book is about their friendship. How their relationship changed over time and identifies what made Billy Graham’s preaching and crusades so far-reaching in spreading the gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ.
I value Mr Graham’s long ministry and Bible based preaching. This book highlights his motivations and covers his whole life of service through to his passing to be with the Lord.
It was good to be reminded of events and activities. The book is mostly USA focused and it affirms Billy Graham was a family man, an obedient servant and throughout his ministry sought to glorify the name of Jesus.
Don Wilton writes in a very American way; full of sentimentality and nothing but love and appreciation for “Brother Billy”. This isn’t an independent view or a critique of his life. As a pastor he wouldn’t be expected to sensationalise the life or overplay his mentor’s shortcomings. No Billy Graham does this in his own words. In his humility and love for his Saviour Jesus Christ, his belief in the power and veracity of Scripture and the sovereignty of God. Throughout his ministry it was not about the man, the evangelist or his success. No it was the work of the Holy Spirit to change hearts and transform lives. In all he did Billy Graham sought to bring glory to God in Christ Jesus.
A book that portrays the frailty of man and the difficulties of growing old after others, like his beloved wife, Ruth who went some years earlier to be with her Lord. A man of faith and faithful to the end.
A book of love, of friendship and ministry which invites the reader into the home of Mr Graham and shares simple truths to sustain others and enlarge our own faith.
April 18, 2021
An Intimate Look at the Life of Billy Graham
Pastor Don Wilton spent his Saturdays with Billy Graham. For over two decades, Wilton was the pastor to America’s greatest evangelist and SATURDAYS WITH BILLY provides readers with a different look and insights. What fills the pages of this book? They talked about Jesus Christ and his impact on their personal lives and whoever they touched.
As Wilton writes, “Each conversation bore witness to the abandonment of this man. He had abandoned himself to the will of God for his life. He had said yes to Jesus and no strings attached in the carrying out of his call to serve the Lord. Jesus put it like this, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’”(Matthew 16:24) (page 21)
These short and well-written chapters are combined with beautiful color photos from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. If the reader doesn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, the final pages invite them to a life of faith. I loved reading SATURDAYS WITH BILLY, learned a great deal and highly recommend this book.
W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his latest 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .
Pastor Don Wilton spent his Saturdays with Billy Graham. For over two decades, Wilton was the pastor to America’s greatest evangelist and SATURDAYS WITH BILLY provides readers with a different look and insights. What fills the pages of this book? They talked about Jesus Christ and his impact on their personal lives and whoever they touched.
As Wilton writes, “Each conversation bore witness to the abandonment of this man. He had abandoned himself to the will of God for his life. He had said yes to Jesus and no strings attached in the carrying out of his call to serve the Lord. Jesus put it like this, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’”(Matthew 16:24) (page 21)
These short and well-written chapters are combined with beautiful color photos from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. If the reader doesn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, the final pages invite them to a life of faith. I loved reading SATURDAYS WITH BILLY, learned a great deal and highly recommend this book.
W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his latest 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .
January 4, 2023
Great read! I heard the author speak at my church at a men’s event and after I heard his message I HAD to read his book. Throughly enjoyed the stories and hearing the Lord be glorified through the lives of these men.
August 15, 2021
Saturday afternoon visits and conversations with Billy Graham in his home were the highlight of Don Wilton's week. Sometimes it would be just the two of them and sometimes others were present. Whatever, they were precious times of fellowship. Wilton captures the essence of those many hours over countless Saturdays and years in this "snapshot" of Billy Graham.
Wilton underscores the character and home persona of this mighty man of God and evangelist. This very humble servant of God with his Christ-centered life, who endeared himself to one and all, fought the good fight and finished his race, ever pointing each one to the Savior.
Situated through the pages are beautiful pictures of the Graham home area and of other significant times in Billy's life. No doubt you all will be as touched and challenged as I was, to lead a similar Christ-centered life and speak well of Jesus with others.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
August 2021
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by the publisher.
Wilton underscores the character and home persona of this mighty man of God and evangelist. This very humble servant of God with his Christ-centered life, who endeared himself to one and all, fought the good fight and finished his race, ever pointing each one to the Savior.
Situated through the pages are beautiful pictures of the Graham home area and of other significant times in Billy's life. No doubt you all will be as touched and challenged as I was, to lead a similar Christ-centered life and speak well of Jesus with others.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
August 2021
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by the publisher.
April 14, 2021
Saturdays With Billy is an intimate and heartwarming book chronicling the time that Don Wilton was able to spend with one America’s favorite and most beloved pastors, Billy Graham. While serving as Billy Graham’s own personal pastor, Don visited with Billy at his home on Montreat, North Carolina most Saturdays over a fifteen year span. This book offers a rare glimpse of who this great man and humble servant of God was at home with family and friends. Don shares stories of his many visits which include Billy’s prayer life, family, friends, humor, hopes and regrets. Complete with quotes from Billy Graham and rare color photographs, this book is one readers will treasure for years to come.
January 25, 2024
2.5 stars. It feels wrong to have not loved this book about someone as legendary in the faith as Graham, but I really wasn’t a fan of Wilton’s writing style. It was very obviously written with an older target audience in mind. There were a lot of references to people and events that simply went over my head.
As Graham’s pastor, Wilton had an incredibly profound connection to Billy. Sadly, the book read more like he was simply an admirer of Graham rather than his truly close confidant and friend. Wilton makes the statement early on that this book is not a biography, rather it is a collection of memories; however, it reads like a biography with a couple personal anecdotes here and there. I think I will pass this book onto my Grandma - she’ll appreciate it a bit more.
As Graham’s pastor, Wilton had an incredibly profound connection to Billy. Sadly, the book read more like he was simply an admirer of Graham rather than his truly close confidant and friend. Wilton makes the statement early on that this book is not a biography, rather it is a collection of memories; however, it reads like a biography with a couple personal anecdotes here and there. I think I will pass this book onto my Grandma - she’ll appreciate it a bit more.
December 21, 2021
Saturdays with Billy: My Friendship with Billy Graham by Don Wilton is a great tribute to Mr. Graham. Don Wilton had the privilege of being Billy Graham’s pastor. Mr. Wilton took great care in writing the book, being ever mindful and respectful of his role and relationship of being Billy Graham’s Pastor without breaking confidentiality.
I loved the stories told in Saturdays with Billy. Mr. Wilton’s stories helped to show that the Billy Graham the world saw is the same Billy Graham that one would see in private. Saturdays with Billy shows the humility of Billy Graham and Mr. Graham’s heart to share Jesus with others.
Reading Saturdays with Billy: My Friendship with Billy Graham reiterated how important it is to tell others about Jesus to everyone we come in contact with. Jesus is the Hope that the world needs and the Answer to what everyone needs in their lives. Saturdays with Billy helps us see that we can share Jesus with Humility and Grace. Saturdays with Billy also shows us that Mr. Graham was just like us–he was concerned about his family and the moral compass of the world, but He trusted God’s Hand in everything.
Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is on Goodreads and Leslie's Library Escape.
I loved the stories told in Saturdays with Billy. Mr. Wilton’s stories helped to show that the Billy Graham the world saw is the same Billy Graham that one would see in private. Saturdays with Billy shows the humility of Billy Graham and Mr. Graham’s heart to share Jesus with others.
Reading Saturdays with Billy: My Friendship with Billy Graham reiterated how important it is to tell others about Jesus to everyone we come in contact with. Jesus is the Hope that the world needs and the Answer to what everyone needs in their lives. Saturdays with Billy helps us see that we can share Jesus with Humility and Grace. Saturdays with Billy also shows us that Mr. Graham was just like us–he was concerned about his family and the moral compass of the world, but He trusted God’s Hand in everything.
Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is on Goodreads and Leslie's Library Escape.
July 1, 2025
To know what any man is really like, it's necessary to spend significant amounts of time with him.
This is exactly what Dr. Wilton was privileged to do on dozens of 'Saturdays,' over many years, with Billy Graham. Much more personal than a typical biography, yet very respectful of an honored trust, "Saturdays With Billy" is Don Wilton sharing those times he shared with Billy with us.
I enjoyed, and was moved - even convicted - by every page!
I've read multiple biographies and autobiographies on the life and ministry of Billy Graham, but none before have allowed me to know this most humble giant the way this book did.
Pastor Don makes it very clear that, for Billy, everything in life is about the person and work of Jesus Christ. Billy brought Jesus into every situation, conversation, activity...
...and that distinctly explains why Billy was who he was, whether preaching in front of 10,000 people in a stadium, or enjoying potato salad on a Saturday afternoon with a friend.
Whether you have watched Billy Graham (and admired him - though he would have forbid such) for decades as many of us have, or you've only read an article or two in "Time" magazine; I believe you will find reading "Saturdays..." time well spent.
This is exactly what Dr. Wilton was privileged to do on dozens of 'Saturdays,' over many years, with Billy Graham. Much more personal than a typical biography, yet very respectful of an honored trust, "Saturdays With Billy" is Don Wilton sharing those times he shared with Billy with us.
I enjoyed, and was moved - even convicted - by every page!
I've read multiple biographies and autobiographies on the life and ministry of Billy Graham, but none before have allowed me to know this most humble giant the way this book did.
Pastor Don makes it very clear that, for Billy, everything in life is about the person and work of Jesus Christ. Billy brought Jesus into every situation, conversation, activity...
...and that distinctly explains why Billy was who he was, whether preaching in front of 10,000 people in a stadium, or enjoying potato salad on a Saturday afternoon with a friend.
Whether you have watched Billy Graham (and admired him - though he would have forbid such) for decades as many of us have, or you've only read an article or two in "Time" magazine; I believe you will find reading "Saturdays..." time well spent.
July 3, 2025
I found this book at a sale, and was a nice read about the friendship the author had with the legendary preacher, giving the reader an insight of the person off stage.
The writer doesn't use the book to exploit the friendship they had, even at times writing that he would not go into what was said between them, which could easily been something for profit. The tone comes off as respectful.
Regardless of your faith belief, those who were not God believers had an appreciation for the preacher. I personally enjoyed how the author talked about Graham's friendship with some of the presidents, regardless of their party name. There are many great quotes that Graham spoke to his friend here that are very philosophical as well as tales of him just being a person outside the spotlight with humor and grace towards others. An enjoyable read.
The writer doesn't use the book to exploit the friendship they had, even at times writing that he would not go into what was said between them, which could easily been something for profit. The tone comes off as respectful.
Regardless of your faith belief, those who were not God believers had an appreciation for the preacher. I personally enjoyed how the author talked about Graham's friendship with some of the presidents, regardless of their party name. There are many great quotes that Graham spoke to his friend here that are very philosophical as well as tales of him just being a person outside the spotlight with humor and grace towards others. An enjoyable read.
August 12, 2025
This was a very nice book and enjoyable book. I really liked reading Don Wilton's experiences with Billy Graham. The stories were generous and encouraging. My challenge is that I didn't really find the purpose of the book. I guess it was just about telling about experiences with Billy Graham. I just found the lack of building towards anything or really trying to explore a larger topic to make this book just ok for me. I enjoy reading about Billy Graham, and I did find it ironic that Billy Graham's request of not mentioning his name during his funeral, but rather, only focusing on Jesus while this book really just focuses on Graham. That feeling left me feeling that this was a good but not great book.
August 22, 2021
Get to know Billy Graham a little more intimately through the eyes of his friend and pastor, Don Wilton. Color photos offer behind the scene insight into Graham's life. His life depicted in this book, continues to inspire us in our own spiritual journeys.
Don met with Billy at his home in Montreat, North Carolina for fifteen years. They spent hours talking about family, politics, sports, and their spiritual lives.
Relax and enjoy over 20 heartwarming stories of his times with his friend, Billy's God filled character remained true to the end and the light of his heart still shines long after his death.
This account is a testament to a man who leaned on God's grace into eternity.
Don met with Billy at his home in Montreat, North Carolina for fifteen years. They spent hours talking about family, politics, sports, and their spiritual lives.
Relax and enjoy over 20 heartwarming stories of his times with his friend, Billy's God filled character remained true to the end and the light of his heart still shines long after his death.
This account is a testament to a man who leaned on God's grace into eternity.
January 30, 2025
I loved the idea of this book! Getting insight from the pastor of Billy Graham through his regular Saturday visits. The few personal anecdotes shared were sweet. Unfortunately the writing was not very personal or engaging. The writer, often, slips into Sunday School teacher mode rather than staying in story teller mode.
I really wanted to like this book. But I had to force myself to finish it. Fortunately it was short.
This is not to diminish in any way the impact of the man who is focused on. This was simply not an offering that added too much interesting insight, nor were the stories told in a very engaging manner, at least that is my opinion.
I really wanted to like this book. But I had to force myself to finish it. Fortunately it was short.
This is not to diminish in any way the impact of the man who is focused on. This was simply not an offering that added too much interesting insight, nor were the stories told in a very engaging manner, at least that is my opinion.
April 1, 2025
This book fell so flat for me. As someone who was so close to Billy Graham, Wilton gave very little detail into their actual relationship. The thing that bothered me the most about this book, besides its constant misuse of “quotations,” was that even though the whole book talked about Billy Graham’s humility, it was essentially a constant name-dropping boast of a book. The book did not see Billy Graham as an ordinary person but constantly edged on worship for him. It is misplaced praise that should be going to God. Unfortunately, this book would have saddened Billy Graham or he really was not as humble as Wilton would have us believe. One of them must be true and I’m betting on the former.
December 28, 2021
Don Wilton has given us a beautiful glimpse into his friendship with Billy Graham. And what an inspiring, heartwarming friendship it was. In Saturdays with Billy, Wilton shares twenty spiritual stories about Billy’s life– his hopes, regrets, beliefs, and life lessons. Each chapter begins with an inspiring quotation by Billy Graham. This book has the power to change lives, and after reading it, I know for certain that I will return to this book when I need guidance along my own spiritual journey.
February 28, 2021
This was really a special book. I originally requested it because the author is a pastor in our hometown. I loved reading about all he learned from Billy Graham over the years. sort of an insiders look into the life of Billy Graham.
May 6, 2022
Beautifully written heartwarming account of a very special friendship between Pastor Billy Graham and his personal Pastor and friend Don Wilton. I enjoyed reading every page and seeing photographs. This is a wonderful book.
June 10, 2021
Wonderful little book.
December 21, 2021
This was a really nice tribute from a man, who clearly cherished his friendship with Billy Graham. I really enjoyed reading the stories that spoke of his life.
January 5, 2022
Powerful book and story of my previous pastor's relationship with Dr. Billy Graham!
October 31, 2024
A precious and sacred read by Billy Graham’s close friend and pastor about the time they spent together almost every Saturday for many years.
Read
April 10, 2025Great quick easy read and very inspirational. I love Billy Graham!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2025
If you are looking for a small glimpse into the life of Billy Graham, this is a good book for that. It was short and sweet.
January 12, 2022
“Hundreds of books about Billy Graham’s life have been written. This book makes little effort to be smooth or logical or read like a novel. How could it be when it is based on memories of conversations between a pastor and his friend…”
Billy Graham “believed Jesus Christ died for all people, period. All people were sinners before a holy and righteous God. “God loves you,”he would say before all people everywhere.
He would always share the love of Christ everywhere and with all people.”
One such fact is that Billy Graham went into the stadium and personally tore down the ropes that separated the White section from the Black section in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, crusade.
With encouraging facts and heart-warming tidbits about one of the nation’s most beloved pastors, this book is a comforting read for anyone who’s ever admired this incredible preacher and wishes to read the words of one of his dear friends.
Billy Graham “believed Jesus Christ died for all people, period. All people were sinners before a holy and righteous God. “God loves you,”he would say before all people everywhere.
He would always share the love of Christ everywhere and with all people.”
One such fact is that Billy Graham went into the stadium and personally tore down the ropes that separated the White section from the Black section in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, crusade.
With encouraging facts and heart-warming tidbits about one of the nation’s most beloved pastors, this book is a comforting read for anyone who’s ever admired this incredible preacher and wishes to read the words of one of his dear friends.
December 13, 2023
It lacked detail that it could have had. The information that was given was very interesting, there just wasn't much of it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews