Evangelist Franklin Graham, the president of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, was released from the hospital on Monday after having heart surgery.
"I wanted to let you know that I was released from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, yesterday, after a specialized surgery last Monday to correct constrictive pericarditis," he wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
"I couldn't be more grateful to my doctors and the Mayo Clinic team for their excellent care and expertise," he added. "The doctors say that I am doing really well and will be able to return to my normal activity and ministry schedule when I'm fully recovered."
Graham also noted that he "will be recuperating for the next few weeks" and that he is "feeling better every day."
"Thank you to everyone for your prayers — I know what a difference prayer makes! I was never afraid. I felt God's presence throughout the entire experience and give Him the glory," he concluded.
Samaritan's Purse previously offered more insight on Graham's heart condition in a statement to The Christian Post.
"Franklin had developed constrictive pericarditis, inflammation, and hardening of the sac around the heart that compresses the heart and prevents it from working properly. The surgery involved removing the pericardium," the humanitarian relief organization explained.
"His doctors expect a full recovery and assured him that he should be able to return to his normal activity and ministry schedule," the statement continued. "Mr. Graham said that he is looking forward to multiple opportunities across the globe in 2022 to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and invite people to put their faith in Him."
Last month, Graham concluded a two-week "God Loves You Tour," during which he preached across eight cities across the iconic Route 66. About 5,000 people made professions of faith in Christ.
In 2022, the evangelist will continue the tour by preaching the gospel in four cities in the U.K., including London. All of the events will be free to the public.
Related:
Franklin Graham Undergoes Heart Surgery, Expects Full Recovery: 'I Appreciate Everyone's Prayers'
5,000 Professions of Faith Made During Franklin Graham’s ‘God Loves You’ Tour
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Justin Sullivan/Staff
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
