Billy Graham plans Kansas City crusade event in June

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Evangelist Billy Graham will hold a crusade at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium June 17-20.

Graham, who is at a Florida clinic recovering from partial hip replacement surgery this week, sent word of his acceptance of in invitation for the Kansas City appearance in a letter read to local pastors at a meeting Thursday.

"I never expected to still be preaching at the age of 85, and yet my call to proclaim the Gospel is as strong as ever," Graham wrote. "For the past two years the Lord has given me a burden for Kansas City and the 'Heart of America.' Health permitting, I am honored to join hands with area pastors and churches to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel."

Larry Turner, vice president of Billy Graham crusades, said preparation for the event will involve churches from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The Kansas City crusade is one of two major campaigns that Graham plans this year, with the other to be announced next month.