Franklin Graham Helps bring Malheur Standoff in Oregon to Peaceful End

Aimee Herd : Feb 11, 2016
Oregon Live

The FBI had requested the evangelist's help.

(Eastern Oregon)—Early on Thursday, Franklin Graham, son of Evangelist Billy Graham, revealed on his Facebook page that he had been communicating with the remaining holdouts from the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge standoff, in Eastern Oregon, "at their request, and at the request of the FBI." (Photo via Facebook)

According to an Oregon Live report, Jeff Banta, Sean Anderson, Sandy Anderson and David Fry finally surrendered, and were taken into FBI custody on Thursday, ending the standoff on the 41st day.

Graham posted on social media:

"I have been talking with the last four holdouts in the #‎Oregonstandoff at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge every day by phone for the last week at their request and at the request of the FBI. Last night I was on the phone with them for several hours, was able to have prayer with them, and they have said they would come out today. I am on my way there and hope to be there by 7:00 AM their time. Please keep them, law enforcement officials, and all involved in your prayers, that everyone will be safe."

Rev. Graham's post went viral and garnered many comments of gratitude for his help in the controversial situation.

On Thursday afternoon, the evangelist put up another Facebook post, following the end of the standoff:

"Thanking God that the ‪#‎Oregonstandoff‬ is over and all are safe. After many hours of talks, Sean and Sandy Anderson, Jeff Banta, & David Fry all came out peacefully–and I'm very grateful. I know their family members are extremely relieved. This is a complicated controversy with the government that has roots going back many years. Praying that now their grievances will be heard and addressed through the right channels. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the law enforcement–FBI, State Police, Sheriff's Department, and other agencies for all they have done." (Photo via KPTV.com)

Rev. Graham posted a KPTV photo of the final four protesters kneeling in prayer with him after surrendering to the FBI.

Graham is currently on his Decision America Tour and was speaking in Atlanta, prior to flying out to Oregon.