Today is a very special day for us, and for believers around the world, as we honor the birthday of our beloved Brother Billy Paul Branham. Had the Lord chosen to keep him here with us, Brother Billy would have turned 90 years old today. Instead, he is now a perfect, healthy, and happy young man in that place we all long for. No doubt, for the past two years he has been rejoicing in the greatest jubilee of his life—fellowshipping with his daddy, his mother, his sister, and countless saints who have gone on before.
As the poem Brother Branham so often quoted says, “Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime, and departing leave behind us, footprints on the sands of time.”
Without question, Brother Billy left footprints for thousands upon thousands of us to follow, leading straight to this Message and to the feet of our Lord Jesus. His life was a shining example of love and faith, and his testimony will forever remain in our hearts.
“If God thought it, Brother Branham spoke it, we believe it, and that settles it.”
When Brother Billy went Home to be with the Lord, we asked believers to share testimonies and memories of their time with him. We received an outpouring of beautiful stories, and we have been saving them for a special occasion. In honor of Brother Billy’s birthday, we are sharing some of them with you today. We pray they will be a blessing, and a reminder of just how special Brother Billy was to so many of us.
United States
To know Brother Billy is to LOVE him.
United States
Brother Billly Paul was always special. He prayed for my mom and dad to have a baby and they had me. I remember him shaking my hand after church and asking if I was going to hitchhike to Alaska to see my grandpa. I remember him always giving out the candy canes at Christmas. Sometimes I emailed him and he answered, like when I got a rainbow trout.
India
As a teenager I had the opportunity to see, speak and shake hands with Bro. Billy Paul in Chennai when he visited us in the 1980s, I don't remember the exact date.
After the evening meeting was over, elders in the faith were shaking hands with Billy Paul and exchanging pleasantries.
I took courage to go closer to him and extended my hand to him for a handshake saying "praise the Lord, Bro. Billy". He immediately stopped his conversation with elders, turned to my side, took my hands and gave a healthy handshake saying something like "God bless you brother". I still feel that warmth in my heart.
United States
We have several memories of Brother Billy but foremost was when our daughter was diagnosed with cancer and the VOG bus came through Phoenix and Brother Billy heard she was going through this and desired to pray for her, we did not want to impose on his time so we did not bring her to the hotel as he asked us to. You could see that he was disappointed and I always felt so bad, but he spoke at a church in Tucson, the next weekend which we drove her down for and he proceeded to call her out at the end of the service to come up to be prayed for, we were so humbled that he would take the time and concern for her, God was and is still so faithful, she has been cancer free for 19 years!
Kenya
Brother Billy Paul's visit to the Kenyan Libraries in the early 80s was a moment of great significance. His presence, coupled with his tireless work alongside the Voice of God recording office, brought immeasurable blessings to those fortunate enough to meet him.
United States
We had three little children and my husband came home and told me he had lost his job. He couldn’t find work and he started to get really down and depressed to the point he quit looking for a job and wouldn’t get up. With three tiny children I was desperate. I called Brother Billy, and he prayed with me. That day my husband got a phone call and got a job.
United States
He has also helped me make a very important decision in my life that had I not listen to him or the Voice of God, I would be so lost without them.
Nigeria
Brother Billy Paul was a true witness of this glorious evening Light Message.
United States
We made a trip to Jeffersonville, Indiana and it was one of the most memorable trips I have ever taken. We got to go to Branham Tabernacle and visit the sites where The Prophet of God walked and where he lived. We were there for about 5 days and drove straight to Jeffersonville. We wanted to go and not miss anything. As we were able to go to Voice of God Recordings we also had a tour. There is where my children and I met our Precious Brother Billy Paul. It was the time of Still Waters Camp. He said “why don’t the kids come and stay in the camp” that would have been nice. He had a nice humor.
Canada
My most cherished memory was during a prayer line when I had gone up for healing for my mother and for healing for a damaged knee ligament I had. My mother and I have received our healings that day and I remember the gentle and confident way the Bro. Billy came before our Mighty God and his request for our healing. It has been over 15 years and by our Gods grace I have had no issues. I know that it is God who healed me but I will forever be grateful for Bro. Billy that he applied his faith to this prayer for me.
United States
A few years back Brother Billy called me at work to come and help him with his trailer that he had his boat on. He was at his fishing spot. I quickly left to go and help him.
I got there and fixed what needed done and we talked while he sat in his boat and I was in the shore. While we were talking I saw him look up, he pointed towards the sky and said "Brother David! Look up there, A Bald Eagle!" I looked up and the Eagle flew down and grabbed a fish and flew back up. Praise the Lord.
Canada
My mind will always hold the memories of him I had at camp with our dear Brother Billy Paul, and I know everyone else holds the memories they had with him so close to their hearts.
United States
I was at a meeting where Bro. Billy Paul was giving his testimony. I was feeling especially sad and unloved during this particular time in my life. After his speaking, I walked forward (along with many others) to shake his hand. When he took hold of my hand, he pointed at me and said "I love you." He was truly my friend.
United Kingdom
I met Brother Billy Paul in 2016 at the VOG in Jeffersonvile together with my 2 younger children. It was such a great experience and the atmosphere that was present I will never forget. My daughter is now 14 yrs and has really appreciated having to meet Brother Billly Paul.
United States
I had the pleasure of meeting Billy Paul numerous times in Bro. Branham’s meetings when he would be giving out prayer cards in the 1950’s is when our family became Believers and Supported Bro. Branham's Ministry. We would ask Billy Paul about Bro. Branham and he would talk with us and tell us about Bro. Branham who we loved very much. Billy Paul was caring and very humble just like Bro. Branham.
Canada
In 1995, God has just called me into the Message couple of months ago. A friend that I was working with in the same company a 33 year old man at that time has a stroke and was walking with a cane. Bro Billy Paul came to Montreal around that time for a meeting. I invited my friend with the stroke to that meeting and he came. He went to the prayer line and Bro Billy Paul prayed for him and he didn't use the cane again from that time.
United States
I met brother Billy Paul once at camp I think in 2016. I was 26 years old. We were having lunch and Brother Billy walks in the cafeteria and stands by the wall close to me. I look at him and I notice he’s alone. I didn’t want to bother anyone but no one approaches him during this time. I then decide to get up and shake his hand and greet him. As I’m standing next to him maybe we talk about small matters. But in my head I’m having a whole conversation. Thinking about “I’m standing next to thee Billy Paul. This is so cool.” “This is so awesome.”
United States
I don’t think I’ve ever come in contact with anyone that radiated more love than Brother Billy!
United States
It was certainly a privilege to meet a man of God and hear the great testimonies he shared.
United States
How does one begin to speak of the character that Brother Billy Paul was? It’s amazing how many lives he touched, both of those he met and didn’t meet.
United States
In 1989, Brother Billy prayed over a pink and blue scarf for us before we were married. He said “you remember this cloth is pink AND blue.” We were married in 1990, and later God gave us two boys and one girl.
Canada
We attended services in Saskatchewan where Bro Billy would tell his testimony and have a prayer line. I went up with my request and Bro Billy took my hand and started to ask my request. As he was speaking he stopped and swayed backwards, the brothers around him held him up. Brother Billy then asked me “do you feel that” to which I replied “yes”. He then said the angel of the Lord just came!
United States
I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. He wrote to my parents and told them that he and Brother Joseph were out in the desert, and they were praying for me, and that he was believing for a complete recovery. That was so faith building for me. The Lord has healed me; it's been a very special year for me.
Guyana
I felt blessed to meet with Brother Billy Paul Branham in the year 2016. I enjoyed all his testimonies and appreciate everything he did for the people.
South Africa
A secretary of an angel, chosen by The Angel. The Greatest End time Message Human Library. In Africa we say when an elder old man leaves the earth it is a Library being closed, what a Sign to the Bride of Christ!!!
United States
I shook his hand and what a privilege it was to see him in person and to speak to him like a friend.
United States
It was always a treat to have Brother Billy visit the Still Waters Camp. The way that Bro Billy "hung out" with us young people during competition day was so cool. He even sat next to me in the bleachers watching the events.
United States
It didn’t matter when, where, how busy he was, he would always make you feel like he had all the time in the world for you. You could see and feel the love he had for each one of us.
Canada
Everyone was always on the edge of their seats listening intently to him share testimony after testimony.
United States
His little dance and smile will never be forgotten.
United States
We had the privilege to see the Den Room with Brother Billy. It was such a wonderful experience!
United States
When he approached me to shake my hand I noticed he leaned forward almost bowing like some of the brothers do in the Philippines when they are introduced to the missionaries. This really impressed me; his humility was readily noticed above anything else.
United States
My wife and I saw a miracle of God as Bro. Billy prayed that our twin babies not be born at 28 weeks. They were born at 34 weeks perfectly healthy!!!
Nigeria
I always found you happy and rejoicing.
United States
When I was 17, I attended a camp where Bro. Billy gave his testimony. Before the tape service, I noticed that the pastor didn’t sing “Only Believe.” This was very odd to me as I had grown up going to the Branham Tabernacle and we always sang “Only Believe” before listening to a tape, knowing this is how Bro. Branham liked to be welcomed to the platform. At the end of the Message, Bro. Branham called backsliders to the altar, and feeling a strong tug at my heart, I went to the altar fully prepared to stay as long as necessary. Bro. Billy came and prayed with my three times. While he was knelt down beside me the third time, the pianist starting playing “Only Believe.” As she did, Brother Billy spoke that this was what the service had been missing and for me to now receive what I had been praying for. I felt the rush of the Holy Spirit like never before in my life and I knew that it was finished. That was 17 years ago and “from that time” my life has been fully surrendered to the Lord.
United States
One of the most meaningful memories we have was in Galena, Missouri, where he prayed for us to be able to conceive a baby. Our son, David, was born the next year. When we saw Bro. Billy the next Easter and introduced him to the answer to his prayer, he said our son was "Spoken Word". When David saw him at Still Waters camp years later, he was all excited and mentioned something about him being a big miracle, I think a play on words, because he is tall. He prayed for us, gave us advice, and loved us.
India
It was in 2018 on a night around past 11 pm, that I was very depressed and was on my bed not able to sleep because of a family situation and felt a real need of some encouragement from the Lord. And just then, the video of Brother Billy came around the time when he had turned 83 and said a few words to the bride to encourage the Bride. When I watched and heard it, it really really boosted my morale and I felt that really God cares for me and encourage me through the testimony of Brother Billy especially that of the Angel visitation. Every time I listen it encourages me.
United States
We were coming out of a building and he stopped and greeted me and then gave me a kiss on the cheek and proceeded to tell me a story about “a beautiful little princess with blue eyes and blonde hair.” He was referring to me in the story, and it made me feel so special as a young child.
United States
He taught me to always do things in love.
Trinidad and Tobago
I always treasured the opportunity of meeting him in a convention meeting. He had ordered a soft drink and was searching for a coin to pay for it. Not having found any and no one around having any except me. I then offered to pay for it. His reply was "You didn't have to do it brother" but I certainly was glad for that opportunity.
United States
Brother Billy Paul's testimony was such an encouragement to me when I heard it at Still Waters Youth Camp. He was so genuinely kind and humble. I'm so thankful that he took the time to be with the youth.
United States
Brother Billy was such a humble person for all the experiences the Lord had given him, he was a living epistle, bringing joy and happiness wherever he was.
Zimbabwe
In 1984 I wrote to Jeffersonville Indiana asking for Spoken Word books, and I am thankful I got the books and a special personalized letter which I cherished a lot.
Canada
One year at SW I asked Brother Billy to sign one of my t-shirts, Bro Joseph had already signed it and I wanted Brother Billy’s signature too.
Brother Joseph had drawn a fish beside his signature, so Brother Billy signed his name underneath and made an arrow pointing to the fish Brother Joseph had drawn and said “that’s my fish!” 😂
United States
Whenever Brother Billy saw me he would say "There's my friend."
United States
When our youngest, Joy, was two years old, each time we would play a tape or come to services at the Tabernacle she would be loud and fight me so that we could not enjoy the tape. At one of the meetings we went to see Bro. Billy Paul and Sis. Loyce at the quadrangle offices. We told Bro. Billy what was happening and asked him to pray for her. He did and we left. She was different from then on.
United States
Some of my most fond memories as a teenager at meetings was hearing Brother Billy’s testimony of eye witness accounts of the miracles the Lord Jesus performed in our day!
United States
One of the most memorable times was going to Sabino Canyon with him & Sister Loyce. We were able to see and pray with them at Pulpit Rock. See the stone where “EAGLE” was written in white and another special location Brother Billy shared with us.
United Kingdom
It was a privilege to meet Brother Billy Paul in the summer of 2019.
Zimbabwe
My father my father the Chariots of Israel and the horseman thereof!
United States
We can’t go hunting without thinking about him telling us to, “Take the pow-pow and go in the woods.”
Canada
All the times that Brother Billy was able to come up north with his friends, and come fishing are some of the best times of our lives.
United States
Our youngest daughter Joy had trouble being born, she was 20 months old at this time, and couldn't walk, couldn't talk, and didn't have any teeth. She had very low muscle tone and would basically just lay there. The devil tried everything he could to stop us from going. But the Lord made a way, and after Bro Billy Paul prayed for her, she began pulling up in her crib, and she cut her first tooth 4 months later! She started talking and is now doing school, reads very well, and is a joy to everyone she meets!
United States
He had a way of making everyone feel like they were his best friend!
South Africa
I had the privilege of meeting Bro. Billy Paul in 2012 and he showed me his 'Africa Room' by the side of his office. My dad had known him for some years and we both had the same report. This was a special man. A gentle giant of the faith. His fervent belief in the Message and confidence in the Messenger is such an encouragement to so many. His testimonies about working with Brother Branham and how his dad dealt with him when he was going wayward has been such an encouragement to me as so many young people too. I'm glad he got to rest now and I'm happy that our brother gets out of these end-time conditions as things are so bad and getting worst. For the Bride, we are having a glorious time as we await the grand and glorious reunion with loved ones and our Lord. We will be with them much longer than we will be without. Thank you to the family for sharing the gift of Brother Billy and if I could say something to him it would be,"thank you for your service to the Bride".
Canada
Brother Billy used to come up goose hunting every fall. It was the highlight of our year. We used to look forward to it so much. It was so special to sit around the living room in the evenings and listen to him tell stories.
Australia
When I visited Jeffersonville in 1980 I was privileged to take a photo of Brother Billy with Sister Meda.
Zimbabwe
Brother Billy Paul helped me realize the importance of praising the Lord. He also helped me realize never to give up on this Christian Journey.
United States
I was just a poor Wisconsin guy who didn’t know anything and came to the Tabernacle to get married in 1983. I’m still poor and don’t know anything, except the Message. Out of the blue, Bro. Billy Paul stopped by and became a witness for the wedding. He even mentioned the story of Bro. Branham marrying the two couples where he says at the end “who Is the rich man?” and I told him that was the first Message I had read that really touched my heart and I saw something.
United States
Thank you for being a Friend to a prophet and a son of a Prophet.