George Beverly Shea, born in 1909 in Winchester, Ontario, was a distinguished gospel singer. Known as “Bev Shea,” he played a pivotal role in preparing audiences to receive the gospel message delivered by Billy Graham. As the son of a prominent Wesleyan church pastor in a small rural community, Shea was significantly influenced by his father’s ministry. After relocating to the United States, his mother placed a poem titled “I’d Rather Have Jesus” by Rhea Miller on his piano. Inspired by the poem, Shea composed a melody for it, fulfilling his mother’s hope that it would impact him deeply. In his adult years, Shea was offered a position with NBC’s radio program “Your Hit Parade.” However, he declined the offer because it required him to sing only secular songs. Instead, he signed with Decca Records, where he recorded hymns and other gospel songs, and later with WMBI, a Christian radio station operated by the Moody Bible Institute.

During this period, Billy Graham noticed Shea’s talent and invited him to join his crusades. Shea’s audience subsequently became an integral part of Graham’s evangelistic efforts. Later, they were joined by another talented musician and choir conductor, Cliff Barrows. Together, they formed a gospel ministry team that reached people worldwide. God gave him a precious talent, and he dedicated to God to be used by Him and bring glory to Him. If God gave you a world recognizing talent, how would you use it in your life? Great or small, God has given each of us some special talent, and it is up to us how we will use it in life.

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Pet.4:10, NKJV)