Ruth Graham, daughter of evangelist Billy Graham, will return to the area Monday, Dec. 8, to launch the Second Annual Coalition Nativity Exhibit to benefit the Coalition for Human Care.

The exhibit will be held at Belle Meade of St. Joseph of the Pines, Dec. 8-10, and will include over 100 Nativity scenes from around the world. Graham will speak at the luncheon prior to the exhibit opening.

The well-known speaker says she "remembers fondly" her time in the Pinehurst-Southern Pines area when she was the featured speaker at a women's conference over three years ago and looks forward to the opportunity to return.

"I am so pleased that Ruth Graham will be speaking at the Coalition's Nativity Exhibit luncheon at Belle Meade at St Joseph of the Pines," says Caroline Eddy, executive director of the Coalition. "This will give many people who were not able to get tickets in 2005 another opportunity to hear her speak and also to see an incredible display of Nativity scenes that have been collected from all over the world."

Ken Cormier, president and CEO of St. Joseph of the Pines, and Tony Paz, director of resident services for Belle Meade at St. Joseph of the Pines, responded with enthusiasm to the Coalition's inquiry about holding the exhibit and the luncheon at Belle Meade.

"St. Joseph of the Pines is honored to be able to host Ruth Graham," says Cormier. "For so many years, Christians around the world have been drawn to the Graham family for their spirit and convictions. Ms. Graham has a compelling story to tell that will have our audience enthralled and will serve as an inspiration to many."

Tony Paz shared a personal comment.

"As a Catholic, I rarely listen to preachers of other religions," he says. "However, at a very young age, I was drawn by the voice and message of Billy Graham. Many times I would stare at the television for hours listening to him and wondering if I ever would have the chance to meet this charismatic man who has words of wonder.

"I may never have the chance to meet Billy Graham, but I will make sure I meet his daughter, Ruth Graham, during her visit to Belle Meade. Like her dad, she is a powerful speaker with the gift of touching people's hearts."

Ruth Graham is founder and president of Ruth Graham & Friends, a ministry committed to reaching out to those who face life's difficult challenges.

"We are a people who are 'doing life' . . . and have gone through struggles, triumphed, struggled again, and returned . . . we come bearing the riches of these experiences and the assurance of God's mercy, love and grace," she says.

No stranger to heartache, Graham provides a Biblical perspective to her journey of faith as she connects with her audiences and talks openly about her own pilgrimage through a variety of personal heartaches.

In addition to a full conference program through Ruth & Friends, she is in demand as a speaker on special occasions, such as the luncheon scheduled at Belle Meade Retirement Resort at St. Joseph of the Pines, as part of the Coalition Nativity Exhibit and in women's conferences throughout the country. She has appeared on a variety of radio and television programs, including "Good Morning America," "The Hour of Power," "Focus on the Family" and Moody Broadcasting.

Author of multiple books, Graham co-authored with Dr. Sara Dormon, "I'm PregnantNow What? Heartfelt Advice on Getting Through an Unplanned Pregnancy" and in 2006, "So You Want to AdoptNow What?" both published by Regal.

In 2005 she released "Legacy of Love, Things I Learned from My Mother" and in 2006 "Legacy of Faith, Things I Learned from My Father," both published by Zondervan.

Graham is the third child of Ruth and Billy Graham. She graduated cum laude in 2000 and worked in publishing for 13 years as an acquisitions editor. For five years she was the donor relations coordinator for Samaritan's Purse. She spent one year as major gifts officer at Mary Baldwin College. She has an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from Eastern University. She has three grown children and four grandchildren and makes her home in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

The board of directors of the Coalition for Human Care launched the First Annual Coalition Nativity Exhibit in 2007, in part to "return to its roots," when 12 churches in the area had the vision to establish the Coalition to help the needy.

"With the price of groceries and gasoline, this is going to be an extremely tough year for the poor in Moore County," says Eddy.

"All the proceeds from this event will go directly toward helping low income families in the county with emergency needs. We are so fortunate to have such a dynamic and popular speaker back in Moore County to help us draw attention to this need."h