Congressman Mike Kelly issued a statement Wednesday on the death of the Rev. Billy Graham, calling him a beacon of hope and joy throughout his decades as a full-time evangelist.

Kelly, R-3rd, issued a statement Wednesday afternoon in which he echoed many of the Butler Christian Ministries members’ thoughts on Graham.

“Through his decades of ministry in service to the Gospel, minds were opened, souls were saved and hearts were transformed,” reads Kelly’s statement, in part. “The good news of his impassioned crusades crossed oceans and transcended continents, while intimately affecting each person who heard them.”

Kelly said Graham’s messages of love, hope and redemption spread around the world through his books, crusades, and television and radio appearances.

“May we all be grateful for Rev. Graham’s lifetime of leadership and service and let his example inspire us always,” Kelly said.