Though long-assumed, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association on Thursday gave its first official word that the ailing evangelist would no longer hold crusades.

The association said in a news release that Graham is enjoying quiet time at his home in Montreat as he prepares to celebrate his 87th birthday on Monday. His most recent crusade was in New York in June.

"Ruth and I have enjoyed our time together these last few months, and we both feel at peace about the decision to have the New York meetings be our last," Graham said in the release. "We know that God can still use us to reach people with the Gospel message in other ways, and we look forward to seeing how he will do so."

The association said that while the crusade phase of his evangelistic ministry may be over, Graham still finds plenty to do.

He participated in the recent groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association headquarters in his hometown of Charlotte and still serves as a chairman of the association's board, attending meetings as his health permits.

The Grahams offered their old home as a shelter to a family from New Orleans who was left homeless after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast.

Graham also has been working on a book and "determining the best use of his remaining years," the release said.

Graham suffers from fluid on the brain, prostate cancer and Parkinson's disease. He uses a walker due to a pelvic fracture and is largely confined to his home.

His wife, Ruth Bell Graham, 85, was hospitalized several times in 2002 for health problems, including pneumonia, and remains in ill health.