Christian pastor and motivational speaker TD Jakes is sharing a health update after experiencing what he described as a “life-threatening” incident while giving a Sunday sermon last week.
While speaking on stage at his church, The Potter’s House of Dallas, on November 24, Jakes, 67, was seen putting down his microphone and looking down before seemingly cringing. Several people on stage gathered around him to help him, before the church’s live broadcast was interrupted.
On Sunday, Dec. 1, Jakes returned in a virtual appearance to address the congregation during the church’s last live-streamed service.
“I’m so thrilled to see you. I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness. I’m thankful for your faithfulness. I’m thankful for this season in my life,” he began his message, according to a video shared on YouTube. “I told you last Sunday I’d see you this Sunday, and here I am.”
TD Jakes in February 2024.
Paras Griffin/Getty
He went on to talk about the November 24 incident, saying: “I’m grateful to God for his goodness and mercy and grace. Many of you don’t realize you’re looking at a miracle. I faced a life-threatening accident, I was rushed to intensive care .”
Jakes said his doctor wants him to “take it easy,” but stated that he is “back.” He also noted that he had just had a “full physical” before the health scare and was told he was “fine”.
“The truth of the matter is that sometimes things happen and they’re out of our control. And sometimes things happen in this spiritual warfare,” Jakes said. “I haven’t concluded the finality of it all, but what I know is greater is the one that is within us and he perseveres.”
He explained that he is listening to his medical team and that he “needs a few weeks to just recover, relax and think.” Ultimately, Jakes said he was “feeling good” and “not in pain.”
The bishop went on to describe what was going through his mind at the time of the incident. He said he experienced “the feeling of being held in a cradle. It was quiet and still, and I was in the cradle.”
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Bishop TD Jakes in 2023.
Jarrod Williams/Getty
Jakes called his recovery “a miracle” and said “a person down the hall was taken to the morgue” at the same time he was released from the hospital.
“Every moment, every second, every minute of your life, you should recognize that someone is headed for the morgue, while you are headed for the light,” he told his listeners. “Not because you are better, not because they are worse, but by the incredible grace of God.”
Before handing over the sermon to the Potter’s House team, Jakes thanked his loved ones, his supporters and his church for their support. “I need you to help me praise God that we’re not planning a funeral,” he said.
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Jakes previously reported on his health on Nov. 27, writing in part on social media: “Together we move forward, steadfast in the work the Lord has set before us. I heard from friends from the global community who expressed God’s love in ways that were astounding!”
In the post, he expressed gratitude that his medical incident was not a stroke.
The emotional announcement was accompanied by a video of Jakes in a wheelchair in front of the building. – It didn’t have to turn out like this – he said emotionally. “I’m just thankful. I’m not afraid to die. I don’t want to hurt my children and the people who love me. My church that needs me, the world that called me, God that sent me. Sometimes I just have to be thankful.”
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A statement posted on Jakes’ official social media pages shortly after the Nov. 24 incident said the bishop was “stable” and “under the care of medical professionals” after suffering a “mild medical incident” during a live-streamed sermon.
“The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support from the community. Thank you for your understanding and continued prayers,” the statement added.
Jakes founded the non-denominational, multicultural church back in 1996, according to its website. It has 30,000 members and operates as a non-profit organization based in South Dallas.
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Source: HIS Education