Bishop T.D. Jakes, the founder of The Potter’s House megachurch in Dallas, addressed his congregation virtually on Sunday after a sudden and serious health scare the previous week.
The 67-year-old televangelist, who was rushed to the ICU and underwent emergency surgery, referred to the recent incident as a “life-threatening calamity.”
“Many of you don’t realize you’re looking at a miracle, I faced a life-threatening calamity, was rushed to the ICU unit, I had emergency surgery. Survived the surgery … I told you last Sunday, that I would see you this Sunday and so here I am,” Jakes recently told his congregation via video message.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Jakes’ health scare occurred on a live stream in late November while he was preaching at The Potter’s House. Video from the church’s livestream captured the alarming moment when Jakes stopped and appeared to shake and lower his microphone while on stage. Church staff quickly rushed to his aid, and the pastor was then rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency care.
While Jakes has not disclosed the exact cause of the medical emergency, he has confirmed that he did not suffer a stroke, according to Fox 4 KDFW.
Jakes also shared that he had recently completed a physical exam, which showed no signs of any major health concerns. Despite this, the pastor spoke on the importance of listening to medical advice and mentioned that he would be taking “things easy” for the next few weeks.
“I’m in good spirits, I feel good, no pain. I’m in peace and tranquility and I want you to know that I can feel your prayers,” the televangelist added.
Jakes first established The Potter’s House in 1996. As defined on the church’s website, it is a “non-denominational” and “multicultural congregation,” now one of the largest in the country, with more than 30,000 members.