The Rev. Jimmy Swaggart, who was known as America’s longest-serving TV evangelist and was the founder of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, passed away at the age of 90, as confirmed by his family this Tuesday.
At a service in mid-June, Swaggart’s son, the Rev. Donnie Swaggart, urged the congregation to pray for his father, indicating that a “miracle” was needed to prolong his father’s life.
“Today, our hearts are heavy as we announce that Brother Swaggart has completed his earthly journey and is now in the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ. This was the day he has sung about for many years. He has met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory. Nevertheless, we take comfort in the knowledge that we will see him again someday,” Swaggart’s family announced on Tuesday.
“He was not just a preacher—he was a worshiper, a warrior, and a witness to the grace and mercy of God. He was a man whose faith was steadfast and always entered whatever door the Lord opened. And the Lord honored that faith,” the statement continued.
Baton Rouge, La.: Reverend Jimmy Swaggart tearfully looks up to heaven, asking for God’s forgiveness, as he resigns from his ministry due to allegations of sexual misconduct. ((Photo taken of videotape supplied by Jimmy Swaggart Ministry to WBRZ-TV).)
However, his image was bruised after he was linked to a 1987 scandal involving a prostitute that he met in a seedy New Orleans motel. Swaggart never confessed to anything more than an unspecified sin during a televised apology in which he tearfully delivered his “I have sinned speech.” A few years later, he was stopped by police while driving in California with a suspected prostitute in his car.
Prominent evangelist Rev. Jimmy Swaggart, 90, was hospitalized in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest on June 15, members of his family shared. (Getty Images)
Swaggart also made headlines for saying in a televised worship service that he would kill any gay man who looked at him romantically. Swaggart said he made the comment jokingly and did not mean any harm.
