Legendary televangelist and Pentecostal preacher Jimmy Swaggart, known for his influential ministry and public controversies, passed away at the age of 90 due to cardiac arrest. His journey, marked by both spiritual achievements and personal trials, captivated audiences for decades.
Swaggart’s passing was announced on his official Facebook page, stating, “Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ.” The post further expressed a sense of joy in the belief of reuniting with him in the future.
Described as a “preacher,” “worshiper,” “warrior,” and witness to God’s grace and mercy, Swaggart’s faith and ministry left a significant impact on the religious community. Born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Swaggart felt a divine call to preach at the young age of 8.
In 1952, he married Frances Anderson, and their family grew with the birth of his son, Donnie. Swaggart’s ministerial journey officially began in 1961, when he was ordained in the Assemblies of God, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the U.S.
Swaggart had a close familial tie to the music industry, being a cousin to rock ’n’ roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis. His own musical career flourished, with over 17 million recordings reportedly sold. His ministry expanded into radio with “The Campmeeting Hour” in 1969 and later into print with “The Evangelist” magazine in 1970.
Swaggart embraced television in 1973 with “The Jimmy Swaggart Evangelistic Association Presents Jimmy Swaggart,” expanding his reach by broadcasting his services and producing content in various languages. His evangelistic crusades gained global traction, notably drawing an estimated 125,000 attendees in Rio de Janeiro in 1987.
However, Swaggart’s career faced major setbacks, including a scandal in 1988 involving a prostitute in New Orleans. His tearful confession, declaring, “I have sinned,” became infamous. “I have no one but myself to blame,” Swaggart confessed, taking full responsibility for his actions.
Despite being defrocked by the Assemblies of God, Swaggart continued independently as a Pentecostal pastor. Another scandal followed in 1991 in California, involving another encounter with a prostitute, reported by The Associated Press.
Swaggart’s legacy endured through his radio and television networks. He launched the SonLife Radio Network in 1995 and the SonLife Broadcasting Network in 2010, reaching audiences worldwide. In 2022, he led the funeral of his cousin Jerry Lee Lewis, expressing deep emotional ties and his belief in Lewis’s faith, as quoted by the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Swaggart faced a health crisis when he was found unconscious on June 15 by his family, yet paramedics managed to revive a heartbeat. His ministry later reported “no change in his condition” and called upon supporters for prayers.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
