Popular Pentecostal preacher and televangelist, Jimmy Swaggart, has died at the age of 90 following a cardiac arrest.
Swaggart’s death was announced in a post on his official Instagram handle on Monday.
The post reads, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
“2 Timothy 4:7-8. Today, our hearts are heavy as we share that Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Saviour, Jesus Christ. Today was the day he has sung about for decades. He met his beloved Saviour and entered the portals of glory. At the same time, we rejoice knowing that we will see him again one day.
“For over seven decades, Brother Swaggart poured out his life preaching the gospel, singing songs of the faith, and pointing millions to the saving power of Jesus Christ and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. His voice echoed through nations, his music softened hearts, and his message never changed: Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
“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 honoured that faith.
“Please continue to lift up Sister Frances, Donnie, Debbie, Gabriel, Jill, Jennifer, Clif, Matt, Joanna, Sam, Ryder, Abby, Lola, Harper, Navy, Harrison, Caroline and Mackenzie in your prayers.
Swaggart was born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana.
At the age of 8, he had a powerful religious experience that made him feel called to become a preacher.
At 17, he married 15-year-old Frances Anderson in 1952, and they had a son named Donnie.
In 1961, Swaggart was ordained as a minister in the Assemblies of God, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the U.S.
Swaggart is also known for his musical talent.
A cousin of rock ‘n’ roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis, Swaggart had a successful gospel music career, selling more than 17 million albums over the years.
His ministry expanded into media.
In 1969, he started a radio show called “The Campmeeting Hour.”
A year later, he launched The Evangelist, a religious magazine. In 1973, he entered television with a 30-minute program titled “The Jimmy Swaggart Evangelistic Association Presents Jimmy Swaggart.”
He also began airing live recordings of his church services in multiple languages.
In the 1980s, Swaggart led large evangelism crusades in the U.S. and internationally.
One of the biggest was held in October 1987 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, drawing an estimated 125,000 attendees.
