Televangelist Jim Bakker recently went public about his financial distress and the threat of foreclosure. The Praise the Lord (PTL) Network leader and convicted felon has had his share of controversy and health challenges, culminating in a financial crisis.
“If they foreclose on this ministry, they will take my house too. So, I will be on the street,” Bakker said.
‘Pioneer of Christian Television’ Jim Bakker Faces Foreclosure, Asks for Financial Gifts
At age 85, televangelist Jim Bakker’s health has been failing. He’s had seven strokes in the last years, but he’s bounced back and continues to preach on a part-time basis.
On May 5, “The Jim Bakker Family Show” aired an episode focusing on the end times. “Jesus is coming very soon,” Bakker said. “Are you ready?” From the Ozark Mountains, Jim’s son, Ricky Bakker, and Mondo De La Vega talked with Bakker about the end times, foreign telltales, and Bakker’s own financial crisis.
Bakker estimated that the ministry has enough operating expenses to stay on the air for another month. He explained, “We’re at the end.” This is a similar plea to when Bakker asked viewers for money to avoid bankruptcy in 2020.
“If they foreclose on this ministry, they will take my house too. So I will be on the street,” Bakker said, quickly adding, “But I don’t care. I’ve never been in the street.”
Bakker’s ministry had weathered significant controversy over the years. He was tried and convicted of federal charges of mail and wire fraud and of conspiring to defraud the public. Bakker also had an affair with a former church secretary.
Bakker, Ricky Bakker, and Mondo De La Vega talked about the history of Christian television and how Bakker has been called the “pioneer of Christian television” since his start in his 20s. Pat Robertson had the first Christian television station, but according to Bakker, it was a “crummy, little mess.”
Bakker said he got his start on a telethon, saving Robertson’s station.
“I don’t want to take credit for anything,” said Bakker. “I just want to go to heaven.”
Bakker turned to those watching and called them to action. “I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed out begging for bread,” claimed Bakker as he pointed to his viewers. “That’s you!”
“God will stand with you if you stand with him,” Bakker continued. “That’s why it’s important that you obey God. And I just, I need about a thousand people that will give right now. Maybe not give a thousand but you can give a hundred dollars. And I want you to mail it in, right now.”
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