Popular Texas Bishop T.D. Jakes gave his congregation a scare over the weekend after enduring a health incident during a November 24 sermon at The Potter’s House, his Dallas megachurch.
Reaction to the incident has been swift online as social media users have sent messages of hope and healing to Jakes’ family.
“He helped a lot of people for decades. Hope that energy comes back to help him,” wrote someone on Facebook.
As of this post, not much is known about what caused the incident. But according to his social media accounts, his condition is stable.
In a now-viral video of the service, Jakes is seen sitting on a stool while addressing the congregation. He takes off his glasses and wipes his forehead with a handkerchief. As his speech appears to slow, Jakes looks down and convulses slightly before staff rush to his aid. The congregation is asked to pray for Bishop Jakes before the video ends.
“During today’s service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour-long message. Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals. The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community,” read a November 24 statement on Jakes’ official Instagram page. “Thank you for your understanding and continued prayers.”
Bishop Jakes’ daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband, Toure Roberts also posted a message of appreciation to Instagram for everyone who has sent love and prayers their way after the incident.
“We want to thank you all for your prayers, your support, your concern. It’s truly been a blessing,” she said.
“Bishop is doing well. He’s recovering well,” Roberts added. “People are asking what can we do? Keep praying, keep encouraging. It means a lot to our family.”
Jakes’ daughter ended the video reminding viewers to keep their loved ones close during this holiday season.
“I think it’s a reminder as we go into this holiday season, you need to love on the people you hold near and dear and just take the time to be grateful for all the people God’s given you,” she said.