An emotional Bishop T.D. Jakes said he’s “grateful” for his medical team and supporters after surviving a potentially “fatal” health scare.
Jakes, 67, suffered a medical emergency during his sermon last Sunday at The Potter’s House in Dallas.
In a pre-Thanksgiving video uploaded to Instagram on Wednesday, Nov. 27, the megachurch pastor was shown leaving a hospital in a wheelchair.
Surrounded by nurses, Jakes said he appreciated the care he received.
“I’m so grateful,” he said while fighting back tears. “I’m grateful to y’all and all the people who prayed, all the people who texted, all the people who had prayer vigils, all the people who were concerned and sent notes. I’m just grateful. Thank you.”
Related: Bishop T.D. Jakes Suffers Medical Emergency During Sermon
The Texas pastor captioned the video: “Serving God’s people is an extraordinary privilege, and Sunday was no exception as I gave my all in delivering the message God placed on my heart. Even when I sensed the weight of my humanity and pushed through nonetheless, I’m reminded that even the strongest must rely on His strength.”
Jakes did not offer details on his diagnosis, but said it wasn’t a stroke.
“I give thanks unto the Lord that I did not have a stroke, however the event could’ve been fatal if it weren’t for God’s intervention,” he explained. “A special thank you to God and the medical professionals in our city whose speed and expertise were beyond exceptional. My job is to recuperate and reflect on God’s protection. I owe it to my amazing family and church members to rest and ruminate as He restores me towards His service.”
On Sunday (Nov. 24), Jakes was sitting on a stool as he delivered his sermon, when he became ill. The church quickly cut the livestream of the video, although some viewers posted the footage on social media.
At the end of the hour-long sermon, he slurred his words, began shaking, and dropped his microphone. Church elders rushed to the stage, surrounded him, and prevented him from falling to the floor.
The Potter’s House issued a statement on Sunday afternoon, downplaying the incident.
“During today’s service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour-long message,” the statement read.
Jakes wrote in his Wednesday post, he’s “forever humbled” by the love and support he’s received.
Watch the video below of T.D. Jakes’ comments.
