Bishop T.D. Jakes is vowing to focus on his recovery after a “calamity” nearly took his life.
Jakes, 67, appeared remotely this morning during Sunday service at The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas. The megachurch pastor addressed the congregation and revealed he underwent emergency surgery after becoming ill during his sermon a week earlier.
“Many of you don’t realize that you’re looking at a miracle. I faced a life-threatening calamity, was rushed to the ICU, I had emergency surgery, and survived this surgery. I’m back,” Jakes said during his remote address.
Related: Bishop T.D. Jakes Suffers Medical Emergency During Sermon
He noted that he had recently been to the doctor and there were no problems.
“I had just had a complete physical and I was fine. The truth of the matter is, sometimes things happen and they’re beyond our control,” Jakes said.
The pastor urged his congregation to be mindful of their own health, and said he would be taking it slowly as his body heals.
“I’m trying to be obedient to what the doctors said do, and just take a few weeks to heal and recover, relax, and just reflect,” he said. “I’m in good spirits, I feel good. I’m in no pain, I’m in peace and tranquility. I want you to know I can feel your prayers.”
On Sunday, Nov. 24, Jakes suddenly began slurring his words, shaking, and dropped his microphone at the end of his sermon. Members of the church rushed to his side and prevented him from falling.
He posted a video statement to his social media channels on Nov. 27, as he sat in a wheelchair outside a hospital surrounded by nurses.
“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,” Jakes said while fighting back tears.
He did not disclose the cause of his illness, but said it was not a stroke.
Watch a video of his most recent comments below:
