Jim Bakker is taking a sabbatical from his television show as he recovers from a recent stroke, his wife, Lori Graham Bakker, announced on Facebook.
“I wanted to share with you, our loving and caring partners, that Jim recently experienced a stroke,” she wrote. “We are thankful that Jim is okay, and that he is now at home with our family. Under the guidance of medical professionals and our Board of Directors, Jim will be taking a sabbatical from the show. Jim will be back! He is still dreaming and hearing from the Lord, and he already has a powerful word to deliver when he returns to the air.
“In the meantime, the show will continue. Jim is a Watchman on the Wall, and we as a family are committed to carrying his mantle by bringing more prophets, news, updates, and more in the coming weeks on The Jim Bakker Show.”
Lori says the stroke came after “the most vicious attack that he has ever experienced,” referring to the controversy involving Bakker promoting a “Silver Solution” on his show. Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt sued Bakker, saying his guest implied the silver concoction could be used as a cure for COVID-19. He also ordered Bakker to remove the promotion, which Bakker did.
Bakker’s attorney, former Gov. Jay Nixon, says Bakker has been treated unfairly and is seeking to get the lawsuit dismissed.
“Jim Bakker is being unfairly targeted by those who want to crush his ministry and force his Christian television program off the air,” Nixon said in a statement. “The video recording of The Jim Bakker Show clearly shows the allegations are false. Bakker did not claim or state that Silver Solution was a cure for COVID-19.”
Charisma Media CEO Stephen Strang also defended Bakker, saying: “There’s something sinister at work here. There are forces at this very moment desperate to silence the church and keep the gospel off the air.”
Lori says the stress of the controversy has “taken a huge toll” on Bakker’s health.
“As a family and staff, we continue to fight the good fight of faith and take a stand against the evil forces and hatred that [have] come against our ministry. … For many years now, Jim has been working non-stop, working hard to bring incredible prophets and guests to our show, discovering and developing new products to share, building at Morningside, and bringing forth the message for the days that we are living in. All of these projects, and the vigorous warfare that we have experienced in the last several weeks, have taken a huge toll on Jim’s health.”
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