Famous preacher Jimmy Swaggart passed away at age 90 after suffering a massive heart attack at his Louisiana home. The veteran minister spent more than 70 years spreading his religious message across television screens worldwide. His family confirmed he died following intensive care treatment at a local hospital on June 15th. Swaggart built one of the most powerful religious broadcasting empires during the height of televangelism. Millions of faithful followers watched his passionate sermons from his massive 7000-seat church.
The Louisiana-based minister raked in $140 million annually during his peak years throughout the 1980s. His television programs reached over 100 countries and generated massive profits from album sales and religious merchandise. Swaggart called himself an old-fashioned Gospel preacher who believed deeply in the Holy Spirit. His intense worship services often moved people to tears and speaking in tongues. The Pentecostal faith leader preached fiery sermons about good versus evil and warned against earthly temptations.
Everything came crashing down when photographers caught Swaggart with a prostitute in New Orleans during 1988. He tearfully apologized to his congregation and begged millions of viewers for forgiveness on live television. Three years later authorities discovered him with another sex worker in California. This time Swaggart showed no remorse and told critics the matter was none of their business. The Assemblies of God kicked him out and many networks canceled his shows permanently.
The Louisiana-based minister raked in $140 million annually during his peak years throughout the 1980s. His television programs reached over 100 countries and generated massive profits from album sales and religious merchandise. Swaggart called himself an old-fashioned Gospel preacher who believed deeply in the Holy Spirit. His intense worship services often moved people to tears and speaking in tongues. The Pentecostal faith leader preached fiery sermons about good versus evil and warned against earthly temptations.
Everything came crashing down when photographers caught Swaggart with a prostitute in New Orleans during 1988. He tearfully apologized to his congregation and begged millions of viewers for forgiveness on live television. Three years later authorities discovered him with another sex worker in California. This time Swaggart showed no remorse and told critics the matter was none of their business. The Assemblies of God kicked him out and many networks canceled his shows permanently.
