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‘It Could Have Been Fatal,’ TD Jakes Expresses Gratitude After Health Scare

Published

9 months ago

November 28, 2024

The Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Thomas Dexter Jakes, expressed gratitude on Thursday for the support he received following his recent health scare.

In his first address to the public after Sunday’s emergency, Jakes expressed gratitude to God, acknowledging that the health scare he experienced during the service could have been worse.

In a video message attached to his statement in a post on X.com, the cleric stated that he wasn’t afraid to die as he expressed how close he came to a far worse outcome.

“It didn’t have to end this good,” he said.

“I’m so grateful. I’m grateful to you all. All the people who prayed. All the people who texted, who had prayer vigils. All the people who were concerned sent love and sent notes. I’m just grateful. Thank you.

“I’m not afraid to die. I don’t want to hurt my kids and the people who love me. My church, who needs me; the world who called me; the God who sent me. At times like this, I’ve got to be grateful,” he added.

In his statement, Jakes stated that while he was fortunate not to have suffered a stroke, the incident could have turned fatal.

He wrote, “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.

“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.”

He emphasized the importance of rest as he reiterated his commitment to his calling and the mission of The Potter’s House.

“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.

“As God calls us to honoir the Sabbath, I’m reminded that rest is not a weakness—it is a divine gift. Together, we press forward, steadfast in the work the Lord has set before us,” he said.

The cleric ended his statement by appreciating the outpouring of love from his family, church members, and friends from around the globe, who have expressed their concern and support during this challenging time.

He wrote, “A special thank you to God and the medical professionals in our city whose speed and expertise were beyond exceptional.

“I’ve heard from friends from the global community who expressed God’s love in ways that were astonishing!

“I’m forever humbled by your outpouring of love and support.”

T.D. Jakes experienced a health scare during Sunday’s service at The Potter’s House in Dallas, United States.

The cleric abruptly went silent during a prayer, drawing immediate attention when the microphone slipped from his hand.

The congregation watched in shock as the workforce rushed to his aid, prompting an emergency intercessory prayer.

Headline

Again, Russia Claims Another Village In Ukraine’s Region

Published

11 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The Russian army Monday claimed to have captured another village in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, moving deeper into Ukrainian territory as peace efforts stall.

Russian forces are slowly but steadily gaining ground in costly battles for largely devastated areas in eastern and central Ukraine, normally with few inhabitants or intact buildings left.

Russia’s defence ministry said its forces had seized the settlement of Zaporizke in the region, which Russian troops recently advanced into for the first time in the three-and-a-half-year offensive.

Kyiv denies that Russian troops have gained a foothold in the Dnipropetrovsk region, an important industrial hub.

After another push by US President Donald Trump to broker a Ukraine-Russia summit, hopes for peace dimmed when Russia last week ruled out any immediate meeting between presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky.

The central region of Dnipropetrovsk has previously been largely spared from fighting that has ravaged swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine, until Russia said its forces broke through in July.

Dnipropetrovsk is not one of the five Ukrainian regions — Donetsk, Kherson, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Crimea — that Moscow has publicly claimed as Russian territory.

Ukraine said Russia had launched over 100 drones Monday, killing a 37-year old civilian driver and wounding two people in the northeastern Sumy region.

Moscow said Kyiv had launched about two dozen drones targeting western Russia

Headline

US Comedian Reggie Carroll Shot Dead In Mississippi

Published

11 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

A United States comedian, Reginald “Reggie” Carroll, has been shot dead in Southaven, Mississippi.

The 52-year-old Carroll, widely known as the Knockout King of Comedy, was reportedly killed on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

The Southaven Police Department confirmed the incident in a Facebook statement on Saturday.

“Southaven officers located one male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.

“The officers and medical personnel provided life saving techniques but the individual succumbed to his injuries,” the statement partly read.

The victim was later identified as Carroll, a Baltimore native.

Police said one suspect was arrested and charged with his murder.

“One male is in custody and has been charged with the murder of Reginald Carroll.

“Our thoughts are with the family of Mr. Carroll.

“Thank you to the community for their patience and understanding,” the department added.

The police further assured that there was no ongoing threat to residents, describing the case as “an isolated shooting.”

Carroll, who built his career in stand-up comedy, gained national recognition touring with Katt Williams and headlining his own showcase, Knockout Kings of Comedy.

He also featured in the 2000 edition of Showtime at the Apollo, appeared on the UPN sitcom The Parkers alongside Mo’Nique and Countess Vaughn, and starred in the 2022 television film Rent & Go.

In 2023, he produced the stand-up special Knockout Kings of Comedy.

The Southaven Police Department disclosed that an investigation into his death is ongoing.

Headline

US Defends New Social Media Vetting For Nigerian Visa Applicants

Published

12 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Monday reaffirmed that the safety and security of the United States remain the cornerstone of its visa application and decision-making process.

The US said this following its directive last week that mandates Nigerians to disclose all social media usernames and handles used over the past five years as part of the visa application process.

US Mission said Nigerian visa applicants must provide a comprehensive list of their social media profiles on the DS-160 visa application form, and warned that omitting the information could lead to visa denials.

Reacting to the development, the Federal Government said US citizens intending to visit Nigeria will be subjected to the same measures.

“The best we can do is to carry out reciprocal action. Some people from the US might want to apply for a visa, and we will adopt the same measures,” spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said last Monday.

However, in a statement released Monday on X, the US Mission said prospective visa applicants undergo careful vetting to maintain a safe and welcoming environment in the US.

It said, “The safety and security of the United States is at the heart of every #USVisa application and decision process.

“That’s why prospective applicants undergo careful screening to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.”

The Mission added, “These measures help protect American citizens and communities while supporting secure and responsible travel.”