Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, February 13, 1995 TAG: 9502140074
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: FORT MILL, S. C. LENGTH: Medium
The deposed head of the PTL ministries returned to the former Heritage USA Christian complex he founded to eulogize Henry Harrison, a longtime friend and staunch supporter.
``I'm scared to death right now,'' Bakker told the nearly 1,500 people at the memorial service. ``I'm just going to open my mouth and hope the words come out. It's the first time I've been back to preach from this pulpit, and only Uncle Henry could've gotten me off the farm.''
Harrison, known to PTL supporters as Uncle Henry, was Bakker's televangelist sidekick. Harrison died Feb. 5 at age 67. Harrison's wife, Susan, said her husband had requested Bakker's appearance when they planned their funerals.
Bakker was convicted in 1989 of defrauding thousands of PTL followers who sent him at least $1,000 each in return for a promise they could stay at Heritage USA three days and four nights every year for the rest of their lives. He resigned from the PTL in 1987.
Bakker served a prison term followed by four months under house arrest. He was released from custody Dec. 1. He has been living in seclusion at a home in rural Henderson County.
Sunday, it was almost as if he had never left his pulpit. The crowd gave Bakker two standing ovations as the preacher waved and blew kisses from the stage.
Audience shouts of ``We love you, Jim'' and ``Welcome back,'' began the 90-minute presentation as Bakker gave glimpses of prison life.
``Don't feel sorry for me,'' he said at one point. ``Nobody put me in prison, God did it to get my attention.''
by CNB