[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING REVEREND JIMMY SWAGGART'S 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                           HON. CLAY HIGGINS

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 2025

  Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Reverend 
Jimmy Swaggart for his 90th birthday. Throughout his life, Reverend 
Swaggart has been a beacon of faith and inspiration, leaving a legacy 
through his preaching and ministry.
  Reverend Swaggart hails from humble beginnings in Ferriday, 
Louisiana. Early in his career in the 1950's, Swaggart preached 
throughout rural Louisiana, living in church basements, and homes of 
pastors. During this time, Reverend Swaggart received an offer to join 
a record label as a gospel artist but opted instead to follow his 
calling ``to preach the gospel.''
  By 1961, Reverend Swaggart was ordained by the Assemblies of God and 
began reaching wider audiences through the radio. He also founded his 
own brick-and-mortar church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Over the 
following two decades, Reverend Swaggart began telecasting bible 
studies, Christian music, and his weekend services. 1987 was arguably 
Swaggart's most influential year on record. Swaggart's TV ministry 
reached an estimated 510 million people in 145 countries. His sermons 
and educational programs yielded $150 million a year to his church, 
bible college, and mail-older business. On a daily basis, donations 
averaged an astounding $500,000, and Reverend Swaggart poured every 
penny into delivering the word of God across the world.
  Reverend Swaggart's influence gained international esteem and 
influence over the 1990's and 2000's by spreading the Word of God 
through his remarkable sermons. Today, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries is 
comprised of the Family Worship Center, Crossfire Youth Ministries, The 
Evangelist Magazine, Family Christian Academy, and Jimmy Swaggart Bible 
College (JSBC). Swaggart's SonLife Broadcasting Network (SBN) provides 
Christian programming 24/7 and is available around the world in 
English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The ministries remain headquartered 
on 270 acres in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
  Jimmy Swaggart Ministries has evolved into a family business with 
Frances, his wife of 72 years, their son Donnie, and grandson Gabriel. 
Frances Swaggart embodies unwavering faith, exceptional leadership, and 
substantial impact on the Work of God, making her a personification of 
the 31st Chapter of Proverbs. Donnie serves as Executive Vice-President 
of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and Pastor of the Family Worship Center 
Church. Donnie has traveled globally evangelizing and teaching from 
Holland to Papua New Guinea on the Holy Spirit, with his Pentecostal 
foundation clear in every message. Gabriel Swaggart, President of JSBC 
and co-pastor of Family Worship Center, has a Bachelor's in Liberal 
Arts, a Master's in Christian Ministries from Oral Roberts University, 
and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Strategic Leadership while 
managing operations at Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and SBN.
  At 90 years old, Reverend Jimmy Swaggart continues his dedication to 
spreading the message of the Bible and Jesus Christ through his 
ministry. His unwavering commitment to spreading Christ's love has 
touched the hearts of millions around the world, leading countless 
people to salvation. Reverend Swaggart's contributions to Christian 
ministry and broadcasting have left an immeasurable mark on the world 
of evangelism.
  Happy birthday to Reverend Swaggart. I greatly commend his dedication 
to God, to Country, and to the State of Louisiana.

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