Kenneth Hagin

1917-2003

Colin Melbourne

© 03-08 Born-Again-Christian.info

A beautiful life poured out for Christ. Reverend Kenneth E. Hagin, founder of Kenneth Hagin Ministries, and Rhema Bible Training Centre, went home to be with the Lord on 19th. September 2003 at 7:00 am.

Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin

Bro. Hagin's website records:

On Saturday evening September 13, Reverend Hagin went to bed feeling well. Sunday morning, he woke up and prepared for the day. Friends came over and cooked breakfast for he and his wife, Oretha. After finishing his breakfast, Rev. Hagin sat at the end of the table, smiled at Oretha, sighed, and his head fell to his chest.

He was quickly transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he was admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit. He remained hospitalised with his family at his side until the time of his passing.

News that weighs heavy on every Spirit-filled heart touched by Brother Hagin's God-sent ministry. But we rejoice that he finished his race strong in the Lord, leaving an apostolic legacy that God will continue to bless until Christ returns.

A beautiful life poured out for Christ.

Rev. Hagin served as Pastor, Evangelist, and Bible Teacher for almost seventy years and was known as the 'father of the modern faith movement'. His teaching tapes and books have made him known and loved worldwide for their clarity, and for the anointed Scriptural revelation they carry.

Kenneth Hagin was born during 1917, in McKinney, Texas, USA. As a child, he suffered from a malformed heart and an incurable blood disease. He was not expected to live long, and became completely bedfast at the age of fifteen. In 1933 during a dramatic conversion experience, he reported dying three times in ten minutes, each time witnessing the horrors of Hell, and then returning to life.

As he studied God's Word the Lord nourished his faith and in 1934, he was miraculously healed, raised up by the power of God through faith in God's Word.

Whilst still in his teens he began pastoring a Baptist Fellowship in Texas. He grew in the Lord and fellowshipped with Pentecostal people, was soon baptized in the Holy Spirit, and began ministering in Pentecostal churches. He spent twelve fruitful years pastoring five churches around Texas before embarking on itinerant ministry as a Bible teacher and evangelist.

Jesus appeared to Rev. Hagin several times in visions that guided him to make his base in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1966. It was here that his radio and publishing ministry blossomed, and continues today as 'Faith Seminar of the Air', assisted by his son, Rev. Kenneth Hagin Jr.

Their Gospel outreach expanded greatly through publishing 'The Word of Faith' magazine, which currently has a monthly circulation of more than 250,000. Faith Library Publications has also produced more than 65 million copies of books, and 9 million audio teaching tapes and CDs by Rev. Hagin, and Rev. Hagin Jr.

In 1974, Bro. Hagin founded Rhema Bible Training Centre, Oklahoma, which also has branches in thirteen other nations.

Until shortly before his death, Rev. Hagin continued to travel and teach throughout the United States and Canada conducting crusades and other special meetings.

Although I never met Bro. Hagin personally, like millions of others, I've come to know him through his powerfully anointed teaching tapes and books. I first heard his name mentioned within days of being saved, but it was several months before I got my hands on his teaching material. Since then, every time I read or listen to Hagin's teaching the Lord endorses it to me emphatically.

Colin Melbourne

Rev. Hagin's photo © Rhema. Used by permission