arrangements, I received an invitation to Jakes' 35th
Anniversary Celebration. This event would be a great
opportunity to begin Jakes' story. The event was held at
the Winspear Opera House in Downtown Dallas. Steffanie
Rivers, a videographer and columnist, attended the event
with me. We were both positioned on the red carpet with
other media.
Steffanie Rivers frantically asks as she maneuvers to find
a perfect spot to position her video camera close to Jakes.
"How has your ministry been able to thrive with all these
changes like social media?"
every day," answers Jakes. "We don't have to change our
message. We need to be honest about what we think and
feel and communicate that message. I'm glad I'm alive to
participate in shaping a future that I will never see. It's
overwhelming to see any type of affirmation or validation
about your work."
KEM, and jazz pianist Keiko Matsui also attended the
gala. Television mogul Oprah Winfrey was there too.
Despite the fanfare, Jakes appeared to be humbled by
all the attention. From actors to television icons, they
gave testimonies on how the Bishop had influenced
them. Jakes is admired by many. Among the clergy who
graced the red carpet to honor Jakes were Bishop I.V. and
Vanessa Long, and Pastor Paula White, proving that Jakes
is a pastor among pastors.
event was to ask people to speak freely about Jakes.
After all, if you really want to know more about a person
and his work in the community, all you have to do is
ask people who know. So, Hilliard approaches with a
happy smile and is ready to share his thoughts. "Pound
for pound, in the body of Christ, Jakes stands head and
shoulders above us all. He represents us well and he
pushes us to excellence," says Hilliard.