World of Influence

Since 1995, Bishop T.D. Jakes has visited Africa both on personal trips and by invitation to speak. In his travels, he has met with both Christian leaders and heads of statue such as the presidents of Uganda and Nigeria.

A significant turning point came in October 2005 when Bishop Jakes returned to Kenya with 400 people, the vast majority African-American and most of them seeing Africa for the first time. It is believed to the largest-ever contingent of African Americans on a mission trip to Africa. In the company of The Potter's House Choir, U.S. political figures, business professionals, and fellow pastors, the record-book trip raised awareness and love among influential Americans for Africa's people and needs. While there, the Potter's House choir recorded an original album. The Potter's House television department took miles of footage to broadcast the country's beauty and attractions. Bishop Jakes spoke twice in Nairobi's Uhuru Park to a vast hillside amphitheater of Kenyans, Ugandans, Sudanese, Nigerians... breaking all attendance records for park events. Kenyan officials estimated the crowd at 1 million people in two days.

Kenyan clergy have compared Bishop Jakes' visit to the biblical Joseph, sold and sent away into slavery, now returning with wealth to help his brothers. "We will give you your past," they frequently said to their American audience, "if you will help us find our futures."

"It was a powerful display of oratory that few preachers can match. And fewer can roll a business seminar and a sermon into one and deliver it with such ease and passion. He was sober enough to talk tough business sense and spiritual enough to quench a thirsty soul. Little wonder then that Time magazine featured Bishop Jakes on its September 2001 cover and named him " America's Best Preacher." Bishop Thomas Dexter Jakes was at home doing this on a first visit to Nairobi, at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre plenary hall, 12,000 miles away from home and literally among strangers." (The Nation, Jan 2005)

"Jakes holds no negative perception of a country that is trying to redeem its image in the international world. Instead he sees hope. 'I have great hope for Nigeria. Where there is faith, there can be a great change. I believe that is the critical element of what faith is all about. To know that through God all things are possible. Faith can have an impact on the economy, the spirituality and the lifestyle of all its citizens,' he said." (This Day, Jan 2005)

"It is important that a man like T.D. Jakes will grace our country at this time because his voice has literally changed America as he has brought the whole new attitude toward the Church. It is a great blessing for him to be here, on behalf of the Church in Nigeria and the entire nation." Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the House on the Rock Church (This Day, Jan 2005)

"Renowned American evangelist Bishop T.D. Jakes has hailed President Yoweri Museveni's efforts in fighting HIV/AIDS. Jakes, who arrived on Tuesday at the invitation of the President and the First Lady, said while other countries were being devastated by the HIV pandemic, Uganda was making progress against it. 'I have come to learn how Uganda has been successful in the fight against HIV/AIDS.'" (New Vision, Jan 2005)

"Pastor, community advocate, humanitarian, author, songwriter, playwright, conference speaker and broadcaster Bishop T.D. Jakes, Sr. visited Uganda on Tuesday... 'I'm glad to be back home. I feel like Joseph (the biblical character who was sold into slavery and later returned to rule) when I reunite with my brothers and sisters in Africa,' the well-built, towering, dark complexioned T.D. Jakes said." (New Vision, Jan 2005)