Televangelist Jim Bakker asks viewers for cash to avoid bankruptcy

[left-of-center2012]

Televangelist Jim Bakker said he’s been cut off by credit card companies after he was accused of selling a fake coronavirus cure and asked viewers to send cash or checks or he may have to file for bankruptcy. “You can’t use credit cards if you do give to our ministry at this time because there’s a situation,” Bakker said on his show this week.

Bakker was criticized for selling his “Silver Solution” as a cure for COVID-19 in February and the state of Missouri sued the televangelist last month, accusing him of lying to consumers, The Kansas City Star reports. New York’s attorney general also sent a cease and desist letter to Bakker demanding he stop marketing the fake cure.

Now, Bakker and his wife and co-host Lori Bakker say their ministry, based outside Branson, Missouri, could face bankruptcy. “SOS, save our station, save our ship, help us stay on the air,” he said this week. “We’re asking people to give an offering, and we need a miracle.”

“We need money to say on the air. I am just saying it bluntly,” he said. Bakker and his wife asked for people to buy their books or send in donations. “They’re already bleeding us to death, and now we’re going to have to pay lawyers that will bleed you to death,” Bakker said.

Bakker said he pulled the “Silver Solution” from his website and is not marketing it on his show anymore. Jim Bakker was also convicted on federal fraud charges in 1989 and served five years in prison, according to The Star.

https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article242225266.html

[mwooldri]

1. Obligatory "thoughts and prayers" response. NT

[Newest Reality]

2. Nope Jim

It looks like God doesn't want you to be on the air anymore. Even your real god, Mammon has sent you a sign.

You know, what would help is if he had good ol' Tammy around. If she were there crying puddles of makeup on the floor, (look at all the pretty colors) that would probably help sales, I mean donations a lot. Maybe get Lori some onions and make sure she wears extra layers of sacramental face paint.

[kimbutgar]

3. Poor baby.....NOT!!!!

[Jamastiene]

4. I cannot believe he has been able to

become that powerful and rich again after he proved what kind of huckster, fraud, and snake oil salesman he was back then. Stupid people will give him money though. That's what his stupid ass followers do. He'll never learn. He wouldn't stay in such trouble if he would act right. He always has to try to con people. It's called greed.

[smirkymonkey]

5. Hey Jim!

Go fuck yourself, you sleazy grifter.

Ugh, how do these people get away with so much when they are such obvious criminals?

[Caliman73]

21. Because there are a lot of gullible people in the world.

People who need to cling to something. People who are desperate. People who want to believe that there is something out there that is bigger than they are and is watching out for them, keeping score.

Sometimes being a criminal is actually an asset because god helped him to turn his life around. They don't see it as continued exploitation.

It is sad.

[NCjack]

6. Not to worry : Gawd will love just as much after you become bankrupt.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

7. Millions facing food shortage and this asshole wants money after selling snake oil.

I remember Bakker in the late 70s on his knees on Carolina TV begging for $500 donations before the big fall.

Why can't people like Bakker, Falwell and Graham who are fouling our airways and ruining the reputation of all churches just get on their private jets and go away?


KY.....

[liberalmuse]

8. I'd thought he'd make a killing on that slop he was selling during this pandemic.

He's shameless.

[John Fante]

9. I talked to God this morning. He told me he specifically created this

virus to put you in the poor house, Jim. That's the price you pay for turning His word into a homophobia handbook.

Now, piss off.

[Aristus]

10. Jim, here are some things you can do to stave off bankruptcy.

You can double-check with your right-wing friends. They tell us these things all the time.

Manage your money better.

Stop with the daily $5 latte.

Do your nails at home. No point in paying someone to do them for you.

Shop at discount stores and donation outlets. You can get a good outfit of clothes for only a few dollars.

You and your wife can sell your jewelry to pay for necessities.

Cancel your cable subscription and just watch network shows for free.

Buy foods in bulk and prepare them at home for huge savings. Stop eating out all the time.

Take short showers to save water and lower your water bill.

Turn the thermostat down and wear a sweater when you're at home.

See, Jim? Just a few things you can do to make sure you don't have to declare bankruptcy.

And if this sounds condescending and heartless, fuck you and the pukeheads who tell this to people who have genuine money troubles.

[gibraltar72]

11. Same stuff a week ago. I'm guessing he's got a go bag packed but he'll

shear the flock a couple more times.

[bubbazero]

12. Thoughts and Prayers, Jimmy

Thinking that you have served God's purpose--(beware of false prophets)--and Praying God will " Call You Home" as your reward

[targetpractice]

13. My mother sent him thousands of dollars years ago...

... She went to their resort one time.

His wife took a different path, and if you are inclined... Watch "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" documentary... So lovingly done, and she was screwed over by this man. Narrated by RuPaul.

[nolabear]

14. The fact he's not in prison again is just incredible.

He’s been a thief and a con all his life and he thought he’d found the pot of gold. He needs to lose everything because he uses everything to grift.

[grumpyduck]

15. Thoughts and prayers.

[marble falls]

16. By "SOS, save our station, save our ship", he means "save my financial ass". Obviously ...

five years in prison were not enough.

[gratuitous]

17. "We can't use credit cards . . . because there's a situation"

I think lying includes omission of pertinent information as well as passing along false information there, Jim. Why don't you be straight with the flock while you're fleecing them, hmmm?

Those of us of a certain (ahem) vintage remember how Bakker's previous scam got its moniker of the 700 Club. Let's see if the old scammy magic still works for Jimmeh.

[left-of-center2012]

18. Wasn't he caught with a hooker in a motel some years ago?

He and Trump share the same "religion".

[Lady Freedom Returns]

19. Why bless his fraud filled heart.

Sending tots and pears.

[raccoon]

20. Let him rot! Nt

[3catwoman3]

22. He is SUCH an...

...effing SLEAZEBAG!!!

[RT Atlanta]

23. is this the same guy who was with Tammy Faye?

n/t

[Alacritous Crier]

24. Classic Vic Berger...

[Brother Mythos]

25. Thoughts. No prayers. No money.

To tell the truth, Jim, it sounds like you're going through one of those "God's Will" thingys you televangelists are always preaching about. So, Hallelujah to you!

[keithbvadu2]

26. Like he does not already have a bundle stashed away.

Like he does not already have a bundle stashed away.

[lindysalsagal]

27. "Blessed are the poor..." Isn't that biblical?

If so, I hope he's mightily blessed.

[Blue_true]

28. Once a grifter always a grifter. nt

[Hekate]

29. Thoughts & Prayers, Reverend Conman