Eighty-eight years old renowned American evangelist Kenneth Copeland says he was recently hospitalised for 10 days for a surgical procedure, but has fully recovered.
He added that he expects to live for 120 years because of a deal he cut with God.
Copeland told members of his church, Eagle Mountain International Church in Newark, Texas, United States, that he was hospitalised due to a ruptured appendix.
“I had what some people would have called a bad year. No, I’d never had an extended hospital stay. My appendix ruptured. I was in there five days the first time and five more days,” he said.
The televangelist said he went through the medical episode with faith and humour, stressing, “A merry heart does good like a medicine.”
He added, “They were just about to roll me in (to surgery) they had me all pepped on the gurney. I said, ‘Hold it, hold it, hold it, wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute. That doctor said, ‘What?’ I said. ‘What do you call this (procedure)? He said, ‘an appendectomy.’
“I said, ‘what do you call it when you take someone’s tonsils out? …..a tonsillectomy.’ What do you call it when you take a growth off your head?’ ‘A haircut.’ And that surgeon said he got me on that one.”
“I had to keep doing that to keep from getting depressed and down and off my faith in that hospital, but I’ve come out to the end of it in good health.”
Copeland disclosed that he was confident the would have a successful surgery because he had prayed to God for ministering spirits to watch over the procedure.
According to him, “I know as well as I know my name, the Master carried me, watched over me, took care of me, and didn’t let somebody slip up. I know a young man….the neurosurgeon slipped and now he’s in a wheelchair.”
The clergyman explained that another reason he was confident of a successful surgery is that he made agreement with God that he would depart the earth in 2056.
“I have made and entered (into a) covenant with God and on December 8, 2056, I’ll see you all later. I am out of here, 120 years old,” he said.
“You take an old worn out car and you put it in the shop, and you restore it good as new or better. The different parts have been overhauled and now it’s finished. I’m here to give thanks like never before.”
2025 and years ahead
Copeland told the congregation he has been praying and planning about the years ahead, saying, “2024 was (a) sure victory, sure. 2025 the nation comes alive. 2026 the big fix. 2028 we go through the gate. 2029 all things will be divine. I don’t have 2030 yet.”
He did not mention 2027.
He urged to be intentional about life.