A somber week has befallen the Church as two great leaders of the faith have died, Beverly LaHaye and Dr. Jerry Savelle.
Beverly LaHaye
She was a voice of influence and a woman of purpose. Born April 1929 in Detroit, Michigan, LaHaye was called by President Ronald Reagan as “one of the powerhouses” of the conservative movement. The reason was simple–when Beverly LaHaye thought of something, she saw it through.
The story goes that she was watching television when Barbara Walters interviewed Betty Freidan. The women’s leader was espousing her beliefs. She spoke about how the National Organization for Women was crucial to the platform of a growing feminist nation. At that moment, she thought there were a substantial number of women across America who did not feel that way, specifically her.
According to LaHaye, Friedan’s purpose was “to promote homosexuality, abortion on demand, and thoroughly undermine the core of American culture: the family.” So motivated by her emotions on that day, she set out to create change in the name of Jesus. That was 1978.
Later that year, she founded the Concerned Women of America (CWA).
Beverly LaHaye was not born into privilege nor blessed with extraordinary skills and abilities. Her life is a beautiful demonstration of what God can do with a person who is fully devoted to Him. She was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ all the days of her life and God used her in extraordinary ways to make a difference in the world around her.
Concerned Women of America statement
The national advocacy organization supports pro-life causes, Biblical norms, and Israeli freedom from oppression. With LaHaye carrying the torch, the CWA opened chapters across America and lobbied for Christian family values in local, state, and federal causes.
She was one of the faith leaders and a best-selling author in her own right. A couple of Beverly LaHaye’s most prominent titles include The Spirit-Controlled Woman, Who But A Woman? and The Desires of a Woman’s Heart. She met a man named Tim as a student at Bob Jones University in 1947. Tim LaHaye later developed the seminal “Left Behind” series, and they married for 69 years until he died in 2016.
Beverly LaHaye leaves three children, nine grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. She was 94 years old.
Jerry Savelle
Global evangelist, best-selling author, and noted motorcycling aficionado Dr. Jerry Savelle left a mark on the Church through his ministry, Jerry Savelle Ministries International (JSMI), and his affiliation with Kenneth Copeland Ministries.
Before his salvation in 1969 at age 23, Savelle was an automotive repairman and owned a paint and body shop. His love of cars and bikes would be a chapter in his rich legacy. Amid his ministry and travels, Jerry Savelle helped establish the Eagle Mountain Motorcycle Rally with Kenneth Copeland and long-time friend Dr. Jesse Duplantis. Later, Savelle and Duplantis would create the dynamic Chariots of Light.
This is a motorcycling club crafted after Savelle’s heart — people can be who they are as they love the Lord together and travel as they “roll for souls” across the state of Texas and beyond. Driving locally to Big Bend National Park or all the way up to Sturgis for evangelism was some of the most dynamic outreaches JSMI enjoyed. Speaking of Jesse Duplantis, he shared a heartfelt moment with his followers on social media about his friend.
I’d like to make an announcement that my best friend, a man of God, a true general of the Lord, Dr. Jerry Savelle has transitioned into Heaven. What a blessing of God he was! I considered him my personal brother. We were so close that you couldn’t put a razor blade between us. We… pic.twitter.com/eHm7LwElSd
— Jesse Duplantis (@jesse_duplantis) April 15, 2024
A best-selling author of 75 books and an evangelist who has traveled to 26 nations and more than 3,000 churches sharing the word of God, Jerry Savelle “did well, thou good and faithful servant.” Dr. Savelle leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Carolyn and their two daughters, Jerriann and Terri. He also leaves a legacy to his multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was 77 years old.
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