Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) Founder Paul Crouch Dies at 79

By Katie Chan
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Paul Crouch, Sr.,  Televangelist and founder of Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), passed away today at age 79.

A statement posted on PaulCrouch.com states: "Dr. Paul F. Crouch passed into the presence of the Lord on November 30, 2013. We are grateful for the life of this amazing servant of God. Please pray for the Crouch family during this time."

The news was also announced by his grandson, Brandon Crouch, on Twitter. "Today, my grandfather, #PaulCrouchSr went home to be with Jesus in heaven. Thank you for your prayers..."

Crouch had been hospitalized recently with congestive heart failure. He was hospitalized on Oct in Texas, and returned home to California in early November. On Nov. 5, TBN released a statement that said doctors had taken Crouch off the ventilator and he was breathing on his own.

In recent year, Crouch has been embroiled controversy, including a family lawsuit with his granddaughter Brittany Koper, who alleges she was fired after uncovering "illegal financial schemes" amounting to tens of millions of dollars.

In a lawsuit, Brittany Koper alleged the ministry had committed financial fraud and engaged in lavish spending, including the purchase of a $100,000 motor home for family dogs, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Paul F. Crouch was born on March 30, 1934, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He graduated from the Central Bible Institute and Seminary in Springfield, Missouri in1955 with a degree in Theology.

Crouch and his wife, Jan, founded the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) in 1973. In 1974, TBN purchased its first TV station, KLXA-TV (now KTBN-TV) in Southern California. Since then, TBN has grown to become the world's largest Christian television network and the seventh largest group owner of broadcast TV stations in the U.S.

TBN reaches every major continent via 84 satellite channels and over 18,000 television and cable affiliates around the world.

Crouch is survived by his wife Jan and his two sons Paul Crouch Jr. and Matthew Crouch.

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