He’s the well-known pastor at Shadow Mountain Community Church, a prominent megachurch located in California, where he leads a large and dedicated congregation. In addition to his pastoral duties, he has built a strong reputation as a Christian author and popular televangelist, reaching audiences far beyond his local community. Before achieving widespread recognition, he laid the foundation for his ministry through rigorous academic study. He earned an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 1981 from Cedarville College, a significant milestone in his spiritual journey. Prior to that, he completed a Master’s degree at Dallas Theological Seminary, further deepening his theological understanding. Throughout it all, one constant in his life has been his marriage to Donna Thompson, whom he met while attending Cedarville College—she’s not just his wife but also his longtime partner and college sweetheart. His story reflects both personal devotion and professional dedication, with each chapter contributing to his role as a respected pastor and influential voice in modern Christianity.
Back in 1999, he was diagnosed with lymphoma, and not long after that, he went through a stem cell transplant as part of his treatment. It was a big step in his journey toward recovery, and at the time, the procedure offered him a chance to fight back against the disease. He faced it head-on, staying strong throughout the process. He really showed resilience during those tough months following the transplant. He had support from his medical team, of course, but it was his determination that made a difference. He never gave up, even when things got difficult.