Pastor Zachery Tims Dead, Followers Create Video Tributes
Followers of Zachery Tims, the megachurch pastor found dead Friday in a New York City hotel room, have created video tributes to him.
Police have said that they don't suspect foul play in the death of the 42-year-old Florida pastor and believe he was alone at the time of his death. He is survived by his ex-wife and four children.
Soon after news of his death broke, condolences poured in from his followers and fellow pastors.
"Today my heart is grieved over the loss of my spiritual son and long time friend and associate, Pastor Zachery Tims," said megachurch pastor Paula White on her Facebook page.
"My thoughts and prayers for Pastor Zachary Tims of New Destiny Christian Center in FL's family and congregation. May you RIP in God's love," said another commenter on the church's Facebook page.
Tims was the pastor of the New Destiny Christian Center, which has more than 8,000 members, and its broadcasts reache 100 million households, it said. The church is well-known in the Apopka area for its charitable deeds for the poor.
His death and life, however, aren't without controversy.
The Wall Street Journal said Wednesday that authorities found a white powdery substance, believed to be narcotics, in Tims' shorts following his death. The pastor spoke openly about his battle with drug addiction on his church's Web site. He claimed that conversion to Christianity "instantly delivered [him] from drug addiction."
Tims and his wife divorced in 2009 following 15 years of marriage after he admitted to an affair with a stripper.
Still, his followers urged the public not to judge the popular pastor -- especially until police have completed their investigation into his death. On the church's Facebook page, his followers often cite Matthew 7:1-2, which reads "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
Below are several video tributes created by his followers.
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