It was jarring news to hear on Monday, November 9 at about 6 p.m. that my good friend Bishop Harry Jackson had gone home to be with the Lord earlier in the day. We ran into each other often at events. Less so since the COVID pandemic hit. We were texting back and forth just a few weeks ago as I tried to arrange an interview on my radio program to talk about his new book - “A Manifesto: Christian America’s Contract with Minorities.” As it turns out, he was on his honeymoon at the time, having remarried after his first wife,Dr.Vivian, died of cancer in 2018.

He was diagnosed with stage 4 Esophageal cancer in 2005 and given a 10-15% chance to live through the surgery. Not only did God bring him through that operation but added 15 more years to his life. It is reminiscent of King Hezekiah who had a death sentence due to illness, but he cried out to the Lord. God heard him and healed him.

Bishop Harry and I had a running joke about both being “Bishop Jackson.” Occasionally we would be invited to do interviews, only to find they thought they were getting the other Bishop Jackson. We laughed about it and took it in good humor. He was not a man whose ego got in his way. He had a humility and quiet wisdom about him which always made my interactions with him edifying and pleasant. 

He was a great Pastor of a great church - Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, Maryland. He also served as the presiding Bishop of the International Communion of Evangelical Churches. He was a courageous patriot who loved our country and stood up for its Judeo-Christian ideals. He led the Washington DC fight against same sex marriage and was vilified by the Left and the Washington Post. He was actively pro-life. He was on the Board of Spiritual Advisors to President Trump, and this iconic photograph at the top of this letter went viral. 

He will be remembered for the Christian witness he leaves behind and the many lives he touched, including mine.

Bishop Harry, rest from your labors for your works do follow you. Wear the crown of righteousness laid up for you that the Lord, the righteous Judge, has already placed on your head.

To all Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who knew and admired Harry Jackson, I have always found comfort in these words of Jesus to His disciples before separating from them in His death on the cross:

"Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you" (John 16:22)

For followers of Christ, our separation is only temporary. We will have a great reunion. Hallelujah!

Yours in Christ,