Pastor and healing ministry evangelist Benny Hinn was hospitalized this past weekend after he suffered heart problems, but according to his family, he is on the fast track to a full recovery.
Hinn, 63, was in Brazil last week for an intense healing ministry crusade for over 100,000 people. The week-long event took its toll on the pastor, and when he returned to his Southern California home, he felt short of breath and was immediately taken to see a cardiologist.
Hinn's oldest daughter, Jessica Hinn Koulianos, wrote an update to her father's condition on the Benny Hinn ministries website. She describes Hinn as suffering from "lack of oxygen in his cardiovascular system" but says that he is already doing better.
"Once he got in the hospital he experienced almost immediate relief and has continued to grow stronger each day," she writes. "At this moment, his physicians are conducting thorough tests, the results of which have been very positive. He is alert and in good spirits, and we expect he will be released later this week."
Hinn Koulianos says that her father's heart rate reached 200 beats-per-minute due to atrial fibrillation, which is a treatable heart condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Episodes of atrial fibrillation can come and go, or you may develop atrial fibrillation that doesn't go away and may require treatment. Although atrial fibrillation itself usually isn't life-threatening, it is a serious medical condition that sometimes requires emergency treatment."
Complications can arise, including serious blood clots, but in Hinn's case, the condition was caught early enough to not pose any serious issues.
So now, as Hinn recovers, the family is asking for prayers. "By God's grace and with the help of your prayers, we are told to expect a complete recovery," his daughter wrote. "More importantly, his doctors are assuring him that within a very short time he will be on his feet ministering around the world again, just as he has for over 40 years."
Social media has been buzzing with prayer requests for Pastor Hinn, including Atlanta's Joy 105 and the Faith Broadcasting Network who has been sending out prayer over Twitter since yesterday. "Faith Broadcasting Network requests that all of its partners stand in agreement for the healing power of God to touch Pastor Benny Hinn as he lies in ICU after suffering a serious heart condition," the network said. "Let's unite in faith and believe for his healing."
And Pastor Hinn is certainly aware and thankful for the outpouring of support during his recovery. "My dad, Pastor Benny Hinn, asked me to send you a quick message from the family, so that you could hear it straight from me," his daughter said. "He asked me to share, from the depths of his heart, how much he appreciates your outpouring of love and support, and for the best gift you can give: your prayers. He also asked me to convey to you how much he loves each of you and thanks you for all you're doing for the ministry and for the kingdom."
