Jack Van Impe facts for kids

Jack Leo Van Impe (February 9, 1931 – January 18, 2020) was an American televangelist. He hosted a weekly TV show called Jack Van Impe Presents. On this show, he shared his thoughts on the news. He often used his understanding of the Bible to explain future events.

His program was shown worldwide. It aired on religious channels and through paid time on other TV stations. Jack Van Impe was known as the "Walking Bible." This was because he had memorized most of the King James Version of the Bible. His wife, Rexella, also appeared on the show with him.

Who Was Jack Van Impe?

Jack Van Impe was a well-known speaker and author. He shared his religious beliefs through television. He was famous for his deep knowledge of the Bible. He could quote many parts of it from memory.

Early Life and Family

Jack Leo Van Impe was born on February 9, 1931. His birthplace was Freeport, Michigan. His parents, Oscar and Marie, came from Belgium in 1929. They settled in Troy, Michigan. Jack was their only child.

When Jack was young, he and his father played the accordion in night clubs. His father, Oscar, became a Christian missionary when Jack was twelve. This inspired Jack to become an evangelist too. He played accordion duets with his father. They traveled across Michigan and other states.

In 1948, Jack finished high school. He then went to Detroit Bible Institute. He earned his diploma there in 1952. After this, he began his career as a preacher. He also started recording his sermons and music.

Jack met his future wife, Rexella Mae Shelton, at a religious event. Rexella was an organist. They got married on August 21, 1954. Together, they started Jack Van Impe Ministries.

His Music and Recordings

Starting in the 1950s, Jack Van Impe released many recordings. These included Gospel music and spoken sermons. His first album, Presenting the Van Impes, featured him on the accordion. Rexella played the organ on the album. Later musical recordings often featured an "accorgan." This was a type of electronic accordion.

What He Believed About Prophecy

Jack Van Impe believed that the Bible contained predictions about the future. He thought that certain parts of the Book of Revelation described a future world leader. He also believed a world religious leader would appear. However, he taught that Christians would be taken to heaven before these leaders came. This event is called the Rapture.

He believed the Bible showed the world would be divided into ten political areas. He thought these areas would be ruled by a mix of European and Islamic powers. He also believed that certain Bible passages predicted invasions of Israel. He thought these events would happen before Jesus returned.

Jack Van Impe often said that the end of time was very near. He looked at current news events. He tried to connect them to Bible prophecies. For example, he once said that news about Damascus fulfilled a prophecy from the Bible.

His TV Show: Jack Van Impe Presents

Jack Van Impe Presents was a weekly TV show. It was made by Jack Van Impe Ministries. The ministry is a non-profit group. Their center is in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Jack's wife, Rexella, was his co-host on the show.

In 2011, a TV network did not air one of his episodes. This episode talked about other religious leaders. Because of this, Jack Van Impe decided to stop airing his show on that network.

Later Life and Passing

Jack Van Impe faced several health challenges later in his life. In 2006, he had two knee replacement surgeries. He also dealt with cancer and other health issues. In 2015, he had heart surgery. He was away from his show for a few months while he recovered.

In 2017, Rexella Van Impe announced that Jack had broken his hip. He slowly recovered from this as well. After this, they decided to stop their weekly TV broadcasts. They began posting videos on their website instead. However, in 2018, they started their radio and television shows again.

Jack Van Impe passed away on January 18, 2020. He was 88 years old. He died in a hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.