Bakker in Seclusion Studying ‘Bible Intensely,’ Aide Reports

Tammy Bakker was having dinner with friends at a local restaurant a few days ago when she overheard a particularly disturbing conversation in the next booth.

“Jim Bakker is a hypocrite,” a man said.

According to sources who asked not to be named, the wife of embattled television minister Jim Bakker turned around and grabbed the man by the arm.

“My husband is not a hypocrite,” she said, staring into the man’s eyes.

“I’m sorry,” the man said. “I only know what I read in the newspapers.”

The incident illustrates the intense pressure and frayed nerves that have characterized the Bakker family’s existence here in recent weeks, sources close to the family said.

Tammy Bakker occasionally dashes out of the driveway in the couple’s late-model Cadillac on shopping trips or to eat out with friends. But Jim Bakker has become a near-recluse after the disclosure of his infamous sexual liaison seven years ago with Jessica Hahn.

Instead, according to his bodyguard of 11 years, Jim Bakker spends up to six hours each day reading Scriptures in the family Bible.

“He studies his Bible intensely,” Don Hardister, Bakker’s bodyguard, said in an interview. “He is studying the life and character of Christ. . . .”

A six-week-long string of damaging allegations have left the Bakkers estranged from the television ministry they founded in South Carolina called PTL, or Praise the Lord.

Bakker, admitting the sexual encounter, resigned March 19 as host of his nationally telecast PTL show and as chairman of his organization that includes the $172-million Heritage USA complex in Fort Mill, S.C.

Last week, in a statement read by Tammy Bakker to reporters, he denied allegations by a Tennessee television evangelist that he consorted with prostitutes and engaged in homosexual acts.

On Tuesday, the Rev. Jerry Falwell, who has taken taken command of PTL, cut off the salaries of the Bakkers that amounted to $1.6 million last year.

With those funds dried up, Hardister, who works at the behest of PTL officials, wondered about the future of his own job. “I’m a perk,” Hardister, 36, said.

Hardister said he owes Jim Bakker a lot. Three years ago, Hardister said, he was injured in a motorcycle accident that nearly took his life. Bakker, he said, rushed to his side at the hospital and did not leave until he was sure “I’d pull through.”

Now, Hardister said, the mood inside the house swings “like a roller-coaster” from moments of determination to start anew to deep depression.

“He’s not suicidal with a gun to his head or anything,” Hardister said. “On the other hand, he’s not doing cartwheels of joy. I think he is in shock.

“Man, it hurts,” Hardister said. “It’s like somebody’s got a knife in your back and, not satisfied with that, they are twisting it.”

As for reports that Bakker might somehow seek to return to PTL, Hardister said, “It’s over.”

“When we are sitting around reminiscing . . . (the Bakkers) sometimes break into tears,” Hardister said.

Bakker plans to “tell his side of the story” sometime next week, Hardister said.

Hardister said only the constant stream of letters, telegrams and flowers sent by supporters and well-wishers have enabled the Bakkers to “get through each day.”

Nonetheless, they are constantly reminded of the situation by the crowds of reporters and photographers who have been camping out across the street in recent weeks.

What’s more, their Spanish-style house has become a highlight for the celebrity tour buses that cruise by several times a day. Bakker took a floral arrangement to Hardister late Thursday to deliver to a neighbor for enduring the presence of the media and tourists.

“God is not through with the reverend. . . . I’m sure he will find something else for him,” Hardister said. But for now, “it’s like living in a prison.”