The Nation - News from Sept. 6, 1988

PTL founder Jim Bakker made an 11th-hour plea to supporters for help in raising a $3-million down payment in his bid to return to the ministry he left amid a sex-and-money scandal. “I’m not going to leave any stone unturned,” Bakker said. He said friends and acquaintances have so far contributed close to $2 million in cash and letters of credit toward the $3 million he needs by today. PTL Bankruptcy Trustee M.C. (Red) Benton asked for the money as a sign of Bakker’s ability to follow through on the $165-million offer he made for the Heritage USA Christian theme park, a satellite network and undeveloped property near the Ft. Mill, S.C., ministry.