Close to 2,000 persons flocked to the New Destiny Christian Center on Monday evening to remember Pastor Zachery Tims, CEO and founder of the mega-church in Apopka. While many wiped away tears with tissues that were liberally distributed throughout the service, mostly people came from all across Central Florida to remember their inspirational leader and pastor who died suddenly last Friday, in New York City.
Led by Praise and Worship Leader, Madeline Berry, a gospel singer, and back-up by the New Destiny Mass Choir, the congregation sang, swayed to music and prayed for close to two hours.
“I still can’t believe Pastor is gone,” said Stella, a devout member of New Destiny Christian Center. “He did so much for my family, including helping to mentor my teenage sons.”
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Tims relocated Orlando to begin work on a new ministry in 1996. According to the church’s website, New Destiny Christian Center boasts a church membership of 8,000+ people and his Sunday Workshop Services and messages were seen worldwide in over 100 million homes daily through radio and television broadcast.
“I love that brother, he was a good brother,” Chauntel, a church-goer from Eustis said, as she wiped away tears and struggled to come to terms with Tims’ death.
The New York City Police Department said on Monday, toxicology and autopsy results were being awaited to determine the cause of Tims’ sudden death.
Meanwhile, NBC New York reported that an envelope of white power was found in Tims’ pocket when his body was found. He was found unresponsive by emergency responders, last Friday around 6:00 p.m., in a room at the W Hotel in New York City Times Square.
Church leaders said funeral services will be held for Tims on Saturday, August 20 at the First Baptist Church of Orlando.
