For 24 nights, he will lead what is being hailed as the largest religious event in Manhattan since Billy Graham took his historic crusade to the world-famous arena in the summer of 1957. Thousands of volunteers, including many from the Tampa Bay area, will roam the streets by day, giving food and clothing to the needy, along with free tickets to the nightly meetings. Supporters say he's a visionary. A man of God leading this country into a much-needed spiritual awakening. A generous giver with a heart of gold.
Critics paint a different picture.
They say he's a world-class hypnotist. A manipulator leading followers into a cult. A circus ring leader making a good living. Religion has made him prosperous. Now, he and his family live in one of New Tampa's most exclusive gated communities.