Evangelical leaders react to Jimmy Carter's death: 'An example for us all'
Greg Laurie
Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California, also reflected on his personal encounters with the former president.
“I had the unique privilege of meeting President Carter on three separate occasions, each leaving a lasting impression on me,” Laurie, 72, recalled in a Dec. 29 post on X.
President Jimmy Carter, Age 100, Passes Away
— Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) December 29, 2024
President Jimmy Carter, the oldest living president in history, passed away today at the age of 100 after spending two years in hospice care.
I had the unique privilege of meeting President Carter on three separate occasions, each… pic.twitter.com/WZ7bLnwGSc
He shared how Billy Graham introduced him to Carter at a crusade in Atlanta, calling him "a preacher of the Gospel."
Laurie also described a moment when he encountered Carter on a commercial flight.
"I vividly remember the former president walking down the aisle, shaking hands with every single passenger, and humbly saying, 'Hello, I'm Jimmy Carter.' That moment was unforgettable."
"Regardless of how one may have voted, it was an honor for everyone on that flight to shake the hand of a former president," he added.
Laurie acknowledged that despite any political differences he may have had with Carter, Christians and all Americans should respect Carter's service.
"We must have respect for the presidency and those who serve in it, even if we do not always agree with their policies," he said. "Today, I honor the memory of President Jimmy Carter, a man who exemplified service, humility, and faith throughout his remarkable life."