by Matthew Crouch
April 21st marked the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth, the longest-reigning monarch (64 years) in Britain’s storied history, and it prompted me to recall a very special occasion several years ago when Laurie and I had the opportunity to meet Her Majesty and Prince Phillip in Uganda. The photo above helps tell the story.
For years TBN’s affiliate network in Uganda, Lighthouse Television, has been one of the most popular network’s in the country, and because of that my parents, TBN founders Paul and Jan Crouch, were well-known and loved among the Ugandan people. In 2007 they were extended a rare invitation by Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, for an official state visit as Uganda hosted Britain and its former colonies for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala.
Unable to attend, my parents sent Laurie and me as their representatives to Kampala, where we met many national figures, and were among the guests at an official state dinner honoring Queen Elizabeth.
The photo above was taken as we were introduced to the Queen and Prince Phillip. To say the least, it was an experience that Laurie and I will never forget.
On a related note, as “Defender of the Faith” across the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth would surely be pleased to know that, on her birthday, the Gospel is making its way into every home throughout her domain via our TBN UK network, which airs round-the-clock on Freeview Channel 65, the United Kingdom’s over-the-air broadcast platform. That means over 65 million individuals across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have 24-hour access to programming that entertains, inspires, and brings them the life-changing message of hope and grace through Jesus Christ.
Happy Birthday, Your Majesty.