Contact: Colby May, TBN, 972-313-9500, cmay@tbn.org 

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Matthew Crouch, Vice President of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, offered the following statement on the passing of South Africa's Nelson Mandela:

"In the late 1980s South Africa was one of the first nations to invite my father, TBN founder Paul Crouch, to establish Christian television stations outside the United States. When Mr. Mandela became President in 1994, he graciously met with my father, confirming the importance of the Christian faith in his country and assuring him that TBN would continue to be free to broadcast the gospel there. Today, because of President Mandela's commitment, TBN continues its vital ministry throughout southern Africa. We are grateful for Mr. Mandela's help at a crucial time, and we join the rest of the world in honoring the memory of this great man. May his legacy of reconciliation, love, and forgiveness continue to guide and inspire us all."