Do Pray For Jimmy.

 As vigil continues for Jimmy Carter, many celebrate his legacy of faith.

By Leonardo Blair, Senior Features Reporter.

Longtime members of Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter (C), pose with the first black pastor of their predominantly white church, the Rev. Tony Lowden, and his daughter, Tabitha (L), as well as another church member, Brandon B. Thomas (R). | Facebook

As former President Jimmy Carter entered at-home hospice over the weekend and the nation prepares for the inevitable, many who know him, including his pastor at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, agree that a big part of his legacy is his exemplary life of faith.

The Rev. Tony Lowden, who became the first black pastor to lead the predominantly white Maranatha Baptist Church in 2019, told Fox 5 that the 98-year-old Carter, who selected him to lead the church, has since become a “father figure” to him.

"America, he became a father figure. He ministered to me more than I ministered to him," Lowden told the news outlet. "So many people around the world are hurting right now because they see hospice as a bad thing, but Mr. Carter will tell you that he’s given all that he can give.