Trinity Broadcasting Network Co-Founder Jan Crouch Suffers Serious Stroke

May 29, 2016 12:15 PM EDT

Prayer alerts are circulating after Jan Crouch, co-founder of the largest Christian TV network Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) suffered a massive stroke Friday. Janice Wendell Bethany "Jan" Crouch, 78, launched TBN with her late husband Paul in 1973.

Crouch is a member of the Pentecostal Church.

Her family posted a thank on the TBN Facebook page Saturday for "joining your faith with us and agreeing for our precious mother, Jan Crouch, as she receives comfort from Jesus and ministering angels from a life-threatening stroke. Thank God WE are NEVER alone. "

The TBN updates about Crouch indicated her diagnosis is not good. In fact, the first online notification asked for prayers for a miracle of restoration and complete healing. "We need a touch from the Great Physician and would ask you to join us in praying for Jan. Thank you partners for your continued love and support."

Related: TBN Founder Jan Crouch Passes Away After Massive Stroke: 'She Loved Many Things, But Most of All She Loved Jesus' 

Crouch is the daughter of Reverend and Mrs. Edgar W. Bethany, and grew up in Columbus, Georgia. Her father served as a pastor in the Assemblies of God denomination, and was the founding president of Southeastern University (Florida). While attending Evangel College in Springfield, Mo., Crouch met Paul Crouch. They married in 1957, and have two sons, Paul Jr. and Matthew, both of whom are high-ranking officials and program hosts on TBN.

Since TBN's founding, Crouch served as the network's vice president and director of network programming, as well as the director of programming for TBN's affiliated networks, such as the Smile of a Child children's channel, the JUCE TV youth network, The Church Channel, and the TBN Enlace USA Spanish language network.

She is also the president and manager of The Holy Land Experience theme park in Orlando, Fla.

Paul died in 2013 at age 79.

According to the Trinity Broadcasting Network website, TBN and its 26 global networks and affiliates currently reach every inhabited continent on 80-plus satellites and more than 20,000 television and cable affiliates, as well as via the internet, Charisma News previously reported.