April 18, 2012
Evangelical leader and prison ministry founder Chuck Colson is near death after suffering a brain hemorrhage nearly three weeks ago, according to his media representatives, CNN reports. "It is with a heavy but hopeful heart that I share with you that it appears our friend, brother and founder will soon be home with the Lord," said Jim Liske, CEO of Prison Fellowship, which Colson founded. "Chuck's condition took a decided turn yesterday, and the doctors advised [his wife] Patty and the family to gather by his bedside." Colson, 80, underwent surgery March 31 to remove a pool of clotted blood from the surface of his brain. He was speaking at a conference March 30 when his speech became garbled and he had to sit down, according to witnesses.