MIAMI – Within the last decade, King Jesus Ministry has grown tremendously, with an estimated reach of more than 1 million people.
Worship time feels like a concert at the church, located at 14100 SW 144th Avenue in Miami, with trumpets blowing and church-goers jumping. Then, Apostle Guillermo Maldonado, church leader, takes the stage, smoothly switching from Spanish to English.
Members stand to their feet and shout, raising their hands to the heavens. A typical scene at a Pentecostal church, but this place is non-denominational.
Behind all of the lush landscaping is an auditorium that seats 7,000 people. The property is valued at $17 million.
The church also has some political clout. Governor Rick Scott was recently seen at the church. Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle has also been spotted there.
But what's even more interesting are the stories of "miracle healings."
"People are looking to have an encounter with God," Dr. John Laffitte said. "Not just listen to a pastor, but have an experience, so when they come to church, they get an experience that changes their lives."
It's clear people want the experience. The church has grown so much that there are plans for an even bigger facility in southwest Miami-Dade -- an auditorium to seat 12,000.
With TV, radio and Internet broadcast, an estimated 2 million people tune in to hear from Maldonado every week.
On Local 10 News at 11 p.m. Monday, see the supernatural services apparently taking place at King Jesus Ministry.