Perhaps a little known fact about Nelson Mandela is that he endorsed the importance of Christianity in South Africa, and assured the founder of TBN, Paul Crouch, to freely broadcast the gospel there.

Although Mandela is known for his focus on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling existing racism in South Africa, and racial reconciliation; He also, was very instrumental in the establishment of Christian broadcast in his country.

In 1998, as South Africa's president, Mandela addressed the 8th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Harare, Zimbabwe. In his address, he commended the effort of churches in South Africa to end apartheid, and paid tribute to missionaries for bringing high standards of education to Africa from which he benefitted as a child.

In his autobiography, "The Long Walk to Freedom," he talked about his early experiences with Christianity, and its impact on the society around him.

"The Church was as concerned with this world as the next: I saw that virtually all of the achievements of Africans seemed to have come about through the missionary work of the Church," he wrote.

Mandela, a man who carefully chose his words and often spoke as someone with a strong Christian faith, was never too forthright about religion. He did not want to cause division at a time when unity was so important in South Africa.

Mandela though, was instrumental in the spreading of the Gospel in his country. Just days before Mandela's passing, Televangelist Paul Crouch died as well. Matthew Crouch, who took over as president of his fathers network TBN, offered a statement in light of Mandela's death.

"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."