Christ for All Nations Founder, Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke Passes Away at 79
Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, founder of Christ for all Nations (CfaN) has passed away at the age of 79.
According to his family, he was surrounded by loved ones and passed away peacefully on Saturday.
"It is with sorrow that the Bonnke Family would like to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on December 7, 2019."
Bonnke preached to hundreds of millions of people, especially in Africa throughout his 60-year career.
In October 2017, Bonnke held a farewell crusade to 1.7 million people in Nigeria.
The evangelist handed over leadership of Christ for All Nations to evangelist Daniel Kolenda due to his "health challenges."
"I don't want it to fall, I want it to go just seamlessly continue and rise. The world is so big and God gave me Daniel Kolenda and I am very very happy," Bonkke said.
It is with great sadness that I and Christ for All Nations announce the death of our founder, friend and spiritual father, Reinhard Bonnke. The Bonnke family have asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be given to the Gospel Crusades. https://t.co/1o3y0G4U3x #ReinhardBonnkeRIP pic.twitter.com/vZnPwKLMB6
— Daniel Kolenda (@danielkolenda) December 7, 2019
He was well-known for his massive crusades in Africa where he has inspired 77 million people to make decisions for Christ for the last 35 years.
Shortly after the announcement of his death, many within the Christian community paid tribute to the crusader and missionary.
Evangelist Franklin Graham said, "Reinhard Bonnke was a powerful evangelist throughout the world, but particularly on the continent of Africa where his heart burned with compassion for people’s souls. Through the preaching of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, millions of lives will be in Heaven and we give praise and glory to God that His Word never returns void. Our thoughts and prayers are with Reinhard’s wife Anni and the entire family."
Fare thee well Ev.Reinhard Bonnke. You touched many lives. For me after Billy Graham it was Reinhard Bonnke. You are safe at home. Rest in Eternal Peace !
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) December 7, 2019
I pray for all the family, friends and lives that you profoundly impacted with your life and ministry. You served Jesus well and finished your course. You were one of the greatest Evangelists of our time! I was honored to minister with you on several occasions. #ReinhardBonnke pic.twitter.com/R8fQY0Y343
— Paula White-Cain (@Paula_White) December 7, 2019
Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke has gallantly finished his race, he ran the race, kept the faith & now a crown of victory awaits on the other side.
— Gbemi Dennis™ (@GbemiDennis) December 7, 2019
Christ For All Nations - CFAN touched lives..
Rest In Peace Reinhard Bonnke, such was a finishing strong race.
May we all end well! pic.twitter.com/hfNCS1o10L
My prayers are with the family of Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke of Christ for All Nations, who passed away earlier today. Bonnke’s work all over the world, especially in Africa, supported the faith of millions of Christians across several generations. He will be dearly missed. pic.twitter.com/fMqbK3nNrj
— Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa (@IAOkowa) December 7, 2019
The home-going celebration for my dear friend Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke has begun. Few have touched my life as he did. My heart is broken for his wife Anni, and his family, yet I join them in honoring the remarkable legacy of a life well lived! pic.twitter.com/71eirr8d8r
— Benny Hinn (@Benny_Hinn) December 7, 2019
We are sad to hear of the passing of Reinhard Bonnke. He made such an impact on the Kingdom and millions of people now know Christ because of his willingness to serve. We are so thankful for his legacy and will be praying for his family during this difficult time!
— Joyce Meyer (@JoyceMeyer) December 7, 2019
Bonnke spent several years developing the 'Full Flame Film Series,' a series of eight inspirational films aimed at inspiring and challenging the church to Holy Spirit evangelism.
He leaves behind his wife Anni, their children Kai-Uwe, Gabrielle, and Susie, and eight grandchildren.
BELOW: WATCH REINHARD BONNKE'S FINAL INTERVIEW ON THE 700 CLUB
