By Our Reporter & News Agencies
In the hours after news of Reinhard Bonnke’s passing spread, leaders worldwide reacted and expressed their condolences on social media.
His ministry, Christ for All Nations (CfaN), reported that more than 79 million people came to Christ as a result of Bonnke’s career, which spanned from 1967 until his retirement in 2017.
The Pentecostal evangelist preached a prayerful message of Christ’s transforming power while also boasting miracles and healings.
“Those who knew him off-stage can testify to his personal integrity, genuine kindness, and overflowing love for the Lord,” said his successor, CfaN evangelist Daniel Kolenda. “His ministry was inspired and sustained by his rich prayer life, his deep understanding of the Word, and his unceasing intimacy with the Holy Spirit.”
Many in Africa offered their condolences, saying “Rest well” and “Africa will never forget you.”
The government of Nigeria stated that President Muhammadu Buhari, who is Muslim, “joins Christendom at large in mourning the passing of renowned evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke, 79, describing his transition as a great loss to Nigeria, Africa & entire world.”
Kenyan politician Esther Passari shared how he spoke in tongues for the first time at Rev. Reinhard Bonnke’s 1988 crusade.
“He picked me from the crowd and arranged a meeting where he prayed for God to use me. I send my condolences to his family and his congregation. Rest In Peace, Man of God,” Passari said.
What could be said of my ministry if I had not loved and followed Reinhard Bonnke?
— Dag Heward-Mills (@EvangelistDag) December 7, 2019
His example served as a living school, training me for ministry. His life taught me great lessons. God has and continues to use him to disciple me.
Thank you for never changing your message. pic.twitter.com/z8spexPD4I
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. Our thoughts & prayers are with Reinhard’s wife Anni & the entire family. https://t.co/scBwe2LhEQ
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) December 8, 2019
Reinhard Bonnke told Christianity Today in 2013, “Some people call me a healing evangelist. I do not like that. I define myself as a salvation evangelist who also prays for the sick. Wherever we go, 95 percent of the meeting is a clear preaching presentation of the gospel.”
“Billy Graham has inspired me personally,” Bonnke wrote on Facebook after Graham’s death in 2018, “when he preached in a tent in Hamburg, Germany. I always felt connected to him.”
Bonnke was the author of 40 books and wrote in his 2009 autobiography, Living a Life of Fire,“I still have only one sermon. I preach the simple ABCs of the gospel.”
In 1991, there were religious riots in the Nigerian city of Kaduna after police granted permission for Bonnke to hold a revival meeting and thousands of Muslims took to the streets in uproar. At least eight people were reported killed.
In 1999, 16 people died in a stampede during a rally organised by Bonnke in Benin City, Nigeria.
Bonnke died at home on Saturday, surrounded by family, and is survived by his wife, three children, and eight grandchildren.
