Reinhard Bonnke, founder of evangelistic ministry Christ for All Nations, has died at the age of 79.
The evangelist – sometimes known as the “Billy Graham of Africa” – “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family” on Saturday, according to a statement published by his wife Anni and other family members on Facebook.
In the statement, the family said Bonnke had “preached Jesus”.
“For the past 60 years he has preached the glorious Gospel of Jesus throughout the entire world. We want to thank you on behalf of him and our family, for your kind love and unwavering support, which enabled him to preach the matchless message of salvation to countless people.”
Reinhard Bonnke. PICTURE: Courtesy of CfAN
In another statement published on the CfAN website, Daniel Kolenda, Bonnke’s successor at CfAN, said that more than 79 million people made Christ their Lord as a result of Bonnke’s ministry, particularly in Africa.
“It is no exaggeration to say that his work transformed the continent,” he said.
Bonnke’s rallies drew some of the largest live audiences in history including in November, 2000, when 1.6 million people reportedly attended an event in Lagos, Nigeria.
“It wasn’t Reinhard Bonnke’s speaking alone that drew the masses,” Kolenda said. “The multi-day events were always marked by the miracle-working power of God. From the start of his ministry in 1967 to his last gospel campaign in 2017, thousands upon thousands were healed. The creative work of the Holy Spirit dissipated cancers, opened blind eyes, reset broken minds and shook the Church to once again believe for the ‘greater works’ promised by Jesus Himself.”
Kolenda wrote that those who knew Bonnke off-stage “can testify to his personal integrity, genuine kindness and overflowing love for the Lord”.
“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.”
The son of a pastor, German-born Bonnke was ordained in the German Pentecostal Church after attending a seminary in Wales and served in a congregation in Germany before heading to the southern African nation of Lesotho as a missionary. He founded CfAN in 1974.
Bonnke, who wrote more than 40 books, is survived by his wife Anni as well as three adult children – Kai-Uwe, Gabrielle, and Susie – and eight grandchildren.
A memorial service is expected to be held in the next few weeks. The family have asked donations be made to CfAN’s work in lieu of flowers.
