Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke Dies Saturday at 79

Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, a German Pentecostal known for his mission work throughout Africa since 1967, died Dec. 7, according to a Facebook post. Bonnke founded the ministry Christ for All Nations, which has recorded “more than 77 million documented decisions for Jesus.”

Bonnke reportedly passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, and the family asks, “in lieu of flowers, to please make a donation to Christ for all Nations – Africa Crusade.”

The full eulogy, posted to Facebook by Anni Bonnke and her family, reads:

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. 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.

He preached Jesus…

“Great and marvelous are Your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the saints!
Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before You,
For Your judgments have been manifested.”
Revelation 15:3-4

On Nov. 12, Bonnke posted to Facebook that he needed prayers after undergoing a right femur bone surgery operation. “All has gone well so far, but now I have to add a few weeks of learning to walk again.” It is unclear whether complications from this operation contributed to his death.

Christ for All Nations released a statement earlier today summarizing Bonnke’s life and ministry:

It is with great sadness that Evangelist Daniel Kolenda and the entire global Christ for All Nations family announce the death of our founder, friend and spiritual father, Reinhard Bonnke. Evangelist Bonnke passed away peacefully this morning, December 7, 2019, surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held in the next few weeks. Details will be made available at Cfan.org
and on our social media platforms.

Evangelist Bonnke leaves an unparalleled legacy of service to the Kingdom of God. All told, more than 79-million people made Christ their Lord as a result of his ministry. Bonnke is best-known for his Gospel outreach campaigns throughout Africa. He and his team pioneered mass-evangelism and in the process drew some of the largest live audiences in history. In November of 2000, at a single meeting in Lagos, Nigeria, 1.6 million attendees heard him preach the truth of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Similar crowds assembled in almost every nation in Africa, and it is no exaggeration to say that his work transformed the spiritual-life of the continent.

The scale of these events made them visible in every sector of African society. And, though the Gospel outreach campaigns were controversial, even dangerous in some environments, Evangelist Bonnke’s persistence and humility engendered favor everywhere God sent him. As former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo said, “With the prayer of people like Evangelist Bonnke, Nigeria will succeed.”

He also authored more than 40 books, taught widely throughout the Body of Christ, appeared regularly on Christian programming and inspired countless believers to act in bold faith and live with passion for God. His undeniable influence continues to affect church leaders and congregants around the world. As Brian Houston, Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church, stated, “Over the years, his unwavering passion to win souls for the Kingdom has never ceased to inspire me to connect people to Jesus, their Savior. I love the way salvation resonates in his spirit, whether he’s on a platform speaking to millions or behind the scenes having a chat – Jesus is always on his lips.”

Evangelist Bonnke is survived by his wife, Anni, three adult children and spouses, Kai-Uwe, Gabriele, and Susanne, and eight grandchildren. We share in their grief, even as we celebrate his profound legacy of faith and joyfully anticipate our heavenly reunion.

Following the news of his death, many Christian leaders took to social media to eulogize Bonnke and praise his legacy.

What could be said of my ministry if I had not loved and followed Reinhard Bonnke?

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

— Dag Heward-Mills (@EvangelistDag) December 7, 2019

Sad to hear of the passing of the incredible Reinhard Bonnke today, but their is joy as well. This was his view for much of his life as one of the greatest evangelists who ever lived. But today he stands before an audience of 1, and it’s the one He loved the most. pic.twitter.com/0CS3jHUlGO

— Darren Wilson (@wanderdarren) December 7, 2019