Reinhard Bonnke – one of the world’s greatest ever evangelists – has died. Dubbed the ‘Billy Graham of Africa’ having led 79 million people to Christ at historic mass gospel campaigns, Bonnke leaves an unparalleled legacy of service to the kingdom of God.

The German passed away peacefully on December 7 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family, and a packed memorial service was held in Orlando last month.

Bonnke is best-known for his Christ For All Nations 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. Huge 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 campaigns were controversial, even dangerous in some environments, Bonnke’s persistence and humility engendered favour everywhere God sent him.

As former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo said, “With the prayers of people like Bonnke Nigeria will succeed.”

Bonnke also authored more than 40 books, taught widely throughout the body of Christ, appeared regularly on Christian television 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.

Brian Houston, Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church, said, “Over the years, Reinhard Bonnke’s unwavering passion to win souls for the kingdom has never ceased to inspire me to connect people to Jesus, their Saviour. I loved the way salvation resonated in his spirit. Whether he was on a platform speaking to millions, or behind the scenes having a chat – Jesus was always on his lips.”

Current Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari said, “Bonnke strongly accentuated the message of Jesus Christ, and his vision and zeal for the salvation of souls clearly helped the world in understanding the power of love and kindness as a universal language.”

Franklin Graham added, “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.”

Evangelist J.John said, “It is often said of individuals at a funeral that ‘we will not see their like again’. It’s a cliché but it is probably true of someone like Reinhard: he was indeed a man of his time and the world generally, and Africa in particular, has changed. Yet as I think about what led him – his passion, vision and conviction – a troubling thought strikes me. These elements are there in the New Testament, they were there in Reinhard Bonnke, but do we have them? Oh, our gospel may be more seeker-sensitive and more sophisticated, but do we know anything of that same passion, vision and conviction? It’s a good question. I salute you, Reinhard Bonnke, and thank you for inspiring me to keep doing the work of an evangelist.”

Evangelist Bonnke is survived by his wife, Anni, three adult children and eight grandchildren.

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