German Pentecostal evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke who is principally known for his gospel missions throughout Africa is dead aged 79.
A post on his official Facebook page explained that his he passed away peacefully and was surrounded by his family.
“It is with sorrow that the Bonnke Family would like to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke,” the statement read.
“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.
Reinhard Bonnke was born on 19 April 1940 in Königsberg, East Prussia, Germany the son of an army logistics officer. With his mother and siblings, he was taken to Denmark during the evacuation of East Prussia, and spent some years in a displaced persons centre.
He was born again at the age of nine after his mother spoke with him about a sin that he had committed.
He left for missionary work Africa at the age of 10 and says that he had the experience of Baptism in the Holy Spirit. After war service, his father had become a pastor.
Bonnke studied at The Bible College of Wales in Swansea, where he was inspired by the director Samuel Rees Howells. In one meeting after Howells spoke of answered prayer, Bonnke prayed, “Lord, I also want to be a man of faith. I want to see your way of providing for needs.”
Passing through London, he had a chance meeting with the famous preacher George Jeffreys, who encouraged the young German student.
After graduation, he pastored in Germany for seven years. He began his ministry in Africa, with which he is principally identified, preaching in Lesotho in 1967. He has subsequently held evangelical meetings across the continent.
