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Dear Mission Partners,

 

The third night of our crusade here in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria has just come to a close. The last few days here have been amazing. The power of God is moving and multitudes have been touched (some pictures are attached). However, as you might imagine, today has been marked by one extraordinary event.

This day will go down in history as the day one of God’s greatest generals went home. When I woke up this morning, I had no idea that my day would end with such a whirlwind of emotion. I have both deep sorrow and great joy. Sorrow because Reinhard Bonnke was more than a great man, powerful preacher and influential leader. To me, he was like a father and one of my dearest friends. The Apostle Paul tells us that such gifts in our life are incredibly rare. “Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers…” (1 Cor. 4:15). The sense of loss I feel in this moment is profound. But I am so happy that Evangelist Bonnke has finally entered his eternal reward. He is now with the One that he loved so much and that he lived his whole life to please. I am sure that all of heaven is rejoicing.

I was not at his side when Evangelist Bonnke passed away earlier today. Instead, I am on the other side of the world. But I can think of no greater way to honor one of the greatest evangelists that has ever lived, than laboring here in Africa, preaching the Gospel and leading multitudes into the arms of Jesus. Tonight, when I informed the huge crowd about Evangelist Bonnke’s passing, they were visibly and audibly moved with emotion. Many of them can still remember when Reinhard Bonnke came to this same city more than a decade ago. The love for Bonnke in Africa is unparalleled. He left an indelible mark on this continent and we are still walking down the trail he forged over many years of faithful preaching of the Gospel.

Just a few days ago, I was preaching in Orlando about that great cloud of witnesses we read about in Hebrews 12. Today Evangelist Bonnke has joined that mighty host. I’m sure he has a seat of honor among them. And from heaven’s grandstand he is cheering us on. We must continue to run with patience the race set before us until we all meet again at the feet of Jesus.

Yesterday our ministry celebrated “Founders Day” – 45 years since Evangelist Bonnke started the ministry of Christ for all Nations. Today we celebrate his homegoing. What an amazing and remarkable legacy of harvest he leaves behind.

My phone has been blowing up all day with texts, emails and phone calls from so many of you giving your condolences. Thank you all so much for your love and prayers. Please continue to stand with us. The work is not finished and the harvest is still plentiful. The best is yet to come!

Yours in the Gospel,

Evangelist Daniel Kolenda

Together with the whole CfaN team

Pictures by O. Volyk

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Showing 12 comments
  • Olaadura
    Reply

    this is nothing compare to the glory of God that this Ministry is still going to bring to the world, greater harvest for Christ Jesus I pray.

  • Addison and Cherry Thorn
    Reply

    We are so very sad about the passing of dear Brother Reinhard Bonke! What a wonderful man of God he was! We first heard him minister at the Eurovision Conference in Germany with John Osteen in the1980’s. We will never forget how he kept proclaiming in German the love of the Lord Jesus and the power of the Holy Ghost (the Heilieg Giest)! It was so impactful and many lives were brought to Jesus. Pastors from the Iron Curtain countries came and were so encouraged and blessed
    The Lord revealed that the fact Evangelist Bonke finished 45 years of ministry is very significant! In Genesis 18:23-33, the number 45 is mentioned when Abraham is interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah and seems to imply preservation!
    Verse 28) “Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous, will you destroy all the city for five? And he said, if I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.”
    As this ministry continues to intercede and proclaim the Lord Jesus may there be a continued preservation of this generation even as the past 45 years of ministry helped to preserve Africa and the nations of the world! Millions saved! And millions more we pray! Praise the Lord!
    Our prayers are with you!
    Blessings and much love,
    Addison and Cherry Thorn

  • Deborah
    Reply

    More annoiting to do exploit God LL uphold you all, we ll not forget the wonderful hands of God that moved through you in Ado Ekiti Ekiti state.

  • Ajibade paul
    Reply

    God is so wonderful, by this ministry God I need your blessings, favour

  • Edith Ugwu
    Reply

    May the Lord continue to uphold you in this great journey of ministry. Thank you for all that you do for all the nations! May the Lord grant you and your family long life, sound health, and prosperity! May He always meet all of your needs even before you ask. May Papa’s (Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke) soul rest in perfect peace with the Lord, Amen!
    With Godly love,

  • Enid Jones
    Reply

    This is one of the General of the faith who has touched so many lives both in Africa and other parts of the world. I know Jesus welcomed him with the words “you have been faithful, welcome home my son” . My condolence to family and friends.

  • Afolabi Aduke Florence
    Reply

    May our beloved daddy Reinhard Bonnke rest in perfect peace we love him but Jesus loves him most.

  • pam
    Reply

    I heard Reinhart once in Houston. Houston didn’t know what to do with him, but I was so moved. I think he shook the dust off his shoes and moved on. And now he has truly moved on! Praise God!

  • Thea Carlson Reust
    Reply

    Praying for divine comfort and strength for all of Bonnkes family, loved ones and ministry team. We love you all and appreciate y’all beyond words.

  • GLORIA CURRY
    Reply

    You are right! One of Gods generals has left this earth for heaven in the presence of our Lord.

  • Igor and Linda Demjen
    Reply

    Our deepest condolences to you and Evangelist Bonnke’s family. You and millions of others were truly blessed to have encountered such an amazing man of God. Heaven has received a great man of God. Our prayers are with you.

  • Harry Chrysanthou
    Reply

    What a wonderful man of God! He’s joined a multitude of others in the presence of Christ and Father God with the Holy Spirit who enabled a great ministry. We’re praying for his family and friends.

    We all join in prayer and continued support for Daniel and CFAN

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