President Muhammadu Buhari has joined others around the world to mourn the demise of renowned German Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, who died at 79 years.
President Buhari described Bonnke’s demise as a great loss to Nigeria, Africa and the entire world. The president’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Saturday.
The president condoled with the government and people of Germany, family and friends of the great preacher and teacher of the Bible, and all his co-labourers in the vineyard. He prayed that the Lord would comfort all those that mourn him.
The Nigerian leader said that Bonnke’s crusades in Nigeria, across Africa and the globe strongly accentuated the message of Jesus Christ. President Buhari added that Bonnke’s vision and zeal for the salvation of souls helped the world in understanding the power of love and kindness.
The president prayed that the Almighty God would accept the soul of the departed preacher. He hoped that Bonnke’s legendary contributions to the body of Christ in teaching and writing would be remembered by posterity.
Earlier, The Herald reported that the evangelist died peacefully on Saturday December 7, while being surrounded by his dear ones.
An official announcement which was made on his social media handle read: “Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it is with sorrow that the Bonnke Family would like to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke,” Anni Bonnke said in a statement on Saturday afternoon.
“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.”