This archive report was first published on 7 December 2019.
Celebrated German evangelist Reinhard Bonnke has left a lasting legacy in the world of Christianity. Born in Königsberg, East Prussia, Germany, Bonnke made his first missionary trip to Africa before he was 13 years old, having become born-again at the age of nine.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Bonnke preached the Gospel of Jesus to millions of people worldwide, with estimates suggesting that he oversaw the conversion of 77 million people to Christianity.
His family announced his passing on December 7, 2019, stating that he died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Bonnke is survived by his wife, Anni, three children, and eight grandchildren.
As a trailblazer in open-air preaching and televangelism, Bonnke attracted massive congregations to his meetings across Kenya, including during his first mission to the country in 1988. He was last in Kenya in August 2016, when he dedicated the Faith Evangelistic Ministry's Family Church in Karen, Nairobi.
His family has requested that mourners make a donation to his church, Christ for all Nations (CfaN) – Africa Crusade, in lieu of flowers. Founded over 45 years ago, CfaN currently has offices in several countries around the world.
