LAGOS, Nigeria, Nov. 23, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ — Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke’s Farewell Crusade in Lagos, Nigeria was a historic landmark for the ministry of Christ for all Nations. Huge crowds and global coverage made the event – which was carried live on CfaN.org and GODTV, will have highlights on TBN, DAYSTAR, other major networks and social media – of worldwide interest.

Ever passionate in his preaching of the Gospel, Evangelist Emeritus Reinhard Bonnke’s burden for souls and commitment to the Great Commission was evident in his final African crusade sermons in Nigeria. Day and night the evangelist’s voice pierced through the darkness, bringing hope and inspiration to the city of Lagos. With his wife, Anni, and his family by his side and his spiritual son and successor, Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, to lean on, Bonnke finished the way he started over 50 years ago – by simply preaching the Gospel of salvation.

The very emotional event drew a total of over 1.7 million in attendance. Hundreds of evangelists, pastors, leaders and businessmen from around the world came to see the famed evangelist cross the finish line of his public ministry in Africa. The last session of the morning “Fire Conference” marked a very special moment in Christ for all Nations globally. Although Bonnke’s successor, Daniel Kolenda, has led the ministry for the last 9 years, Bonnke publically passed the mantle of his ministry to Evangelist Daniel Kolenda in Lagos Nigeria.

In an interview, Kolenda said, “This is Evangelist Bonnke’s ‘Farewell Crusade,’ but it’s not a goodbye for the ministry; it’s a new beginning, a new season of harvest. We will build on the foundation that has been laid by Evangelist Bonnke and the CfaN team and God will do even greater things in the days to come. As Evangelist Bonnke often says, ‘Nothing diminishes in God.’ I believe that. God has spoken to me about a ‘Decade of Double Harvest’ that we are now stepping into. We will take that baton of the Gospel and run with all our might. The best is yet to come.”

Indeed, Bonnke’s legacy continues in the lives of the many millions his ministry has touched. A woman brought her teenage son to the stage to share their testimony. She was told by doctors that her womb was destroyed, but at a Gospel crusade many years ago, Reinhard Bonnke prayed for women who couldn’t have children – and this woman was touched by God, Who healed her womb. Her teenage son is a tangible representation of the compassion of Christ and the Holy Spirit-powered Gospel that Bonnke advocates, embodies and envisions for the next generation.

On the last night of the five-day crusade, amidst joyful sounds of heartfelt worship, by a massive choir, Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke stepped forward to preach to his last African audience, a massive crowd. It was an emotional, memorable moment for all those who have stood with his ministry for the last five decades. From Luke 20:19-25, Bonnke spoke on the Jesus’ command to; “Give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give God what belongs to God.” The Evangelist showed how the devil tries to destroy God’s image in us with sin, but through salvation, God’s image is restored in us. As he gave the altar call for salvation, thousands upon thousands of hands went up, and the counselors rallied to help the new converts.

According to Russell K. Benson, International Director of CfaN Global: “The significance of the historic moment when Reinhard Bonnke left the stage after preaching his final message on the continent of Africa was not lost on me. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions as a giant of the faith completed what he loves to do more than anything else on this earth: preach the Good News of Jesus Christ. Africa is truly being saved and Reinhard Bonnke will always be known for being a large part of that.”

Bonnke has loved Africa and Africa has loved him back. “When they hear my name, I trust they will think of Jesus. Him I have preached with all my might, and I will continue as He helps me. I don’t want a monument. We don’t build monuments; we build God’s Kingdom.” Bonnke’s legacy of revival lives on, in the sons and daughters of the continent that he loves.