Those We Lost in 2019 Who Impacted the Kingdom

We lost a lot of great brothers and sisters in Christ this past year. Deaths in 2019 claimed some Christians leaders. Brothers and sisters that taught well, inspired well, and reflected to the best of their ability the love of our King Jesus. We were blessed to have had these Christian leaders while we did. They will be missed and always remembered.

Can you not see death as the friend and deliverer? It means stripping off that body which is tormenting you: like taking off a hair shirt or getting out of a dungeon. What is there to be afraid of?… Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave it with regret? … There are better things ahead than any we leave behind … Don’t you think Our Lord says to you ‘Peace, child, peace. Relax. Let go. Underneath are the everlasting arms … ‘ – C.S. Lewis

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Reinhard Bonnke, the ‘Billy Graham of Africa’, Has Gone Home to Jesus “Bonnke was best known for his gospel outreach campaigns throughout Africa. It is no exaggeration to say that his work transformed the continent.”

Jarrid Wilson, Pastor, Author and Mental Health Advocate, Dies by Suicide This Week Jarrid, a passionate child of God and church pastor, worked so hard to help others find their way out of hopelessness, depression, and suicidal thoughts…and on this day, he died by suicide. He was a 30-year-old husband and father.

Rachel Held Evans, the Doubt-Filled Prophet, Has Died Evans wrote about her faith evolving into a deeper, richer experience as she wrestled through questions like whether Scripture is inerrant and whether patriarchy serves as a prescription or simply a backdrop in the Bible.

The Great Bridge Builder Warren Wiersbe Is in Heaven Now Wiersbe served as the pastor of Moody Church in Chicago for a stint, was the General Director and Bible Teacher for Back to the Bible, served Youth for Christ, pastored a couple local churches, taught at and developed curriculum for seminaries, and wrote numerous Bible commentaries utilized by pastors all over the world.

Tony Evans’ Wife, Lois, Dies at 70, ‘relieved of suffering’ Lois helps Evans lead his radio broadcast ministry, The Urban Alternative. Lois Evans also founded the Pastor’s Wives Ministry.

Pastor Succumbs to Suicide After Struggling With Mental Health Jim Howard was the Family Life pastor at Real Life Church’s (RLC) Valencia campus and had a history of struggling with his mental health.

Others that will be missed who passed in 2019, Norman Geisler (co-founder of Southern Evangelical Seminary and author / contributor of over 100 books), Cain Hope Felder (Biblical scholar, author, professor, and preacher), Phillip E. Johnson (author of Darwin on Trial and credited with helping find the modern Intelligent Design movement), Charlie VanderMeer (Children’s Bible Hour radio show host), Jesse Miranda (founder of the National Alliance of Evangelical Ministries and executive director of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference), and Lamin Sanneh (D. Willis Professor of Missions and World Christianity at Yale Divinity School).

Many more brothers in sisters in Christ died in 2019. Many who didn’t write books, preach sermons or lectures, compose songs, or start organizations, but they lived their lives reflecting our King. Many lost their lives because they refused to deny the name of Jesus. Persecution around the world continues to grow as the gospel continues to spread. Let’s commit to praying for those in areas that are more life-threatening than most, that they will persevere and trust in the truth of Jesus.