CAN mourns as Munroe, wife, daughter die in plane crash

An internationally-known preacher and motivational speaker, Dr. Myles Munroe, his wife, Ruth, and daughter, Charisa, have died in a plane crash in the Bahamas on Sunday.

According to a statement by the Bahamas Ministry of Transport and Aviation on Monday, the three were among all the nine passengers on board the small Lear 36 Executive Jet killed in the unfortunate incident.

The private jet, which departed the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau on Sunday afternoon, struck a crane and exploded at the Grand Bahama Ship Yard while attempting to land at the Grand Bahama International Airport.

The preacher and other passengers were travelling to the Global Leadership Forum, which was organised by Munroe and was scheduled for this week at the city of Freeport.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

However, Christian leaders in Nigeria have expressed shock at the news of the crash.

The President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has described the tragic incident and particularly the death of Munroe as “a slap in the face.”

Oritsejafor, in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents on Monday, said he was still in a state of shock over the sad news.

According to him, Munroe, who was also the President, Bahamas Faith Ministries International, was a prolific teacher of the word of God.

Oritsejafor said, “It is unfortunate and I am still in shock. Nothing takes God by surprise. It is very painful and unexpected. Family members should take heart. They left a good legacy behind. We should take comfort from the rich legacy left behind.

“The gift everyone should give is to live for God. We should live like eternity is next breath away. We are not like unbelievers, we have hope. I can’t mourn like those who don’t have hope. Good night, see them on the resurrection morning.”

The Founder of the Household of God Church International Ministries, Pastor Chris Okotie, in a short message said Munroe lived the life of a giant.

He said, “The black pedagogue of divine mysteries. Munroe, an exemplar of the oracular afflatus. Of him, posterity shall say, there were giants in the earth in those days.”

Also, reacting to the news of the death, a former minister of education and leader of the Bring Back Our Girls Campaign, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, described Munroe as a leader of leaders.

Ezekwesili in a condolence message she posted on the social media said Munroe had led a life that glorified God.

She said, “I am so broken hearing the death of our very dear friend – Dr. Myles Munroe alongside his wife, Ruth, and daughter, Charisa. The news breaks our hearts today.”

“You (Munroe)were a teacher of teachers; a leader of leaders; you died having maximised all that our Lord had in you. Your legacy stands in the many leaders you raised through your thoughts that you shared all over the world across all ages. My entire family is mourning with you today, Chairo, (Myles Munroe) Jnr.”

Ezekwesili charged other Christian leaders in Nigeria to emulate and imbibe the doctrines and preaching of the late pastor, whom she said fought the good fight of faith till the end.

Like most popular faith-based preachers, Munroe, was a prolific writer. The best-selling author and business coach had written over 60 books.

The international known televangelist and founder, Benny Hinn Ministries, Pastor Benny Hinn, in a message on his ministry’s’ official website called on Christians to pray along with the families of those who perished in the crash.

He also urged members of the BFMI to carry on with the good work of the late pastor.

Hinn said, “Pray for the family of Dr. Myles and Ruth Munroe, as well as others killed in the Bahamas small plane crash.”

Munroe had been to Nigeria several times on the platform of the Living Faith World Wide Ministries during their annual convention programmes.(PUNCH)