On September 14, it became known that Rev. David Yonggi Cho, founder of Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, passed into eternity. He was 85 years old. Bishop Eduard Grabovenko and the Board of the Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith (Pentecostals) on behalf of the Russian believers expressed their words of support to the family, Yoido Church, and its Senior Pastor Lee Yong-Hoon.
— We thank the Lord for the life and ministry of Reverend Cho. As apostle Paul said, “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith...”.
One of the most faithful, committed and goal-oriented people we have ever known has gone to eternity. Through challenges and hardships, Pastor Cho always remained a man of prayer and sincere faith. A lot of ministers from Russia have spiritually matured on Pastor Cho’s books and sermons. He affected their destinies tremendously.
We all have been encouraged by the labor of God’s mighty man of strong spirit and deep commitment, who influenced the history and people of South Korea and blessed other nations. He also was able to build a strong team of dedicated people who continue to serve in the country and abroad, helping each other, building up the church.
It is a great loss for all Christians, but a gain for Heaven.
Our prayers are for the family, the church family and all who respected and learned from Pastor Cho. May the Lord comfort your hearts! We pray, believe and rejoice that we will meet again with the faithful God’s servant at the throne of our Lord.”
In May 2016, Head Bishop Eduard Grabovenko, his wife Larissa and Head of the Administration Ivan Borichevsky visited Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, met with Pastor Yonggi Cho, preached at the church. Pastor Cho prayed for the ministers.
At that time, Bishop Grabovenko, and Senior Pastor Lee Yong-hoon signed an agreement between Yoido Church and the Russian Church/Pentecostal Union on cooperation and fellowship.
In 2018, by decision of the Russian Church Council, Pastor Yonggi Cho was awarded the Ivan Voronaev Medal of Honor for his contribution to the spiritual revival of Russia through the preaching of God's Word and for his faithfulness in serving God and people.
Senior Pastor Lee Yong-Hoon and team ministered twice at the National Conferences organized by the Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith in Perm (2017) and Moscow (2019).
The Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith (Pentecostals)
