Sadly Luis Palau passed away on March 11 2021 at 86 and we have had to say Goodbye to another great hero of the faith. Luis was known as “the Billy Graham of Latin America” and his ministry spanned several decades. He is survived by his wife Pat, four sons and 12 grandchildren as well as many spiritual sons and daughters.
A service of thanksgiving for the life of Luis Palau was held in his home town of Portland, Oregon on March 20 with tributes from each of his four sons Kevin, Keith, Andrew and Stephen who also shared thoughts from his grandchildren.
Kevin serves as the president; Keith on the development team and Andrew, has followed in his dad’s footsteps as an evangelist. Lui’s youngest son, Stephen is a teacher.
One of Luis’ spiritual sons, Matt Redman paid tribute to his spiritual father, with a special song he wrote for the memorial service. Entitled, Home at Last it is all about finishing strong and going to Heaven.
“Beauty for ashes / Glory for tears / When we reach our home / At last / Gone all our struggle / Gone every fear / When we reach our home / When we reach our home / at last.”
Matt also shared how he got saved at a Luis Palau Festival in London as a boy and this is how he received the call to become a worship leader. Both had lost their earthly father at a young age and Matt was inspired by Luis’ revelation of God as Father.
It’s not surprising that Luis Palau, a man who led millions to Christ would inspire a young boy to come to know God in such a powerful way that he too has impacted the lives of millions with his music. This is just one illustration of how God has used the Luis Palau Association to reach the world.
The Gospel choir from Salem Baptist Church of Chicago also sang at the Memorial Service. Watch the service of thanksgiving on the Luis Palau Memorial Website or on Facebook. You will hear many encouraging messages from many Christian leaders in the USA and from across Latin America. This will inspire you to fulfill your life calling and finish strong as Luis Palau did.
Even on his deathbed from cancer, Luis was sharing the Gospel with fellow patients and inspiring people to go deeper in their spiritual walk. “His last words to me were to ‘dream big dreams in God’ ” his daughter-in-law, Wendy, shared. She and her husband are co-evangelists and will continue the preaching of the Gospel for decades to come. No doubt there are many big dreams still to be realized for the Luis Palau Association. But, more than that, each of us had the challenge to go into all the world and fulfill the Great Commission.
My Life in Seven Words – Luis Palau
Visit the LuisPalau.org Memorial Site to receive a special memorial edition copy of his book, “My life in Seven Words.” “I believe these truths can absolutely change you— like they’ve changed me,” Luis said about this book before he passed. “This devotional contains powerful glimpses into the holy moments of my life. These are the secrets that changed everything for me!”
Click if you would like to know more about Jesus.
Also read: Luis Palau Memorial Service – Watch the live stream this weekend
Hall of Faith
This page is dedicated to today's faith heroes, presenting a modern 'Hall of Faith' that is a continuation of Hebrews 11. We can learn from the example set by servant-hearted Christian leaders who have given their all for God.
