Pastor Yonggi Cho Biography: Church, spouse, passing
Recent announcements have disclosed that renowned South Korean Pastor Yonggi Cho has departed this life at the age of 85.
The news regarding his passing was shared through his Facebook profile. Following that, the reports have rapidly circulated across numerous social media channels and news outlets worldwide.
Yonggi Cho was a co-founder of the Yoido Full GospelChurch, also recognized as the Assemblies of God, alongside his mother-in-law Choi Ja-shil. This congregation holds the title for the largest assembly globally, with a reported 850,000 members in the capital of South Korea, Seoul.
Prominent personalities from various nations have expressed their condolences regarding the loss of this esteemed man of faith, including Pastor E.A Adeboye, Prophet Iginla, and others from Nigeria, all paying their respects to Pastor Yonggi Cho.
In the wake of his departure, countless individuals across the globe have sought to learn more about this illustrious cleric; look no further as this article aims to provide you with all the essential information regarding him.
Profile Summary
Real Name
David Yonggi Cho
Birth Name
Paul Yonggi Cho
Profession
Christian minister from South Korea
Spouse Name
Kim Sung Hae
Age
Approximately 85 Years
Date of Passing
14 September 2021
Height
In centimeters – 175 CMIn meters- 1.75 mIn Feet Inches – 5’8″
Weight
In Kilograms- 69 kgIn Pounds- 189 lbs
Eye Color
Black
Hair Color
Black
Date of Birth
14 February 1936
Birth Location
Ulsan, Korea
Yonggi Cho’s Biography
His birth name was Paul Yonggi Cho, and he entered the world on February 14, 1936, in Ulju-gun, which is now a part of the Ulsan metropolitan area, born to Cho Doo-chun and Kim Bok-sun.
The records indicate that he was the first born among five sons and five daughters of his parents. Raised as a Buddhist, Yonggi Cho embraced Christianity at the age of 17 after a young girl delivered the message to him.
Though he completed middle school with high marks, the journey for education was challenging as his family could not support expenses for high school or university. Consequently, he later attended a budget-friendly technical high school to acquire vocational skills.
Due to his passion for learning, he began frequenting an American military facility close to his school, where he acquired the English language. He quickly became an interpreter at both the military base and his school.
Calling
After recognizing that God was summoning him to the ministry, Yonggi Cho took up the position of interpreter for American evangelist Ken Tize.
Eager for further education, he obtained a scholarship to pursue theology at Full Gospel Bible College in Seoul in 1956. It was during his studies there that he met Choi Ja-shil, who later became his mother-in-law and a close collaborator in ministry. Together, they initiated what is known today as the Assemblies of God ministry.
Yonggi Cho held the position of Chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship from 1992 until 2000.
The renowned cleric, however, stepped down in 2008, passing the leadership to Young Hoon Lee as the succeeding senior pastor.
Death
Yonggi Cho rested in the Lord on September 14, 2021, at the age of 85, with reports attributing his passing to complications arising from a stroke.
