Condolences came in from all over The Bahamas and from other countries on Sunday and yesterday, after Bahamas Faith Ministries International President Dr. Myles Munroe; his wife, Ruth Ann Munroe; Dr. Richard Pinder; Lavard and Radel Parks and their son, Johannan; pilots Stanley Thurston and Frahkan Cooper and an international passenger were killed in a plane crash in Grand Bahama. Here are excerpts from some of those statements:
"Words cannot express our profound sense of loss for all of the team members on this tragic flight. Dr. Munroe was our visionary, our founder, our mentor, advisor, father figure and friend. He was a global leader and icon and was respected worldwide. His wife Ruth was a faithful companion and constant support for Dr. Munroe and was equally beloved.
"Dr. Richard Pinder was the embodiment of a true pastor who loved people, was faithful in service and gave his best to all. Pastor Rich, as he was affectionally called, was truly the glue that kept our ministry together. His warm smile and personal pastoral care was truly a comfort and a blessing to so many of our members throughout the years of our church." -- BAHAMAS FAITH MINISTRIES
"It is utterly impossible to measure the magnitude of Dr. Munroe's loss to The Bahamas and to the world. He was indisputably one of the most globally-recognizable religious figures our nation has ever produced. His fame as an ambassador for the Christian ministry preceded him wherever in the world he traveled, whether in the Caribbean, North America, Asia, Europe or Africa. He was a towering force who earned the respect and admiration not only of Christian adherents but of secular leaders both here at home and around the world. -- PRIME MINISTER PERRY CHRISTIE
"Dr. Myles Munroe is probably best known for his ground-breaking work on leadership and purposeful living. He was a world-recognized teacher who traveled around the world ministering to Christians and unbelievers. He gained a reputation as a leadership guru and was in high demand by governments and corporations internationally. He was an outstanding ambassador on behalf of The Bahamas. Notwithstanding his international acclaim, he was accessible to Bahamians and spoke at many local churches and events throughout The Bahamas. He periodically appeared on radio and television talk shows sharing his views on national issues from a Christian perspective." -- DR. HUBERT MINNIS
"I join with countless Bahamians and citizens of the world in mourning the tragic death of Dr. Myles Munroe, his wife Ruth and the members of his Bahamas Faith Ministries team on their ill-fated flight to Freeport [on Sunday].
"Dr. Munroe was an inspiration to thousands of Bahamians and to countless followers and admirers of his teachings around the world.
"I last spoke with Dr. Munroe and his wife in an airport lounge in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. He encouraged me to see more of Tanzania of whose beauty he was effusive.
"He was happy and enthusiastic, heading to Gabon with his wife on what was a three nation tour in Africa. He told me that he would be home in early November." -- HUBERT INGRAHAM
"Dr. Munroe's teaching and his leadership have impacted the lifestyles of many working men and women here at home and around the world. We, too, give thanks for the bountiful blessings through the spiritual teaching of this great Bahamian and world leader." -- TRADE UNION CONGRESS
"The Grand Bahama Port Authority is deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic plane crash on Sunday which claimed the lives of Dr. Myles Munroe; his wife, Ruth Ann Munroe; Dr. Richard Pinder; Mr. Lavard and Mrs. Radel Parks and their son, Johannan; pilots Stanley Thurston and Frahkan Cooper and an international passenger.
"We and all Grand Bahamians join in mourning Dr. Munroe's passing and are comforted that he was coming to host his second Global Leadership Forum here among us. We commend the leaders of the Faith Ministries for continuing to carry out his ministry here today with their message of faith and hope, during this time of grief and sadness for us all." -- GRAND BAHAMA PORT AUTHORITY
"The College of The Bahamas family is today deeply saddened by the loss of President and Founder of Bahamas Faith Ministries International Dr. Myles Munroe, OBE; his wife, Ruth, and seven others who perished in a plane crash in Grand Bahama on Sunday.
"The college has, for many years, shared a connection with Bahamas Faith Ministries International and the institution is the better for it. Dr. Munroe lived what he preached. His teachings on leadership and purpose are reflected in his recent gift to the college in support of an impending Caribbean Leadership Education and Development Conference. He was also our commencement speaker in 2010 and espoused the principles of successful and impactful leadership." -- THE COLLEGE OF THE BAHAMAS
"Dr. Munroe was an internationally-respected visionary and leader par excellence whose gentle spirit, yet purposeful strength left an enduring impact on those whom he met, mentored, befriended and led. His teachings have reverberated among world leaders, spiritual shepherds and industry titans." -- THE COLLEGE OF THE BAHAMAS
"The Public Hospitals Authority mourns the loss of one of its own. Frahkan Demeyer Cooper, 34, Anesthetic Assistant II, Princess Margaret Hospital, was co-piloting the ill-fated flight which also carried President and Founder of Bahamas Faith Ministries International Dr. Myles Munroe; his wife, Ruth, and a team from BFMI. Frahkan began his tenure with the Princess Margaret Hospital on March 5, 2003. PHA Managing Director Herbert Brown described Cooper as a young man, who, through his own work ethic, had demonstrated the PHA's mantra of service excellence." -- PUBLIC HOSPITALS AUTHORITY
"The management and staff of the shipyard are deeply saddened by this tragic accident and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by this incident.
"The result of this accident has had a tremendous impact on The Bahamas and we share in the loss." -- GRAND BAHAMA SHIPYARD
"The Roman Catholic community joins in solidarity with our entire Bahamian community at this time of tragic loss. We commend to God; Dr. Myles Munroe; his wife, Ruth; and all those who died along with them in the airline disaster on Grand Bahama [Sunday] afternoon. A tragedy of this nature is bound to touch personally, many individuals and families in our nation. To all those who grieve, we offer the support of our prayers."-- ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
"The entire PLP family, as are many Bahamians and thousands around the world, is shocked and saddened by the untimely death of Rev. Dr. Myles Munroe, his wife Ruth and seven others, including his deputy Dr. Richard H. Pinder, who perished in a plane crash on Sunday afternoon in Grand Bahama.
"A giant of a man, a visionary leader, a man of God, a teacher and a patriot, Dr. Munroe died as he lived - building future leaders and building The Bahamas as he was on his way to Grand Bahama to officially open a global leadership conference."
-- PROGRESSIVE LIBERAL PARTY
"On behalf of The Bahamas Christian Council and leaders of our churches, I wish to offer heartfelt condolences to the families of Dr. Myles and Ruth Munroe, Dr. Richard Pinder and the families of all those who died in the plane crash in Freeport [On Monday]. The untimely passing of Dr. Munroe is a tragic loss for The Bahamas and the world. We will keep the families as well as the family of Bahamas Faith Ministries in our prayer. Please know we are here for you." -- BAHAMAS CHRISTIAN COUNCIL.
"The Ministry of Tourism has worked closely with Dr. Munroe to bring thousands of religious tourists to The Bahamas, as he understood the power of this market and benefit to his country. This week, Dr. Munroe was to host the 2014 Global Leadership Summit in Grand Bahama Island, in a bid to bring thousands of people the nation's second city. Pastor Myles opened a northern location of Bahamas Faith Ministries in 2010 in Grand Bahama with a dedicated 'purpose' to assist in the revitalization of the destination through his global initiatives. We join in with countless Bahamians to pray for his family, friends and his beloved congregation. We also wish to express our deepest sympathy to the families of the other passengers who also lost their lives in this tragic accident. May their souls rest in peace." -- BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM
Tweets
"The poorest person in the world is the person without a dream." -- Dr. Myles Munroe. No words, just heartbreak. My prayers and thoughts for Dr. Myles Munroe and all aboard that tragic plane crash." -- AMERICAN ACTOR AND DIRECTOR TYLER PERRY
"RIP Dr. Myles Munroe. You spoke when I was in college at @OralRobertsU and had a truly profound effect on my life, more than any." -- ONE REPUBLIC (American music group)
"Thank you Dr. Myles Munroe for inspiring this and future generations to pursue purpose. Rest in peace."-- BISHOP WALTER HANCELL
"Praying for Myles Munroe's family. I know God is faithful and he will show himself strong in this situation! Nothing takes him by surprise."-- CECE WINANS (Grammy Award-winning gospel singer)
"'The greatest tragedy in life is not death but life without purpose.' -- Dr. Myles Munroe" -- GOSPEL ARTIST YOLANDA ADAMS
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