Beni Johnson of Bethel Church passes away after battle with cancer

As thousands joined in prayer for Beni Johnson, wife of Pastor Bill Johnson of Bethel Church in Redding, CA, she breathed her last this morning, July 14 and went on to be with the Lord. She was 67. Beni leaves behind her husband Bill, their three children, their spouses, and 8 grandchildren. Beni oversaw Bethel’s intercessors and Prayer House. Her approach to intercession made a supernatural connection with the Lord accessible to all. Beni also co-wrote along with her husband Bill, The Power of Communion: Accessing Miracles Through the Body and Blood of Jesus. Raising Giant-Killers: Releasing Your Child’s Divine Destiny through Intentional Parenting, Healthy and Free: A Journey to Wellness for Your Body, Soul, and Spirit, and The Joy of Intercession: A 40-Day Encounter: A 40 Day Encounter (Happy Intercessor Devotional)  

Bill posted early this morning, “Healthy and Free,” as he acknowledged she had entered the presence of the Lord and was free from all pain and agony. Beni, whose real name was Brenda had battled for months with cancer and put out the last call to prayer late Wednesday, July 13. Healthy and Free also happens to be the name of Beni’s first book.

Though the church and thousands mobilized, it was clearly Beni’s time to meet the Lord face to face. 

Thousands responded to the loss, including Harvest International Ministries led by Che Ahn. The ministry sent out an acknowledgment to honor the life and legacy of Beni who along with Bill pioneered so much Holy Spirit ministry happening around the world today. 

“Please join us as we pray for her husband, Bill, and the whole Johnson family during this time of grief. Let us lift them up in heartfelt prayer that they may be surrounded with perfect peace and the presence of “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3),” Harvest International Ministry stated in an email release. 

“Today we honor the life of Beni Johnson, and we also know that she is now with her Lord and Savior Jesus, face to face! For every triumph of faith and selfless act of love on earth, we believe Beni has been welcomed into her eternal dwelling with these words, “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:23).”

Robert Morris who leads Gateway Church in Dallas, Texas wrote, “Debbie and I are so very sorry to hear about Beni. Our hearts are so heavy for you and the Johnson family. Beni fought an incredible fight here on earth. While we rejoice that she is with her Lord and Savior now, we know she will be greatly missed. We are praying for you and the family to experience God’s supernatural peace and comfort.”

Shawn Niles responded to Bill’s post with these kind words, “We love you dearly. We fought the good fight with you, and now we cry with you and celebrate with you her eternal freedom!”

Musician and leader of “Let Us Worship” Sean Feucht shred his own tribute on social media, saying,

“There was no one like Beni Johnson.

She was one of the first to reach out to me when my father passed away and invited me to Bethel for healing and encouragement (and offered to pay our way).

Years later, she was the first to come to my house the day I arrived into Redding all the way from Pennsylvania (pic above).

We were unpacking in the 110 degree July heat and nervous as we just just moved across the country to a strange little town in California. I was literally sweating unlike ever before while second-guessing my decision when look who pulls into our driveway.

Right on time…Beni showed up.

She welcomed us with her reassuring voice, gave us a basket of all her organic goodies (of course) and prayed this powerful statement over my family: “We receive you. You’re home now.”

That moment changed everything for us. Then this moment happened again when I ran for Congress and again when we launched #LetUsWorship. She always showed up…right on time.

Beni was a happy intercessor, a kind encourager to everyone who met her and loyal friend who always believed the best.

Thousands all over the world have had moments just like mine.

We celebrate her life today and honor her legacy.

We love you Bill Johnson and are praying for a peace that passes all understanding.”

No one but Christ (and maybe Bill, her children, and grandchildren) really knows the impact this woman has made as she interceeded and saw into reality one of the greatest moves of God of this generation at Bethel Church. In Redding alone, over 10% of the population of has come to Christ and millions have been impacted for the kingdom of God through the music of son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Jenn Johnson. Additionally, families have been healed and reconciled through the amazing ministry at Bethel including the house of prayer, healing rooms, and inner healing ministry Sozo. 

Beni, you will be missed but we look forward to seeing you healed and whole in the arms of your Savior.