"He was diagnosed with skin cancer in June and underwent treatment. In the past few days, Rob became very tired and was taken into hospital on Wednesday" November 7, said Share Jesus International (SJI), the mission organization the British evangelist founded.
"He was in no pain but gradually drifted into eternity with liver failure as a result of secondary melanoma," the group explained. Rob Frost leaves behind his wife Jacqui, his two sons Andy and Chris and his father Ronald, SJI added. Family members and friends were at his bed side moments before he died, said Jacqui Frost, in a statement.
"Sadly at 11.40 am last night [Sunday, November 11] Rob’s liver could no longer function and he passed into glory to be with Jesus," from London’s St George’s Hospital, she added. She said he told her earlier this year that he expected to pass away soon. "On the last evening of ‘Easter People’ [an annual Christian conference] this year, Rob preached and as he left the platform he was sad that this would be the last Easter People…but he believed God said to him, "…you will not be here next year Rob". We thank God for this preparation even though the knowledge has been difficult."
RELEASE INTERNATIONAL
His death came as a major setback for several others, including Release International (RI), an agency aimed at supporting persecuted Christians throughout the world. As RI’s president, he recently visited China to produce the DVD ‘Pray for China’ investigating the situation of underground churches and Christian leaders who say they continue to face severe restrictions, as pastors and individual Christians are still being arrested and imprisoned.
"China needs our prayer. This emerging superpower, host of next year’s Olympics, is home to the largest underground church in the world," Frost said at the time. "These unregistered house churches have experienced incredible church growth over recent years – but still face many challenges ahead. Please join me in prayer and action for China’s Christians."
He also presented the evangelical Premier Radio’s flagship current affairs program ‘Frost on Sunday’ and his weekly television show on the GOD TV network titled ‘The Frost Debate’. "Rob was a great author, presenter, visionary, leader, evangelist, and preacher and he will be greatly missed by the GOD TV family around the world," said the international network founders Rory and Wendy Alec.
REGULAR TEACHER
In addition, Frost lectured in mission and evangelism at London School of Theology and was a regular teacher at theological institutions throughout the UK. The multi-talented Frost also wrote up to 25 books and produced and toured with musicals, including Hopes and Dreams. "One of the last projects Rob has been working on is the Pentecost Festival which will take place May 9-11, 2008," SJI said.
His son "Andy Frost and the office team will continue to make this dream become a reality and Robs vision will continue to have an impact across this nation," the group said, referring to the United Kingdom.
Rob Frost was "one of the bright light champions for evangelical witness, evangelistic fervor and creativity; an outstanding pioneer," said Rev. Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance UK, which represents evangelical Christians.
"FONDLY REMEMBERED"
However, "Rob will be fondly remembered not just for what he did, but his sense of humor, his stories, his love for people, depth of compassion and his zest for life," SJI stressed.
His family said there would be a funeral service in London’s Raynes Park for close friends and family members within in the next 10 days.
In January there will be a "celebration" service remembering Rob Frost’s life for a larger public, the family added. Details were to be announced shortly.
