Pastor Rony Tan, the founder and former Senior Pastor of Lighthouse Evangelism, passed away peacefully in the early hours of September 16 at the age of 79.

His son, Pastor Pacer Tan, Senior Pastor of Lighthouse Evangelism, shared in a Facebook post a week ago that the family discovered recently that Pastor Rony had had “a large tumour, with much complexity” on top of suffering from debilitating sciatic nerve pain for the past two years.

“I will always remember my dad as a fiery evangelist, incredibly anointed and gifted,” Pastor Pacer told Salt&Light. “But most of all, I remember Dad for being a faithful husband and a dedicated father.”

Pastor Rony leaves behind his wife, Kwee Hong, their son Pacer who is married to Katherine, and their daughter Tracy who is married to Gareth. They have four grandchildren – Racer, Rainbow, Eden and Ezekiel.

A memorial service will be held instead of wake services, Pastor Pacer said. Details will be provided by the family in the coming days.

Served for more than 40 years

Pastor Rony’s spiritual legacy includes not only Lighthouse Evangelism but also mass healing services overseas.

In 1979, while preparing for his first mass healing crusade, God spoke to Pastor Rony in a clear audible voice:”Son, I’ll use you to shake the nations!” 

In the last 20 years since, Pastor Rony has gone all over the world, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, India, Japan, Australia, Fiji, Israel, Canada and the USA, to proclaim the Gospel and demonstrate that Jesus is still our Healer.

An author of numerous books – including his remarkable autobiography, A Meaningful Life – he was also a songwriter who has recorded 10 albums.

“The large tumour in Dad’s small intestines had spread and he did not want an operation or chemotherapy as he desired to go Home to God,” Pastor Pacer told Salt&Light. “In Dad’s final nine days, a family member was with him nearly every moment in the hospital, who helped to manage the pain well. So it was a relief for the family that he was comfortable.”

To the many who had been keeping Pastor Rony in prayer in his last days, Pastor Pacer said: “I know this news might come as a shock to some of you. But I have been preparing him to meet our Lord whom He has served for more than 40 years.

“I want you to take comfort that Ps Rony longs for Home.”

A pioneer in powerful healing evangelism

An outpouring of love has been steadily pouring in at the news of Pastor Rony’s passing.

LoveSingapore said in an Instagram post: “We honour the life and legacy of Pastor Rony Tan, an anointed healing evangelist, beloved Pastor, and visionary founder of Lighthouse Evangelism. His Spirit-filled ministry, unwavering dedication, and passion for evangelism have profoundly impacted countless lives and will continue to inspire generations to come.”

“As we remember his contribution to the Kingdom, our thoughts and prayers are with his cherished family during this time of loss, including his son Pacer Tan, who now leads the church his father founded.

“We stand with them, grateful for the blessing Pastor Rony has been to our nation.”

Pastor Derek Hong, Senior Pastor at Good Gifts City Church, told Salt&Light: “The church in Singapore says farewell to another giant. Pastor Rony was a pioneer in powerful healing evangelism. I pray his legacy will be built upon for great harvests of souls into God’s kingdom.”

Pastor Kong Hee of City Harvest Church added: “Pastor Rony was truly a hero of faith. I was just a youth when he preached at the Miracle Rally at the National Theatre, where the healings and miracles were dramatic and undeniable. As one of the pioneers of healing evangelism in Singapore, he has faithfully stayed true to his calling.

“(My wife) Sun Ho and I are honoured to have known him as both a friend and an older brother in ministry. He has led countless people to Christ, and his reward in heaven will surely be great.”

Lay Pastor Sebastian Quek of Covenant Evangelical Free Church recalled: “When I was a teenager, I attended his rallies. He was a passionate servant of the Lord, a man used by God to heal many by faith. I also attended his healing services for my back pain and my mum for her medical condition. God has used him to touch many lives.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants. (Psalm 116:15)”

Rev Dr Francis Khoo, Founder and Senior Pastor of Covenant Vision Christian Church, told Salt&Light: “I remember a time in 1998, I had just started full-time ministry then. It was in Thomson Plaza’s car park. I heard my name being called and I turned around to see this amazing giant of faith.

“The next 20 or so minutes were so precious to me as he encouraged and shared precious practical advice about healing the sick. We had met previously, but at that time I hardly knew him, but he had apparently heard about my involvement in the healing ministry. Such a humble man and such a great encourager.

“Indeed God had great plans for this servant when he was formed in his mother’s womb. God has ordained him and prepared much good works for him to do. This servant did his work magnificently in the church and the community.

“The impact of his ministry is felt far and wide, not only in Singapore but in many parts of the world. Pastor Rony has left a great example for young and old as well as a tremendous legacy to his children and his children’s children.”