Daniel Bourdanné, former General Secretary of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), has died from cancer, aged 64.
Born in Chad, Bourdanné moved to Oxford in 2007 to lead IFES for 12 years – and from then to his death he worked with charity Africa Speaks to promote publishing Christian books across the continent. IFES Chair Michel Kenmogne said: ‘The history of the advance of the gospel throughout the world over the last four decades cannot be written without mentioning Daniel Bourdanné.’
Las Newman, the Global Associate Director for Regions for the Lausanne Movement, commented: ‘Daniel was truly an inspirational leader. His wise and gentle style of leading was an inspiration and encouragement not only to many emerging leaders in Africa, but also around the world. He was an effective Bible teacher, scientist, organizational development coach, and author of six books. As an African leader, he has left an outstanding legacy of Christian leadership which has been shared with the global church.’
Vice President of Africa Speaks Jules Ouoba said, ‘Dr Bourdanné was a humble and deeply cherished friend, an exceptional leader, and a devoted servant for whom no sacrifice was too great in service to the Lord.’
The son of a pastor, Bourdanné was born in 1959, in Pala, Mayo-Kebbi Ouest, Chad. His childhood was shaped by civil war in the country, and by the loss of his father when he was just ten - whose death forced him to work in the fields, chopping wood and raising vegetables for his mother to sell.
After attending university, he began working as a high school biology teacher, however mission work had long been in his heart. ‘At the age of 14 in a Bible study on Revelation 1, I first grasped the vision and passion to see students saved for the Lord,’ he is quoted as saying by Christianity Today.
In 1990, Bourdanné began working with IFES as a traveling secretary, and in 1996 was appointed regional secretary for IFES Francophone Africa (GBUAF). He became General Secretary for the wider IFES movement in 2007 – which was a momentous appointment.
‘Daniel was one of the first from Francophone Africa to lead a global, multilingual organisation. His appointment reflected how the make-up of the global church and its leadership was shifting,’ Lindsay Brown, former IFES General Secretary, commented in a statement on the IFES website. ‘And given that Chad was one of the world’s poorest countries at the time, it is testimony to the grace and goodness of God that a weak national economy is not a hindrance to God raising up leaders to serve Him in His global church.’
IFES grew significantly during his 12-year tenure, especially in the diversity of its leadership. Daniel Bourdanné also served the Lausanne Movement in many capacities, including on their Board.
He is survived by his wife Halimatou, Youssoufou-Bourndanné, and his children Tamibé, Salamatou, Oumarou and Rosine.
