Luis Palau was one of the most well-known and admired Evangelists. After a three year battle with lung cancer, Palau passed away on Mar. 11 2021 at age 86.

The Christian leader was born on Nov. 27 1934 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After his father passed away when he was 10, he began working as his family’s sole provider by working at a bank. Palau devoted his life to Jesus Christ when he was 12 years old. The Argentina native got his ministry inspiration from Billy Graham, hearing him for the first time on the radio when he was a teenager.

Later in life, Palau went on to work for Billy Graham as an evangelist and Spanish translator. Graham helped Palau start his ministry by providing start-up financial aid and guidance. Palau started building his ministries throughout the 1970s in Oregon.

Known for his massive Evangelical events, Palau dedicated his life to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ worldwide. What made his ministry so unique was the type of crowd brought in. Palau acquired the young adult population through his active and modern evangelism. The international population was becoming familiar with him from his public speaking events in over 75 countries. Many were drawn to his Spanish radio programs carried by over 800 stations in 25 countries. The range of these demographics was more than most ministries typically attained.

Palau’s kind efforts went beyond ministry. The evangelist recruited thousands of volunteers from various churches to help improve numerous public schools. He collaborated with many secular leaders to help combat the prevalent problem of hunger and homelessness in Portland, OR., organizing several volunteer events and numerous call-to-action to the church. Although Palau was involved in addressing homelessness by working with politicians, he never got involved in politics or expressed his party affiliation.

On Jan. 18 2018, Palau shared via Facebook that he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in Nov 2018. He assured his treatment was going well and that he was continuing to trust in God. However, in Feb. 2021 his health started to decline, and he went into hospice care to live out the last days of his illness. Palau later passed away on Mar. 11.

Andrew Palau carries on his father’s legacy of spreading the Gospel through his instrumental role in this year’s Space Coast City Fest in Brevard County, FL. The evangelist campaign is a two-day event consisting of over 200 churches, music artists, and organizations. The outdoor event from The Palau Association was the first since the Covid-19 pandemic started last year. Andrew has always been an inspirational leader in their family’s association. In addition to having his weekly podcast, Andrew has served as a campaign director, church relations manager, and worldwide outreach minister through The Palau Association. Andrew has also been a tremendous help in expanding his father’s digital ministry, bringing in over 920,000 new commitments to Jesus last year through their “Hope with God” online program during the somber times of Covid-19.

Luis Palau’s mission of teaching God’s word globally and helping all of those in need along the way is incredibly inspirational. Palau’s legacy of compassion and servitude will carry on in the lives of those he’s impacted.

“When you face the perils or weariness, carelessness, and confusion, don’t pray for an easier life. Pray instead to be a stronger man or woman of God.”
-Luis Palau