(Photo: YouTube/Kenneth Copeland Ministries)
In an intimate ceremony, senior leader of Bethel Church, Bill Johnson, has tied the knot with Linda Francoeur, marking a new chapter four years after the passing of his first wife, Beni Johnson. The wedding took place on August 18, following a heartfelt proposal during Johnson’s 75th birthday celebration.
The ceremony was officiated by Kris Vallotton, another senior leader at the Redding, California-based charismatic church, as reported by Protestia.
Johnson, who is currently taking a four-month sabbatical from his church duties, publicly shared news of his engagement while speaking at Kenneth Copeland’s Southwest Believers’ Convention. During the announcement, he invited Francoeur to stand as he told the audience, “I am engaged to be married,” prompting cheers from the crowd.
Recalling his birthday proposal, Johnson explained his motivation stemmed from the strong bond Francoeur had formed with his family. “We have such an incredible time as a family. … Linda loves my family so much, my family is so crazy about her that I thought, ‘I’m going to do the unusual. I’m going to propose at my birthday party,’” he shared.
Johnson’s children expressed their delight at the engagement, and he recounted the proposal moment: “And I went down on a knee. I’m not going to right now, but I went down on a knee. If I do it now with tears and all, I’ll be a mess,” he humorously added as Francoeur blew him kisses.
Addressing the Bethel congregation, Johnson praised Francoeur for her “deep, deep compassion” and her role as a “great strength” in his life, while making it clear that his new marriage wasn’t about replacing Beni Johnson. “She’s not going to be filling Beni’s shoes. That’s impossible,” he stated, emphasizing that Francoeur would bring her own qualities to their partnership.
Beni Johnson, who passed away in July 2022 at age 67, had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. Despite medical interventions, including chemotherapy and a 24/7 prayer campaign by Bethel Church, her condition worsened, leading to her eventual passing.
Bill Johnson commemorated his late wife with a social media tribute, sharing a photo accompanied by the words, “Healthy and Free.” The couple had co-led Bethel Church since 1996, nurturing a family of three children and 11 grandchildren.
Bethel Church, recognized for its focus on supernatural healing and prophecy, continues to attract thousands to its Redding campus and beyond. Bill Johnson’s leadership has been pivotal to its global reach and influence since he began his tenure in 1996.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
