Televangelist Benny Hinn and his wife Suzanne Hinn remarried on March 3rd, 2013, at the Holyland Experience in Orlando after three years of separation.
Pastor Jack Hayford and renowned evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, a charismatic German preacher known for his ministry outreach in Africa, officiated the remarriage ceremony attended by more than 1000 well-wishers.
According to Reinhard Bonnke, the miracle of this remarriage was even greater than the miracle of any marriage.
Benny Hinn had married Suzanne on August 4, 1979, and she later divorced him in 2010.
The popular televangelist and wife Suzanne divorced after her struggles with some prescription medicine caused problems in their marriage.
Suzanne initiated the divorce proceedings from the well-known pastor, known for his advocacy of the prosperity gospel.
As expected, news of their divorce attracted millions of followers as well as criticism from legislators and watchdog organizations due to his lavish lifestyle.
Suzanne Hinn submitted the legal documents in Orange County Superior Court on February 1, 2010, citing irreconcilable differences, after more than three decades of marriage.
The paperwork indicated that the couple separated on January 26, 2010, but they filed the papers about a week later.
Don Price, the longtime senior advisor to Benny Hinn Ministries issued a statement saying, “Pastor Benny Hinn and his immediate family were shocked and saddened to learn of this news without any previous notice.”
The couple at the time had been married for more than 30 years.
“Although Pastor Hinn has faithfully endeavored to bring healing to their relationship, those efforts failed and were met with the petition for divorce that was filed without notice,” Don said.
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Causes of Benny Hinn Divorce
Pastor Benny Hinn attributed the end of their marriage then to two primary factors. First, he noted that upon being called into ministry, he made a solemn vow to dedicate himself entirely to serving Jesus.
However, the demands of his global ministry inadvertently took a significant toll on his marriage.
Initially, he placed his ministry above his family, a decision he now acknowledges as erroneous. He later revealed that he came to the realization that his priorities should be ordered as follows: God first, then family, and finally, ministry.
The second factor that contributed to the breakdown of their marriage dates to 1997 when Suzanne faced personal struggles that led her to seek a three-week medical evaluation.
Unfortunately, she received a misdiagnosis and was prescribed various medications to manage her issues.
Tragically, she developed a dependence on these drugs over the course of nearly 15 years. Suzanne recounts how these medications, instead of aiding her, inflicted emotional harm and occasionally led to erratic behavior.
Pastor Benny was unaware of the extent of her medication usage and the adverse effects they had on her physical and emotional well-being.
Emotional Damage After Divorce
“We spent three decades together, but amidst the hustle of life, we lost sight of each other. Then came three years of separation.
In that time apart, we both tasted the bitter reality of life without one another—the seething anger, the piercing pain, the lingering bitterness. It was a tumultuous period, a storm we weathered alone,” Hinn shared during a past interview.
Reflecting on the aftermath, Suzanne revealed the emotional turmoil she experienced after signing the divorce papers, recounting a moment where she sought solace at a friend’s house, only to collapse in distress.
She now acknowledged that divorcing Benny was, in essence, a plea for his attention and assistance during her time of need.
“But amidst the chaos, a realization dawned on us both. Life apart was not the happier existence we imagined. We yearned for the comfort of each other’s presence, for t`he warmth of familiar love.”
“And so, we found our way back to each other, clinging tightly as if there were no other option but to stay together,” Hinn said.
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Transformation Journey
In the weeks leading up to the remarriage, Benny Hinn shared with his audience the journey that led to their reconciliation, describing a transformative experience during a Christmas gathering at Suzanne’s house in Orlando.
It was until Christmas of 2011 that the reconciliation truly started. Suzanne had the family over for Christmas, including Benny. Benny says he saw “the girl he married,” and they began communicating more.
“It was a beautiful day I will never forget, and that is when the Lord began to do His mighty work,” Benny expressed.
Hinn said that Suzanne later forgave him, and he forgave her too, for the unpleasant experiences they had during their divorce.
He admitted that they had been quite nasty to each other during that time, which he described as one of the worst experiences of his life. He emphasized that they had been vicious towards each other, which was regrettable.
Reflecting on their experience, Hinn remarked on the thin line between love and hate.
He recalled hearing from a friend named Fred Brown that love, and hate were closely intertwined, a notion he initially doubted but eventually found to be true.
Hinn stressed the importance of protecting their love, as it was easy to slip into hating the same person they once loved.
“Love and hate have a very thin border, so we have to protect our love because we can easily, easily slip back into hating that same person,” Hinn said.
The couple is blessed with four children, three daughters – Jessica, Natasha , Eleasha Hinn and a son – Joshua Hinn.
