It is with a mix of sorrow, hope and even joy that we announce the passing of our dear brother Wilner Cornely. Wilner faithfully breathed his last and triumphantly finished his race on March 18, 2015.From Boston to Paris, from Haiti to Johannesburg, from New York to Mauritius, from Madagascar to Phoenix, Chicago, Detroit and Jamaica - these are just some of the places served by Wilner and Chantal Cornely in their 30-plus years in the ministry. From the standpoint of our global fellowship, Wilner and Chantal are arguably among the most prolific and faithful missionaries within our churches. Quite literally thousands of disciples across the world owe their salvation and well- being as Christians to the preaching, teaching, counseling and shepherding of this amazing couple.
Wilner was a man known for his faithfulness and deep devotion to God. In the region in which he served in Johannesburg, South Africa, he was known among the disciples simply as "The Prophet". One time after speaking there, I happened to mention that we knew and had worked with Wilner and Chantal. Afterward a line of people, many with tears in their eyes, approached us to tell the stories of how the Cornelys had impacted their lives. Many asked, "So you know the prophet?" Even into the last weeks of his life Wilner took the stage and preached a final sermon. As always, his words were filled with enthusiasm for God's mission, faithfulness and deep conviction.
Wherever the Cornelys have served they have built family upon a foundation of Christ-like love. Marci and I had the privilege of working side by side with Wilner and Chantal for five years in the North region of the Chicago Church. We spent much time together in prayer and in dreaming of all that God might do to build His Church. For more than three decades this has been the passion of Wilner and Chantal. Those years forged a friendship that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Finally – At one point in our time working with the Cornelys I had learned that every morning for 20 years Wilner would wake up between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. to spend an hour in prayer before he would get up and spend time in God's Word. That was his time, he said, "To thank God for His goodness and to pray for the people God had called him to serve." This simple act of devotion summarizes the heart of this man whom we will miss and whom we celebrate at this hour.
Please lift up Chantal, Fred, Michael, Nikki and Gino in your prayers. Though they mourn the loss of their dear husband and father, they are assured of the reward he has attained in Christ. As we all mourn this loss, let us also rejoice and remember a life lived well and finished well by our dear brother Wilner Cornely. Amen.Memorial service details
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Thursday, March 26, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Open invitation wake/visitation at Donnellan Funeral Home
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Friday, March 27, 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Private funeral services and burial (invite-only and those traveling from outside the Midwest) at Donnellan Funeral Home
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Friday, March 27, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Private luncheon at the Lakeview Center, Wilmette Park District
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Saturday, March 28, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Open invitation memorial service at Timothy Christian School Auditorium
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Address for Donnellan Funeral Home: 10045 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL
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Address for Timothy Christian School: 188 West Butterfield Rd. Elmhurst, IL
Lodging in Skokie is available at the Double Tree Hotel and Hampton Inn near the funeral home. O'Hare International is the closest airport.
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