Albert William Luepnitz, who passed away on February 13, 2025, at the age of 99, led a life marked by profound transformation and unwavering dedication to faith. A former U.S. Army criminal investigator, Albert experienced a pivotal spiritual awakening at the age of 55, which set him on a path of ministry and service that spanned continents.
In the United States, he ministered to gang members in Florida, offering guidance and hope to those seeking a new direction. His commitment to sharing the message of Jesus Christ took him to Colombia, where he became known for his work in areas affected by conflict. Through his ministry, he witnessed and facilitated remarkable transformations, including instances of healing and deliverance, leading many to embrace faith.
His legacy is one of courage, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to serving others. Albert’s life serves as an inspiration to all who seek to make a difference through faith and action.
Albert’s Celebration of Life Service
We invite you to read the following account from 2017, an example of Albert’s faithfulness to Christ to the end. He lived to the age of ninety-nine—eight more years after he received the award.
COLOMBIA, 2017—At age ninety-one, Albert Luepnitz just finished another ministry tour in which a large number of military officers, including top generals (retired and active), responded and were deeply touched by the Lord. Albert received military awards and honors from the Army, Air Force, the National Police, and the Navy. The first spiritual encounters have begun between converted guerrilla leaders and converted generals as they encourage one another with the testimony of what Jesus Christ has done in their lives. This cuts directly through more than half a century of violence, hatred, and mistrust. This is the beginning of a new day!
Reported by Albert Luepnitz (2017)
Colonel Pedro Javier Rojas, representing the Colombian military and the government, came to meet with me at Russell’s residence in late January 2017. He and his wife were very gracious, and to my utmost surprise, quickly spoke that he was selected to present a unique award to me. His coming was particularly heartwarming as he had been one that I had previously prayed for over the phone at Russell’s request. He was wonderfully healed. Now, before proceeding with his mission, Javier asked if I would also pray for his lovely wife, who was in pain. Gladly, I took her before the Lord, and she was healed of the back pain after one leg that was 2 inches short grew out right before her eyes.
Then the colonel explained his actual reason for coming and apologized for being late. It seems that he was preparing to leave for Asia as the military adjunct to the Colombian Embassy. He related, to my surprise, that the military had a dossier on me, and I had become known as “The Paul of Colombia.” This was particularly fitting because of the award he was sent to present. Then he read to me a passage of Scripture concerning the apostle Paul, who was being referred to in the newly adapted military manual that was just released. It includes and explains their new directives and mission. This has a lot to do with peace and human rights as the stated mission of the military. He had autographed a copy of the manual and, in giving it to me, explained that I was lovingly considered a special agent, a “Paul” who has ministered mightily to our troops over the last thirty-three years. It seems that my message of forgiveness and the ability to affect divine encounters have made a significant impact on Colombia.
Javier said this also resulted in me being able to engage in the peace treaty efforts to help bring about a victory for all of Colombia. Then the colonel, with tears in his eyes, proceeded to remove from his pocket a beautiful gold medallion, which, prior to me, had only been given to Russell Stendal.
It seems that the Colombian army recently changed its entire doctrine or code of conduct that governs every person and every unit in order to adapt to the new period of post-conflict. The new doctrine is named “Damascus,” inspired by the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. I was being awarded this special Damascus Gold Medallion for our successful work, which led to the conversion of many. We continue to receive many testimonies from soldiers and police whose lives have been transformed, all glory to God.
Albert faithfully ministered to gang members in Jacksonville, Florida, and traveled to Colombia often until the end of his life, pouring out his life for Christ.
He will always be an inspiration to us all for finishing well as a witness for Christ.
