Suffering and Awakening
John G. Lake's journey of faith began in the late 19th century, marked by personal tragedy and profound spiritual awakening. Born in St. Marys, Ontario, in 1870 and later settling in Michigan, Lake was no stranger to suffering. Eight of his siblings succumbed to disease, and he himself endured rheumatism. Yet, at 16, he experienced a life-changing encounter with God, declaring, 'The light of heaven broke into my soul.' This moment set him on a path that would impact countless lives.
To South Africa
In 1908, compelled by a profound sense of calling, Lake journeyed to South Africa with his family and fellow minister Thomas Hezmalhalch. There, he co-founded the Apostolic Faith Mission, a move that catalyzed the spread of Pentecostalism across the region. Despite personal loss—his wife Jennie passed away just months into their mission—Lake pressed on, driven by the conviction that Jesus was the healer of all. During a 1910 plague, Lake and his team courageously buried the dead, untouched by the disease, attributing their protection to God's power.
The Divine Healing Rooms
After returning to the United States in 1913, Lake established the 'Divine Healing Rooms' in Spokane, Washington. Reports of miraculous healings poured in, with over 100,000 documented cases from 1915 to 1920. The federal government even referred to Spokane as the 'healthiest city in the world.' The Better Business Bureau investigated these claims, only to find verifiable evidence of healing.
Jesus the Healer
Through it all, Lake's teachings emphasized that God was the ultimate healer. He declared, 'Jesus healed all who came to Him,' underscoring his unwavering belief in divine healing. His legacy continues to inspire faith and trust in Jesus as the source of all healing, both physical and spiritual.
