Early Calling to Africa
Reinhard Bonnke was born on April 19, 1940, in Königsberg, East Prussia, Germany. At a young age, he experienced a profound calling. At just nine, after a conversation with his mother, he committed his life to Jesus. By ten, Reinhard sensed a divine call to serve as a missionary in Africa, a vision that would guide his life's work.
Divine Vision: Africa Shall Be Saved
After his studies at the Bible College of Wales, where he was inspired by Samuel Rees Howells' emphasis on faith and answered prayer, Reinhard began pastoring in Germany. Yet, his heart remained tethered to Africa. In 1967, he moved to Lesotho, beginning his missionary journey. His early years were challenging, with little fruit from his efforts. But a recurring dream changed everything. Reinhard dreamed of a map of Africa washed in blood and heard God's voice say, 'Africa Shall Be Saved.'
Mass Evangelism Crusades Transform Africa
This vision propelled him to found Christ for All Nations (CfaN) in 1974. Despite initial struggles, including a small tent meeting in Botswana starting with just 100 attendees, Reinhard's faith and God's faithfulness saw attendance grow as word spread of miraculous healings. His campaigns expanded from tents to open-air gatherings, with millions attending meetings across Africa. Notably, a single service in Lagos, Nigeria, in November 2000, drew an astonishing 1.6 million people.
Legacy of Faith and Obedience
Reinhard's ministry was marked by reported healings and deliverance. He emphasized, 'Faith is the daring of the soul to go further than it can see.' His life demonstrated this, as he obeyed God's call and witnessed millions come to faith in Jesus.
Reinhard Bonnke's legacy is one of unyielding faith and obedience to God's call. His vision, 'Africa Shall Be Saved,' became a reality through God's power working through him. Today, his impact continues through the ongoing work of CfaN, led by his successor, Daniel Kolenda. Reinhard's story inspires believers to trust in Jesus and step out in faith, believing in the transformative power of the Gospel.
