Humble Beginnings
William Branham's journey to faith began in humble circumstances, born on April 6, 1909, in a log cabin in Kentucky. Raised in poverty, with an alcoholic father, Branham had little exposure to religion during his early years near Jeffersonville, Indiana. Despite experiencing visions and hearing a mysterious voice from a young age, he initially resisted any divine calling. It wasn't until a severe accident at 14 and a later incident involving gas poisoning at his job that he began to seriously contemplate a relationship with God.
Finding Faith
In 1929, while recovering in the hospital, Branham heard a voice that urged him to seek God, prompting him to attend the First Pentecostal Baptist Church in Jeffersonville. There, at around the age of twenty-one, he embraced Christianity and was baptized by Dr. Roy Davis. His baptism marked a turning point, and just six months later, Branham was ordained as an Independent Baptist minister.
A Voice From Heaven
A significant moment in Branham's life occurred on June 11, 1933, when he was baptizing converts in the Ohio River. According to Branham and contemporaneous news reports, a bright light appeared, and he heard a divine voice proclaiming, "As John the Baptist was sent to forerun the first coming of Jesus Christ, so your message will forerun His second coming." This experience solidified his mission and set the stage for his ministry's rapid expansion.
Worldwide Revival
On May 7, 1946, Branham described an angelic visitation that commissioned him to a worldwide ministry, promising him the ability to diagnose diseases and discern the secrets of men's hearts. His ministry, marked by miraculous healings and large gatherings, became a cornerstone of the post-World War II healing revival. Branham's inter-denominational meetings attracted thousands, and his work reached audiences across North America, Europe, Africa, and India.
Despite the complexities and controversies surrounding his teachings, Branham's impact was undeniable. He attributed every miracle and healing to Jesus, ensuring that all glory was directed to God. His story remains a testament to the transformative power of divine calling.
