Faith, obedience & perseverance

Early in his ministry, Reinhard Bonnke felt a strong call from God to preach in Africa. When he first started organizing evangelistic meetings, attendance was often small — sometimes just a handful of people in a large tent that could seat thousands.

One day, discouraged by the sight of so many empty chairs, Bonnke prayed, asking God why so few were coming. In that quiet moment, he sensed the Holy Spirit say to him:

“Reinhard, my word is not going to return void. Preach as if the tent is full — and I will fill it.”

So the next night, even though only a small crowd showed up, Bonnke preached with the same passion and energy as if there were thousands. He spoke to the empty chairs as if they were full of people who needed Jesus.

Over time, the crowds began to grow — hundreds, then thousands, then tens of thousands. Eventually, Bonnke’s meetings drew millions, and his ministry, Christ for All Nations (CfaN), recorded over 79 million documented decisions for Christ before his passing.

Bonnke would later say:

“Faith is not believing when you see; faith is acting on God’s Word when you don’t see.”

This story became a symbol of his life’s message — bold faith, obedience, and perseverance even when circumstances seemed empty.