“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah 1:5 ESV

The late German-born evangelist Reinhard Bonnke was a powerful, Holy Spirit–filled servant of God whom the Lord used to bring millions of souls to Christ. Through his ministry, especially in Africa, multitudes came to know the saving grace of Jesus. It is said that nearly 80 million souls responded to the Gospel through his crusades. Even today, the work of the Holy Spirit through this ministry continues, touching lives not only in Africa but around the world.

Reinhard Bonnke once shared a powerful testimony about how God chose his family and eventually prepared the way for his own ministry.

The Bonnke family lived in a village in East Germany. August Bonnke, the grandfather of Reinhard Bonnke, was suffering from a mysterious disease that doctors could not diagnose. All his joints were swollen and inflamed. He suffered excruciating pain and cried out day and night for years.

One day in 1922, an American missionary named Louis Graf from the Assemblies of God lost his way in the enormous forests nearby. These missionaries were filled with the Holy Spirit, and wherever they went they prayed for the sick and witnessed mighty miracles.

When Louis Graf arrived in the village, the first question he asked was simple:

“Is there anyone here who is sick?”

Someone led him to the house of August Bonnke.

When the missionary entered the house, he came with bold faith, like a blazing lantern in a dark place. The villagers watched with skepticism, doubt, and even resentment.

Yet the missionary boldly declared that the power of the Holy Spirit can make all things new. Then he prayed and commanded in the name of Jesus that the sick body be made well.

At that moment, August Bonnke felt a surge of heaven’s power move through his body. He leapt from his sickbed and stood trembling, like a prisoner whose chains had suddenly fallen off. He looked at his arms and legs as if iron chains had just been struck away from them.

He touched the joints that had once been swollen and inflamed, and they were restored—strong and supple again.

His wife, Marie, who had faithfully cared for him for years, began to weep with joy.

August began to walk… then to run… then to leap and shout with overwhelming gratitude. Only moments earlier he could not even endure the slightest touch on his skin because of the pain. Now he embraced his wife with tears streaming down his face.

He was completely healed. He was free indeed.

Not only did August and Marie Bonnke give their lives to Jesus that day, but many others who witnessed this powerful demonstration of God’s power also turned their hearts to the Lord.

Later, the son of August Bonnke, Hermann Bonnke, became a pastor. His son, Reinhard Bonnke, was chosen by God to become a great evangelist who would bring the Gospel to millions across Africa.

What seemed like a simple misdirection—one missionary losing his way in the forest—became a turning point that changed one family and later impacted countless lives across the world.

In truth, Louis Graf did not actually lose his way in the forest. He was participating in God’s divine purpose to locate the Bonnke family.

This testimony reminds us that God has a purpose for every life. At times it may seem as though you are lost or forgotten, but God has a plan to find you.

The Bible says that you were first an idea in the mind of God. He knew you even before you were formed in your mother’s womb. This means you were conceived in the heart and mind of the Almighty long before you were conceived in your mother’s womb.

God can reroute someone’s path, give someone sleepless nights, change someone’s plans, move someone to a different place, or make someone uncomfortable —all for the purpose of finding you and leading you into the destiny He has prepared for your life.

He knows exactly where you are.

He knows the place where you live.

He knows the pain that hurts your heart.

And the power of the Holy Spirit is able to find you, restore you, and set you free—so that you may fulfill the purpose of God for your life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for knowing me even before I was formed in my mother’s womb. Help me to trust that my life is in Your hands and that Your plans for me are perfect. Even when I feel lost or uncertain, remind me that You know exactly where I am. Lead me by Your Spirit and help me walk in the purpose You have prepared for my life.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.