A Divine Encounter That Changed the Course of Evangelism
Some moments in history appear ordinary, yet they carry eternal significance. This remarkable story from the life of Reinhard Bonnke is one of those moments—a powerful reminder that God orchestrates divine appointments, spiritual impartation, and Kingdom legacy with incredible precision.
In January 1962, a young German exchange student was studying at the Bible College of Wales in Swansea. Before returning home, he decided to take an unplanned sightseeing walk through the streets of London.
During his walk, something caught his attention.
On the front of a house was a simple nameplate:
“George Jeffreys.”
The young student wondered, “Could this be the same George Jeffreys—the legendary Pentecostal evangelist who founded the Elim Pentecostal Churches?”
Compelled by curiosity—and perhaps by the leading of the Holy Spirit—he rang the doorbell.
A woman answered.
“Pardon my intrusion, ma’am. Does George Jeffreys, the famous evangelist, live here?”
“Yes,” she replied.
“May I see him?”
“No. Under no circumstances.”
The conversation seemed over.
Then suddenly, a deep voice echoed from inside the house:
“Let the young man come in.”
A Father Blessing a Son
The young visitor entered and introduced himself.
He shared that God had called him to become an evangelist and preach the Gospel throughout Africa. He explained that he had been studying at the Bible College of Wales and was now returning to Germany.
What happened next would shape the future of world evangelism.
George Jeffreys suddenly took the young man by the shoulders, knelt on the floor, and gently pulled him down beside him.
Placing his hands upon the young evangelist’s head, Jeffreys prayed over him—not with a casual prayer, but with the depth of a spiritual father blessing a spiritual son.
Later, Reinhard Bonnke described it like this:
“The room seemed to light up with the glory of God.”
He recalled feeling as though divine power flowed through his body—electrified with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
For nearly thirty minutes, the aged evangelist poured out blessing, impartation, and prayer.
When it was over, Bonnke helped the frail George Jeffreys to his feet.
Jeffreys could barely stand because of age.
Bonnke could barely stand because he had encountered the power of God.
The Final Assignment
As Bonnke’s train arrived in his hometown, his father met him at the station with unexpected news.
George Jeffreys had passed away.
The blessing Reinhard Bonnke had just received became one of the final earthly prayers offered by one of Pentecostalism’s greatest pioneers.
It was as though one generation had faithfully handed the torch to the next.
A Legacy That Reached Millions
Reinhard Bonnke would go on to become one of history’s greatest healing evangelists.
Through Christ for All Nations (CfaN), he preached the Gospel across Africa and beyond, witnessing millions publicly confess Jesus Christ as Lord.
His ministry became known for bold evangelism, miraculous healings, and an uncompromising passion for reaching the lost.
Looking back, it is impossible not to see God’s fingerprints on that unexpected stop in London.
An unplanned walk.
A simple nameplate.
A doorbell.
One prayer.
One impartation.
And a global harvest followed.
What This Story Teaches Us
This story reminds every believer that God works through divine appointments.
Never underestimate a seemingly ordinary encounter.
Never overlook the prayers of seasoned men and women of God.
Never despise spiritual fathers and mothers who carry decades of faithfulness.
One conversation, one blessing, one moment in God’s presence can alter the destiny of a person—and through them, the destiny of nations.
God is intentional.
His timing is perfect.
His assignments are never accidental.
A Beautiful Thought
I often wonder if heaven has an “instant replay.”
If it does, imagine the reunion.
George Jeffreys welcoming Reinhard Bonnke through the gates of glory—the elder who blessed a young man on earth now embracing the evangelist who fulfilled that heavenly assignment.
What a glorious reunion that must have been.
