In the early years, Bonnke held meetings in a tent that accommodated just 800 people. But, as attendance steadily increased, larger and larger tents had to be purchased, until finally, in 1984, he commissioned the construction of the world’s largest mobile structure—a tent capable of seating 34,000 people! To transport this mountain of canvas and steel required the use of 19 semitrucks which presented a financial dilemma for Bonnke, who turned to his Christian colleagues around the world. Among the religious organizations that came to Bonnke’s aid was KCM, which financed the purchase of two of the needed semitrucks.
Today, KCM continues to share in the last-days harvests by supporting the mass evangelism campaigns conducted by Christ for all Nations, now under the leadership of Daniel Kolenda. A modern-day missionary evangelist, Kolenda has led more than 21 million people to Christ face-to-face through massive open-air evangelistic campaigns in some of the most dangerous, difficult and remote locations on earth.
“Years ago,” Reinhard recalled during an interview, “the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, 'Reinhard, you are going to plunder hell and populate heaven for Calvary’s sake.'” Ever since, Bonnke has done exactly that.
Reflecting recently on his personal and ministry relationship with Bonnke, Brother Copeland said: “The only time I ever preached on Reinhard’s platform, he said, ‘I want you to give an invitation for people to come receive the Holy Spirit.’ This was a long time before there were huge crowds. I never had the privilege of seeing personally one of those large, huge crowds like that…. He had just finished preaching about the Holy Spirit, and I gave this simple little invitation. I said to the crowd, ‘If you would like to come receive the Spirit of God, speaking with other tongues, come on up to the platform.’
“I wasn’t expecting a stampede! Nine thousand people rushed that platform that night!
“I’m so excited that he’s in the arms of Jesus, but I miss him already.
“I know a large part of the prosperity; the financial prosperity and the tremendous financial growth of Kenneth Copeland Ministries was because I had the honor of being partners with the greatest soul winner of our time, and I’m thrilled. Reinhard’s homegoing is not the end. It’s just the beginning…Reinhard is not a was, he still is. He just moved. He just left town. Left his body here for a few days and moved to heaven.” V
Since the mid-1980s, KCM has continued to support evangelism campaigns conducted by Christ for all Nations. See kcm.org/worldchanger.
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