Early Life in Wartime Germany
Reinhard Bonnke was born on 19 April 1940 in Königsberg, East Prussia, Germany. His father, Hermann Bonnke, served in the Wehrmacht during the Second World War. By 1945, Königsberg had been reduced to ruins as German troops retreated from the Eastern Front.
Russian aircraft flew overhead, bombing both retreating soldiers and civilians. Reinhard’s once peaceful childhood was suddenly shattered by the terrifying sounds of artillery fire, explosions, and the constant roar of warplanes.
Reinhard’s mother, Meta Bonnke, was a devoted Christian who initially believed the family would be safe if they remained at home. However, quietly and out of the children’s hearing, Hermann told her the truth: the war was lost. He instructed her to sew backpacks for the children so they could be ready to flee at a moment’s notice.
A Dangerous Escape
Hermann gave clear instructions. Meta was to take the road towards Königsberg, then turn south and cross the Haff Sea, the only possible escape route. She gathered all six children and began to pray.
Suddenly, the door burst open. A soldier stood before her and shouted, “Why are you still here, Meta?! Hermann says you must take the children and run! Run now!”
As always, Meta prayed, and she knew they had to leave immediately. Carrying her baby daughter, she led her sons closely together. When the army vehicle could go no further, the Bonnke family continued on foot. For several days, they trudged along, surviving on a few small slices of bread and taking shelter in abandoned farmhouses.
Refuge in Danzig
Their escape route led them across the frozen Haff Sea. Only days after they crossed safely, Russian aircraft bombed the ice. Thousands of soldiers and civilians lost their lives.
Exhausted, poorly clothed, yet still together, Meta and her six children finally reached the port city of Danzig, which was overcrowded with refugees. Along with many others, they waited prayerfully for a ship to take them to safety.
Opening their Bible, they read a promise that brought comfort and hope:
“Thus saith the Lord which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters” (Isaiah 43:16, AV).
Through the Red Cross, Hermann later received news that Meta and the children had reached a refugee camp safely in Denmark.
A Father’s Brokenness and Consecration
The memories of those traumatic days never left Hermann Bonnke. As a Pentecostal believer, he was deeply broken and ashamed when reports of the extermination camps reached him. In sorrow and repentance, he lifted his heart to God and prayed, “My heavenly Father, I am Yours for the remaining years of my life. No more military service for me.”
Later, Hermann wrote to Meta, asking if she would support him in a life-changing decision. He wanted to turn away from the secure income of a civilian job and instead pastor a small group of Pentecostal refugees. His desire was to serve God by serving people, rather than pursue financial security.
To be continued…
Tale Tuesday 163
Date: 30th December, 2025
Title: : Reinhard Bonnke (Africa shall be saved)- part 1
Source: Africa God’s Generals The Soul Winners
Author: Eddie Sempala
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