My work in Africa was paid for mostly by American Christians

The words of Reinhard Bonnke, the fiery evangelist of Africa, burn with both gratitude and reverence: “My work in Africa was paid for mostly by American Christians, and I am so thankful for their giving hearts.” In this statement lies the essence of a truth as ancient as the Scriptures themselves—that great missions are never carried by one man alone, but by the unseen generosity of many. Bonnke, who preached to millions across the plains and cities of Africa, knew that his voice was made louder and his reach extended further by the quiet sacrifices of those who gave not for glory, but for the work of God.

To be thankful for giving hearts is to recognize that generosity is the lifeblood of any great endeavor. Bonnke’s mission was vast, stretching across nations, requiring resources, travel, and endurance. Yet behind his voice, behind the lights and the crowds, were men and women who gave freely, trusting that their gifts would yield fruit in souls transformed. Their giving was not passive—it was participation. In their generosity, they became part of his mission, co-laborers in a harvest greater than themselves.

The ancients also bore witness to such truths. Consider the journeys of Paul the Apostle, who carried the gospel across the Roman world. His letters often spoke of churches that supported him with gifts and offerings, and he gave thanks for them, saying that they shared in his work by their generosity. Without them, his journeys would have faltered; with them, his words reached nations. So too with Bonnke: his mission to Africa, which brought millions to faith, was sustained by the unseen hands of believers in far-off lands.

The phrase “paid for mostly by American Christians” is not merely financial—it is spiritual. For money given in faith becomes more than money; it becomes seed. Those who gave were not buying comfort or acclaim but sowing into eternity, trusting that their sacrifice would bear fruit in souls saved. Bonnke’s thankfulness is not only for the funds but for the spirit behind them—a giving heart, the kind of heart that chooses others above self, that invests in works unseen, that rejoices in harvests it may never personally touch.

It is also a lesson in humility. Though Bonnke stood before multitudes, he did not claim the work as his alone. He remembered, he acknowledged, and he gave honor to those who empowered him to stand there. This humility is rare among the mighty, for many are tempted to forget the unseen supporters who lifted them. Bonnke’s words remind us that true greatness always remembers its foundation, and that gratitude must be spoken, not merely felt.

The lesson for us is clear: no mission, no dream, no great work is ever accomplished alone. Behind every leader stands a community, behind every achievement a circle of support. Therefore, we must live with thankfulness for those who help us on our journeys, whether they give money, time, encouragement, or prayer. And in turn, we must be willing to be that support for others, to lend our resources and strength to causes greater than ourselves.

Therefore, let us act. If you are lifted, remember those who carried you. Speak your gratitude, and honor them with humility. And if you are called to give, do so with joy, knowing that your giving heart may empower works far beyond your sight. For the wisdom of Reinhard Bonnke teaches us that great missions are built not only on the strength of the preacher, the leader, or the dreamer, but on the unseen sacrifices of the faithful. And in this shared labor lies the true power of humanity united in purpose: one man speaking, millions believing, and countless unseen hands making it possible through their generosity.