The miraculous act of raising the dead stands as one of the most profound displays of divine power, captivating believers and skeptics alike. It is an undeniable demonstration of God’s ability to transcend natural laws and breathe life into what was once lifeless. For a select group of modern-day pastors, this extraordinary manifestation of God’s power has become more than an isolated event—it has reshaped their ministries, broadening their influence, deepening their faith, and inspiring countless others. These miracles are not mere anecdotes but pivotal moments that testify to the reality of God’s presence and power in our time.

This essay explores how raising the dead has redefined the ministries of four notable men of God—Dag Heward-Mills, Reinhard Bonnke, Smith Wigglesworth, and David Hogan. Each of these leaders has witnessed resurrection miracles under unique circumstances, and these moments have profoundly transformed their work and the global reach of their message.

Dag Heward-Mills: A Revival Sparked by Resurrection

Dag Heward-Mills is a prolific evangelist and founder of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches, a ministry spanning over 90 countries. While his work has long been characterized by healing and evangelism, an unforgettable resurrection during one of his crusades became a defining moment in his ministry.

In a small town in West Africa, a woman brought her deceased husband to one of Dag’s meetings. The man had passed away suddenly that morning, and local authorities had already confirmed his death. The woman, however, was undeterred, driven by her belief in God’s ability to intervene. As the service began, she approached the altar with the lifeless body. The situation gripped the audience, who waited with bated breath as Dag and his team began to pray fervently.

After what seemed like an eternity, the man’s body began to move. To the astonishment of all, he sat up, disoriented but alive. The crowd erupted in celebration, many falling to their knees in tears. This singular event ignited a spiritual revival in the town, with thousands turning to Christ. For Dag Heward-Mills, the resurrection not only affirmed the power of the Gospel but also amplified his ministry’s global reach. The testimony became a rallying cry for faith, reinforcing his message that “nothing is impossible for those who believe.”

Smith Wigglesworth: Bold Faith in the Face of Death

Smith Wigglesworth, a 20th-century British evangelist, was a man whose ministry was marked by audacious faith and extraordinary miracles. His experiences with raising the dead, however, remain some of the most striking examples of his boldness and unwavering trust in God.

In one account, Wigglesworth was summoned to a home where a young woman had died unexpectedly. Her grieving parents begged him to come and pray. When Wigglesworth arrived, he found the family in despair. With characteristic boldness, he asked everyone to leave the room. Alone with the lifeless body, Wigglesworth began to pray, speaking life into the young woman in the name of Jesus. After several moments of fervent intercession, the woman opened her eyes and sat up, much to the astonishment of her family.

This miracle not only brought comfort to the family but also solidified Wigglesworth’s reputation as a man through whom God’s power flowed mightily. It became a testimony that followed him for years, drawing massive crowds eager to hear his message. Wigglesworth often emphasized that miracles like these were not about human effort but about absolute trust in God’s promises. The resurrection event became a cornerstone of his ministry, inspiring believers to step out in faith and believe for the impossible.

Reinhard Bonnke: The Unexpected Resurrection in Africa

Reinhard Bonnke’s ministry, Christ for All Nations (CfaN), is synonymous with mass evangelism, particularly in Africa. Among the countless testimonies from his crusades, the resurrection of a young girl in Zambia is one of the most extraordinary.

During a crusade attended by hundreds of thousands, a distraught mother brought the body of her daughter, who had drowned earlier that day, to the prayer tent. The medical team on-site confirmed the child had no pulse and showed no signs of life. Despite this, the mother refused to give up hope. Reinhard Bonnke, though occupied with preaching on stage, instructed his prayer team to intercede for the girl.

The team prayed for hours, unwavering in their faith. Eventually, the girl began to cough and breathe, prompting an eruption of praise from everyone present. Bonnke later described the event as a moment of God’s glory, emphasizing that the miracle was a testament to God’s love and power rather than human ability.

This miracle became a catalyst for faith across Zambia, leading to unprecedented attendance at Bonnke’s subsequent crusades. It also reinforced his conviction that miracles serve as a bridge to salvation, drawing countless people to Christ. For Bonnke, this resurrection wasn’t just a miracle but a turning point that confirmed God’s promise to work through His servants.

Alph Lukau: Resurrecting Faith in Remote Villages

Alph Lukau is a name that has sparked both awe and controversy in the Christian world, particularly for his claims of raising the dead. As the founder and leader of Alleluia Ministries International, based in South Africa, Lukau’s ministry is characterized by its dynamic services, prophetic declarations, and a bold demonstration of faith.

His claim to have raised a man from the dead during a public service catapulted him into global headlines, making him one of the most talked-about pastors in Africa. While critics and skeptics have challenged the authenticity of this event, his followers remain steadfast in their belief that God is using him mightily in this generation.

Beyond the sensationalism, Lukau’s ministry is marked by a deep focus on prayer, deliverance, and the power of the Holy Spirit. His services are often filled with worship, healing, and prophetic moments that draw thousands seeking divine intervention. Many testify to experiencing life-changing miracles, from healings to financial breakthroughs, under his ministry. Lukau’s teachings emphasize the supremacy of faith and the limitless power of God to work wonders in the lives of His people.

While the controversy surrounding his ministry has brought scrutiny, it has also drawn attention to the possibility of God’s supernatural power in today’s world. Alph Lukau remains a polarizing figure, but for many, he represents a faith that dares to believe in the impossible, pointing to the God who can do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or imagine.

Conclusion: The Transformative Power of Resurrection

The act of raising the dead is more than a miracle—it is a divine interruption that transforms lives, communities, and ministries. For Dag Heward-Mills, Reinhard Bonnke, Smith Wigglesworth, and David Hogan, these resurrections have not only validated their calling but also expanded the reach and impact of their work. Each story is a testament to the reality of God’s power and a reminder that miracles are as relevant today as they were in biblical times.

These events have redefined the scope of their ministries, drawing countless people to Christ and inspiring a new generation of believers to walk in faith. They challenge us to reconsider the limitations we place on God and to believe that with Him, all things are possible. Through these modern-day miracles, the message of the Gospel continues to resonate, offering hope, restoration, and the promise of eternal life.