Discover the divine link between Smith Wigglesworth and Archbishop Benson Idahosa — two great men of faith who shared the same departure date and performed astonishing miracles, including raising the dead.
The Acts of Faith That Shook the World
Smith Wigglesworth once declared,
“The Acts of the Apostles was written because the Apostles acted!”
That statement perfectly described his life and ministry.
Since his passing on March 12, 1947, the impact of his faith and miracles continues to inspire generations.
Interestingly, Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Africa’s pioneering Pentecostal leader, also went to be with the Lord on March 12, exactly 41 years later, in 1998.
Even after more than two decades, his influence remains strong across continents.
Isn’t it remarkable that these two mighty men of God departed on the same date — decades apart — yet united in legacy and power?
Two Generals, One Spirit of Faith
Though born in different eras and nations, Wigglesworth and Idahosa shared an unshakable faith — the kind that challenged death itself.
Their ministries were marked by miracles, boldness, and unwavering confidence in God’s Word.
Smith Wigglesworth: The Apostle of Faith
On one occasion, Wigglesworth was invited to pray for a terminally ill woman. Her distressed mother insisted on staying, saying, “No, sir! I want to be here when she takes her last breath.”
With quiet authority, Wigglesworth replied, “Go on now and leave. She will not die but live.”
After the mother left, Wigglesworth’s companion — a local pastor — prayed so fervently that the weak woman shook violently and died on the spot. Startled, the pastor cried, “She’s dead! What will we tell her mother?”
But Wigglesworth remained calm. Walking to the lifeless woman, he declared, “I rebuke this death in Jesus’ name!” He pulled her off the bed, held her upright against the wall, and commanded her to live. She fell to the floor, still lifeless.
Undeterred, he lifted her again and repeated, “I said, I rebuke this death in Jesus’ name!” Suddenly, the woman began to tremble, opened her eyes, and was instantly healed!
It is reported that during his ministry, over 26 people were raised from the dead through Wigglesworth’s prayers.
Archbishop Benson Idahosa: The Bold Lion of Africa
Similarly, Archbishop Benson Idahosa was renowned for audacious faith and supernatural manifestations. He boldly proclaimed the power of God to heal the sick and raise the dead.
In one unforgettable crusade, skeptics brought a dead woman to test him. They wanted to expose him as a fraud. Idahosa prayed, but initially, nothing happened. Unmoved, he returned to preaching, only to stop midway and ask, “Does anyone have water here?”
Someone handed him a bottle of Swan Water. He poured it over the woman’s body — and to the astonishment of everyone present, she came back to life! The crowd erupted in tears and praise, and many surrendered their lives to Christ that night.
Though he never counted the exact number, Idahosa once mentioned eight people being raised from the dead during his ministry.
A Divine Coincidence or Heavenly Signature?
Both Wigglesworth and Idahosa lived and died as living proofs that faith in God can defy natural laws. Their shared date of departure, March 12, remains a symbol of continuity — a reminder that God’s power transcends generations and geography.
Their stories inspire believers today to act on their faith, just as the Apostles did, and to expect God to work mightily in our time.
Selah
From Bradford, England, to Benin City, Nigeria — the legacy of Smith Wigglesworth and Benson Idahosa echoes one message:
Faith is not passive. Faith acts, speaks, and conquers.
May their lives ignite a fresh hunger in this generation to believe God for the impossible.