Nicholas Bhengu

Rev. Nicholas Bhekinkosi Hepworth Bhengu was born on September 5, 1909 at Entumeni, KwaZulu-Natal. Known as "Manotsha", "Papakho", "uMkhulu" or "uKhehla" by his converts, he was the Founder of the Africa Back to God Crusade (Assemblies of God) in the 1950s.[1] Bhengu was an evangelist, a teacher of the word, and a pastor. Through his ministry a very large congregation was built up in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the rest of South Africa together with the neighboring countries. Bhengu emphasised holiness and the fear of God, among other things.[2]

Nicholas Bhengu
Personal
Born5 September 1909
KwaZulu Natal, Entumeni
Died(1985-06-05)5 June 1985
ReligionChristianity
NationalitySouth African
DenominationAssemblies of God

Bhengu was the "leader of the African wing" of the Assemblies of God South Africa (AGSA). The first church that Bhengu "planted" was located at 4th Street and 4th Avenue, in Benoni Old Location. The white missionaries formed International Assemblies of God (IAG). There were disputes regarding resources, power and space but also race and cultural issues "contributed" to the split.[3]

He taught his church to be self-sustaining and he also encouraged material independence through hand work. Bhengu died in 1985.[4]

He was a professional court interpreter.[5] In South Africa, American ministers depended on African interpreters to translate to both Africans (black) and Afrikaans (white).[6] Nicholas Bhengu was a well known Zulu minister.[7] He attended the 7th Annual Voice of Healing Convention - "All Roads Lead to Dallas Texas Nov 8-11".[8] In America he became known as "The Black Billy Graham of Africa".[9]

Bhengu was the son of Josiah Khanda and Yele Bhengu. His father was an evangelist of the Lutheran Church. His mother raised him as a Christian. He was born at the eNtumeni Mission Station. He had five brothers and two sisters. Bhengu was "expelled twice [from his birthplace] for his faith as a heretic", first at the age of 21 after he tried to witness to his people after his conversion, and second after he returned to his father's land and settled and built a home, and he was "forced to leave" in 1973 and then settled at Mtunzini.[10]


References
  1. Ranger, Terence O. (2008). Evangelical Christianity and Democracy in Africa. Oxford University Press. p. 208. ISBN 9780195308020.
  2. "BHENGU, NICHOLAS, South Africa, Pentecostal". Dacb.org. Retrieved 2015-06-12.
  3. Motshetshane, Albert Stephen. "Culture and Conflict in Pentecostalism: The Assemblies of God in South Africa, Nicholas Bhengu and the American Missionaries, and the International Assemblies of God (1917-1964)" Thesis for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). History of Christianity Programme at the School of Philosophy, Religion and Classics; University of KwaZulu-Natal. Supervisor: Professor Philippe Denis. (December 10, 2015) https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/30f9/337b2e79278b19f326ca92050b14ce744348.pdf
  4. Millard, J. A. "Dictionary of African Christian Biography". Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  5. Motshetshane, Albert Stephen. "Culture and Conflict in Pentecostalism: The Assemblies of God in South Africa, Nicholas Bhengu and the American Missionaries, and the International Assemblies of God (1917-1964" Thesis for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). History of Christianity Programme at the School of Philosophy, Religion and Classics. University of KwaZulu-Natal. Supervisor: Professor Philippe Denis. (December 10, 2015)
  6. Lephoko, Dan, S.B. (December 1, 2018). Nicholas Bhekinkosi Hepworth Bhengu's Lasting Legacy. World's Best Black Soul Crusader. HTS Religion & Society Series. 4. Cape Town, South Africa: Publisher, AOSIS. pp. 271–272. ISBN 9781928396529.
  7. "The Man Nicholas Bhengu". Chapter 3. University of Pretoria. (July 30, 2010)
  8. "Attend the 7th Annual Voice of Healing Convention ... Dallas Texas". The Voice of Healing Magazine. (September 1955) Page 3.
  9. "Religion: The Black Billy Graham". Time magazine. November 23, 1959.
  10. Lephoko, Dan. "Nicholas Bhekinkosi Hepworth Bhengu's Lasting Legacy. World's Best Black Soul Crusader." HTS Religion and Society Series. Volume 4. Page 271-272. ISBN 9781928396529
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