By Joseph Abasi-Abasi, Calabàr
The Christ for All Nations (CfaN), the international evangelistic ministry founded by the late German-American evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke, has picked Calabar, Cross River State, to host its 2026 gospel crusade, with organisers projecting a massive harvest of souls and a wider spiritual and socio-economic impact.
The four-day Calabar Great Gospel Crusade 2026 is scheduled for November 12 to 15.
The Executive Africa Director of CfaN, Rev. John Darku, who announced the crusade at a press briefing in Calabar, described the event as a “divine appointment” for Cross River State and said the ministry was coming with a mandate to strengthen the Church and bring thousands of people to the Christian faith.
Darku said the choice of Calabar from among the 36 states of the federation was significant, stressing that the city was about to witness what he described as a major demonstration of the power of God.
“This is not merely a religious gathering. It is a divine appointment with the State of Cross River, with Nigeria and with the nations of the earth,” he said.
He said the organisers expected the crusade to produce salvation of souls, healing of the sick, deliverance for the oppressed and revival in churches across the state.
According to him, the crusade would not compete with existing churches but would complement their work by connecting converts to local congregations for discipleship and spiritual growth.
“Every soul won at this crusade will be committed into local churches for discipleship and growth,” he said, adding that the initiative was expected to leave local churches with revitalised congregations and renewed commitment to evangelism.
Beyond its religious significance, Darku said the four-day event could provide an economic boost to Calabar, with an influx of participants expected to benefit the hospitality and informal sectors.
He listed hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders and artisans among those likely to experience increased patronage during the period.
The CfaN director also said the crusade could contribute to peace and social cohesion, arguing that a population transformed by the gospel would be more tolerant and less susceptible to ethnic, religious and political divisions.
He said the expected transformation could help promote a more peaceful society and contribute to political stability and national cohesion.
On prosperity, Darku said the ministry’s concept went beyond material wealth, maintaining that sustainable prosperity begins with transformed minds and individuals who are equipped to contribute positively to society.
He, however, stressed that the ultimate objective of the crusade remained the salvation of souls and their reconciliation with God.
Darku announced that CfaN President, Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, would minister at the crusade, describing him as the successor to Bonnke’s evangelistic legacy.
He said Kolenda had continued the global evangelistic work of CfaN since taking over from Bonnke, whose large-scale gospel crusades drew millions of people across Africa.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the crusade, Apostle Amb. Trinity Ogar, called on Christians and residents of Cross River State to block out November 12 to 15 for the event.
Ogar said the presence of heads of churches and senior ministers at the briefing reflected the support of the Christian community for the crusade.
He expressed optimism that the event would result in a “massive harvest” of souls and bring healing, deliverance and spiritual revival to Calabar and other parts of Cross River State.
The organisers also appealed to the media to take the message of the crusade to residents across the state through newspapers, radio, television and digital platforms.
They urged the media to commence publicity ahead of the event, describing journalists and media organisations as important partners in mobilising residents for the four-day programme.
With the crusade scheduled for November, organisers said Calabar was set for what they described as a major Christian gathering, with participants expected from across Cross River State and beyond.
