In 2025 David celebrates 75 years in Ministry: Since 1950

A testament to the power of faith

75 years in ministry is not just a milestone; it’s a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. Throughout David Hathaway's ministry, from his early beginnings as a pastor in Dorking Surrey, to the challenges of smuggling Bibles into communist Eastern Europe, through to the present day, holding Days of Prayer in war torn Ukraine, David has witnessed the transformative power of Christ in the hearts of countless individuals. In Russia, he's seen hope rise from despair, and in Central Asia, the light of the Gospel breaking through the darkness. Each encounter, each story, has reinforced his belief that the Gospel message transcends borders and cultures, for it is the Power of God unto salvation to those who believe. This anniversary is not just a reflection of his past; it’s a call to evangelise, to inspire faith, and to ignite a passion for the Gospel in every corner of the world. Together, let us embrace the Great Commission, for the best is yet to come.

Led by the Lord for 92 years

"From childhood, I wanted every day and every part of my life to be under the direction and control of the Holy Spirit. Now when I look back over 75 years of ministry I know with absolute certainty that there has been both purpose and direction in my life. God has been in control of all my days and all my experiences. Everything that has happened in my life was foreknown in His plan.

"God can touch your life too in a very powerful way. Then in years to come you will see the direction He has taken. It will be evident – there will be no mistake."

There is Power in the Gospel we preach

The Apostle Paul said: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.” (Romans 1.16). Why are we not ashamed of the Gospel? Because it is the greatest demonstration of the Power of God on earth! – It is the power to deliver everyone who has faith to believe!

What changes nations is not some new teaching or doctrine. No, it is the simplicity of God’s Word, the Power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Today we are in danger of underestimating the Power of God, and that’s why Paul said, “I’m not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because it is the Power of God!”

“I see the Power of the Gospel in action – and I want you to understand the effectiveness of true conversion! Our faith is in God through Jesus Christ, and in the authority of His Word. Our Gospel has unlimited power to completely deliver and change men! Until you have such an absolute, powerful experience in your own life – that there is no uncertainty, no hesitation that there is one way only, one price, one salvation, complete and life-changing – you cannot demonstrate Christ to the unbelievers! When you yourself have this absolute experience of total salvation in your own life – then this is the demonstration of the Power of the Gospel!”

Power from the Holy Spirit

David was 12, about to be 13, when he asked to be baptised. That was in the war years, in London. The church building had been bombed and he and his twin brother had to clear the rubble from the baptistry themselves!

Immediately following his baptism, David began to share the Gospel. David says, “After church we would go out on the street, but we were told, no ‘preaching’, only tell people what God has done for you.” He did so, because he believed that as we do, God will save men’s souls from hell. David says, “I weep over the lost.”

Still aged 13, David persuaded the pastor of his local church to let him use the building for evangelism. He had flyers printed, got together a music group and preached the Gospel. But nobody got saved! Yes, perhaps because of his young age, but there was also another, more important reason. Bitterly disappointed, David went home and asked his father, what was wrong? If you preach the Gospel, people must repent! “My father (who taught me everything important that I know), said: ‘You have not yet received the Holy Spirit!’”

At the Last Supper Jesus taught: ‘It is better for you that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He has come, will convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin and judgement, because they believe not on Me; of righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you see Me no more.” – John 16:8. “Then my father” – David Hathaway tells – “said to me, ‘Son, the reason no one repented is that you have not yet been baptised in the Holy Spirit! It’s not you, it’s not your preaching, it’s the Holy Spirit who convicts of sin!’”

It was a serious lesson which changed David’s whole life – and it remains with him: “Without the Holy Spirit I can do nothing!” David realised he needed the Fire and Power of the Holy Spirit in order to see lives transformed. If lives are not changed, what is the point of preaching?

God will pour out His Spirit

In Joel 2:23 the prophet says, ‘Be glad you children of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.’

In the natural, Joel was speaking about the seasonal rains in Israel, the early rain that fell on the newly planted seed to bring it to germination, and then, immediately before the final harvest, the rain would come again, and with the sun, to swell the grain and bring it to a big harvest! Prophetically Peter understood, the Church has always understood, that Joel spoke of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:16-21. Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He commanded His disciples, “Wait in Jerusalem until you have been endued with Power, after that the Holy Spirit has come on you!” Acts 1:4,5,8. And so the Church began in the first great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. From childhood David has always believed that there would come a second outpouring in the latter days, before the final Harvest.