David Cho (1936 – 2021)

Their Story

Rev. Dr. David Yonggi Cho was more than a pastor — he was a spiritual architect who helped shape the modern Pentecostal movement across the globe. Born in Ulsan, South Korea during the era of Japanese occupation, he came from humble beginnings. His early life was marked by hardship, illness, and war, yet it was in the ashes of this brokenness that he encountered Jesus Christ after a near-death battle with tuberculosis. That moment would change the course of his life — and, eventually, the spiritual lives of millions. In 1958, at the age of just 22, Dr. Cho co-founded a small tent church with five members, supported by his mother-in-law, Choi Ja-shil. That small fellowship, driven by a passion for prayer and faith in the Holy Spirit, grew into Yoido Full Gospel Church — at one point recognized as the largest congregation in the world with over 800,000 members. He became known for preaching the “Threefold Blessing” of salvation, healing, and prosperity, and pioneered cell group ministry, empowering laypeople to shepherd others within their neighborhoods. This grassroots discipleship model reshaped how churches around the world operate. Dr. Cho’s ministry extended far beyond Seoul. Through his books, sermons, international crusades, and mentoring of pastors, he helped fuel the global growth of Pentecostalism and Charismatic Christianity. His best-known work, The Fourth Dimension, challenged believers to dream bigger and pray with bold faith, introducing the idea of “spiritual incubation” through visualization and divine partnership. Though he faced public scrutiny in later years, including legal challenges, he remained steadfast in his faith and deeply loved by millions. In his final years, he focused on intercession and mentoring the next generation of leaders.