A Forgotten Fire That Still Burns

A Forgotten Fire That Still Burns

In the quiet corner of 18th-century Saxony, a flame of revival was kindled that would circle the globe. At the center of this fire stood a man named Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf and a humble group of exiles called the Moravians. Though their names may not echo as loudly in modern sermons, their impact on the Church—and on missions worldwide—is nothing short of astonishing.

Who Was Count Zinzendorf?

Born in 1700 into German nobility, Zinzendorf was raised in a deeply pious Lutheran household. He was a child prodigy in theology, law, and languages—but it was his burning love for Jesus that shaped his life’s mission. Despite a privileged upbringing and a promising career in law and politics, he gave it all up to pursue what he called "the noble enterprise of the Savior."

In his early twenties, he welcomed persecuted Moravian refugees (descendants of followers of Czech reformer Jan Hus) to settle on his estate in Herrnhut. What started as a small act of hospitality would become a spiritual revolution.

The Herrnhut Revival

At first, Herrnhut was anything but peaceful. Doctrinal disputes and personality clashes nearly tore the community apart. But Zinzendorf, committed to unity through Christ, called the group to humble repentance, reconciliation, and fervent prayer.

Then, on August 13, 1727, everything changed.

In what many call the Moravian Pentecost, the Holy Spirit fell mightily during a communion service. Those gathered experienced deep repentance, supernatural love, and an overwhelming sense of the Lord’s presence. What followed was a 24/7 prayer watch that lasted over 100 years—yes, you read that right.

A Missionary Movement Before Its Time

The Moravians were the first Protestant group to launch a global missionary movement. Decades before William Carey or Hudson Taylor, these passionate believers were boarding ships to faraway lands like the Caribbean, Africa, and the Americas. Some even sold themselves into slavery just to reach the unreached.

Their motto?
“Our lamb has conquered. Let us follow Him.”

By the time of Zinzendorf’s death in 1760, over 200 missionaries had been sent out from the tiny village of Herrnhut. These weren’t wealthy evangelists with big platforms—they were ordinary men and women who gave up everything to tell the world about Jesus.

Influence Beyond Borders

The Moravians’ influence didn’t stop with missions. In 1736, they crossed paths with a troubled Anglican minister named John Wesley aboard a storm-tossed ship. Wesley was shaken by the Moravians’ calm during the storm—and later credited their example with helping him truly find Christ. The seeds of Methodism were watered by Moravian fire.

Why It Still Matters Today

In a world longing for authenticity, unity, and power in the Church, the Moravians offer a blueprint:

• Persistent prayer

• Radical devotion to Christ

• Sacrificial missions

• Community rooted in grace and reconciliation

Count Zinzendorf once said, “Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten.”
And yet, the fire he helped ignite still burns. The Moravians didn’t chase fame—they chased the Lamb of God wherever He led.

Let Their Legacy Stir You

What would happen if today’s Church rediscovered the Moravian spirit? What if our hearts burned with the same love that sparked a 100-year prayer meeting? What if we followed the Lamb—not just to the comfortable places—but to the ends of the earth?

The Moravians weren’t perfect. But they were willing. And that was enough for God to use them to shake the world.

The fire is still burning. Will you carry the torch?