Niilo Yli-Vainio
Born(1920-02-23)February 23, 1920
Alahärmä, Finland
Died16 November 1981(1981-11-16) (aged 61)
Spain
Occupation(s)Preacher, Author, Evangelist
Known forJesus Christ, Faith healing, Bible
Term1947–1981
SpouseLinnea (1940-)
ChildrenAino, Leevi, Ruut, Antti, Eeva

Niilo Antti Johannes Yli-Vainio (February 23, 1920 in Alahärmä - November 16, 1981 in Spain) was a Finnish Christian Charismatic leader.

He started preaching after having recovered from a heart condition during the 1950s and rose to fame during the late 1970s. Several alleged healing miracles and other spiritual experiences took place at his revival meetings. As a result, thousands of Finns converted to Pentecostalism.[1]

Yli-Vainio started work as a pharmacist's assistant. When World War II started, he worked in a cartridge factory. It was there that he met Linnea whom he married in 1940. He then worked as an army medic.[2] He became a Christian after WWII and started preaching in the Pentecostal denomination.[3]

In 1976, after several illnesses, he traveled to Australia and experienced a ‘new anointing’. He returned to Finland and started holding large Christian meetings where he spoke of the message of God's love, forgiveness and the life-changing effect of personal faith. Healings and other spiritual manifestations were reported.[4]

Under the influence of Yli-Vainio's meetings, many people professed a new faith in Christ, and several celebrities spoke about their conversion to faith. Many of the converts joined Pentecostal churches, but some also remained members of the majority Lutheran Church.[5]

He wrote over 16 books including How could I be saved? and You can be filled with the Holy Spirit.

In 1981, a film was made focussing on the last few years of his life. The film was named White Butterfly (Valkoinen Yoperhonen) and included an interview with his daughter Aino.[6]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Yle.fi: Yli-Vainio kaatoi ja paransi
  2. ↑ Träff, Tytti: Life wins: Niilo Yli-Vainio's story. Tikkurila: Victory of the Cross, 1978. ISBN 951-605-503-6
  3. ↑ History of the Swedish Pentecostal Revival, p. 124, 128, 187, 225, 283, 302-303, 309, 339, 362, 372
  4. ↑ Kojo, Pauli: What Where When 1979, p. 97. Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava, 1978. ISBN 951-1-04873-2
  5. ↑ Murtorinne, Eino (chief editor): History of Christianity 2000 , p. 242. 3rd volume. Porvoo: Weilin+Göös, 2000. ISBN 951-35-6516-5
  6. ↑ Ristinvoitto website
  • Media related to Niilo Yli-Vainio at Wikimedia Commons Benjamin Ranta: Article "Stepping Stones - God's Warrior Niilo Yli-Vainio, The Great Finnish Revivalist. Published 4.3.2009, pages B 21–22, 34–35. ISSUU Strange Fire - The Voice Christian Magazine Volume V Issue 3.


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