Niilo Yli-Vainio | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | February 23, 1920 |
| Died | 16 November 1981 (aged 61) |
| Occupation(s) | Preacher, Author, Evangelist |
| Known for | Jesus Christ, Faith healing, Bible |
| Term | 1947–1981 |
| Spouse | Linnea (1940-) |
| Children | Aino, 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]
