Discover the extraordinary journey of a man who gave his all to God. From humble beginnings to global impact, Zacharias Tanee Fomum's life demonstrates what happens when one person commits everything to serving the Lord. His remarkable discipline, character, and radical obedience created a legacy that continues to transform lives worldwide.
Swipe to explore the inspiring timeline of a spiritual giant whose ministry reached across continents and whose teachings continue to guide believers today.
A Life Dedicated to God's Purpose
Born on June 20, 1945, in Wumnembug Meta, Cameroon, Zacharias Tanee Fomum (ZTF) entered the world as World War II ended. While 50-85 million people had perished in the war, God was raising up a man who would dedicate his life to saving souls.
His parents, Pa Solomon Fomum Tanee and Mama Rebecca Angum, provided the foundation for his spiritual journey. From his earliest years, young Zacharias demonstrated the unusual dedication and discipline that would characterize his entire life.
Early Signs of Extraordinary Character
Remarkable Discipline
At just 6 years old, ZTF began waking up at 3:30am to make fire and warm water for his father to bathe - an early sign of his sacrificial nature.
Unusual Self-Control
From age 6 to 14, he sold groundnuts for his mother without eating a single one while selling - demonstrating remarkable self-discipline from childhood.
Spiritual Curiosity
At age 7, he had his first experience of a prayer meeting when he and his friend went into the chapel to pray, showing early spiritual inclination.
These childhood traits foreshadowed the man of exceptional discipline and dedication he would become.
The Moment Everything Changed
At age 11, on June 13, 1956, young Zacharias received a tract from his father entitled "Someone died for you." After reading it, he gave his life to Jesus Christ, marking the beginning of his spiritual journey.
This simple moment became the foundation of his life's work. Immediately after his conversion, he ran to the next village to tell his friend, "Someone died for you!" - his first evangelistic message, demonstrating the immediate passion to share his faith.
Hunger for God's Word
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First Bible Reading
By age 12 (1957), just one year after his conversion, ZTF completed his first reading of the entire Bible - an extraordinary achievement for a child.
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Second Complete Reading
At age 14 (1959), he finished reading the Bible through for the second time, demonstrating his growing hunger for God's Word.
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Fifty Christian Books
Between October and December 1966, he read fifty books on the Christian faith from cover to cover, showing his insatiable appetite for spiritual knowledge.
This pattern of devoted Bible study and reading would continue throughout his life, forming the foundation of his ministry and teaching.
Education and Divine Direction
ZTF's academic journey was marked by excellence and divine intervention. After completing his primary education, he attended Cameroon Protestant College Bali from 1960-1963, where he distinguished himself through his love for reading and was appointed as the school librarian.
In 1966, he was selected for a Canadian scholarship to study medicine, but when his exam results arrived one week too late, this door closed. Instead, he was admitted to Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone to study science - a divine redirection that would shape his future ministry.
Academic Excellence Meets Spiritual Calling
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First-Class Honours
In 1969, ZTF graduated with First-class honours in Science from Fourah Bay College, demonstrating his academic brilliance.
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PhD Achievement
In 1973, he was awarded a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Makerere University in Uganda and was retained as a lecturer.
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Scientific Recognition
He became a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 1973 and later a Fellow (FRSC) in 1982, establishing himself in the scientific community.
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Doctor of Science
In 2005, the University of Durham awarded him a Doctor of Science (DSc) in recognition of his distinguished research contributions.
Throughout his academic career, ZTF never saw a conflict between scientific excellence and spiritual devotion - both were expressions of his commitment to truth.
A Life-Changing Spiritual Experience
On October 24, 1970, after spending much time in prayer and fasting, ZTF experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He found himself speaking loudly in tongues for a long period of time - a transformative experience that would profoundly impact his ministry.
This spiritual encounter ignited a new passion for evangelism. He immediately began preaching the gospel on the streets of Kampala, Uganda, driven by a burden that came with this baptism. This marked the beginning of his active evangelistic ministry.
Marriage and Family
ZTF's relationship with Prisca Zei Fokam began in 1964 when they first met at a hospital. Their relationship deepened through letters and prayer—they prayed together from Monday to Friday, averaging 45 minutes daily from 1966 to 1969.
On February 26, 1972, they married in Kampala, Uganda, beginning a partnership that would strengthen his ministry. Together they had six biological children: Ruth (1972), Paul (1975), Stephen (1976), Elizabeth (1979), John (1982), and Mary (1984).
Called to Cameroon as a Missionary
On May 3, 1975, ZTF was sent off as a missionary to his own country, Cameroon, by Bishop Festo Kivengere in Kampala. The bishop laid hands on him and prayed: "Lord, grant that when brother Zach goes to Cameroon, let every Cameroonian say to him: 'You owe me Jesus.'"
He returned to Cameroon on May 11, 1975 - not as a returning citizen, but as a missionary from Uganda to the Cameroonian nation. The very next day, he began his mission by preaching the gospel to his first person and writing his first tract, "How to Know Jesus."
The Birth of a Ministry
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First Prayer Night
In August 1975, ZTF held his first prayer night in Cameroon with just three people: his wife Prisca, Jean Dongmo, and himself.
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Historic Sermon
In September 1975, he preached a historic message at the Presbyterian Chapel in Djoungolo, Yaoundé, entitled "You Must Be Born Again."
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First House Church
On October 15, 1978, the first house church was planted with 22 believers breaking bread in the home of sister Emilia Tendo in Obili, Yaoundé.
These humble beginnings would grow into a worldwide ministry that would impact countless lives across continents.
Early Ministry Challenges
ZTF's ministry faced significant challenges from the beginning. After being baptized by immersion in 1978, he was excommunicated from the Presbyterian Church, along with everyone else who had been baptized by immersion.
This first "shaking" of the work left ZTF and these excommunicated believers without a church. He briefly joined the Full Gospel Mission and started a branch in Yaoundé, but in 1986 he submitted his resignation to the Full Gospel Mission leaders when he would not compromise on the message the Lord had given him - marking the second "shaking" of the work.
The Power of the Written Word
First Book
In 1972, ZTF wrote his first book, "Discipleship at Any Cost," beginning his journey as an author.
Prolific Writer
By 1995, he had completed his 70th book, "Deliverance from the Sin of Gluttony," demonstrating remarkable literary output.
100 Books Milestone
On May 12, 2001, he celebrated writing his first 100 books and dedicated the next 100 books to be written.
His books on prayer, fasting, discipleship, and the spiritual life have been translated into numerous languages and continue to impact believers worldwide.
A Man of Prayer and Fasting
ZTF's life was characterized by an extraordinary commitment to prayer and fasting. On May 3, 1987, the Lord called him to make long fasts the number one priority of his life and to engage in spiritual warfare against principalities and powers through fasting.
His first successful 40-day fast took place from July 13 to August 21, 1987. Throughout his life, he completed numerous extended fasts, including a historic 70-day "supra-long fast" for revival in CMFI and the dismantling of spiritual strongholds from January to March 2009, shortly before his death.
Prayer Walks and Spiritual Warfare
ZTF pioneered the use of prayer walks as a spiritual warfare strategy. On June 21, 1984, he led a historic prayer walk with the church in Yaoundé to possess the city for Jesus.
In 2001, he completed seven prayer walks of 47.5 km each from the Sanaga River to Bafia for the possession of the headquarters land. In 2002, he carried out four more thanksgiving prayer walks on the same route. He also conducted prayer walks in numerous cities worldwide as part of his spiritual warfare strategy.
Spiritual Victories Through Prayer
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Prince of Communism
On December 26, 1987, during a prayer and fasting intercession, the "Satanic Prince of Communism" was overthrown.
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Prince of Yaoundé
On April 9, 1992, after 163 days of prayer, the "Satanic Prince of Yaoundé" was overthrown.
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Prince of Douala
The "Satanic Prince of Douala" was overthrown on December 27, 1997, after intensive prayer.
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Prince of Cameroon
On June 8, 2002, the "Satanic Prince of Cameroon" was overthrown, making spiritual disciplines like fasting and prayer easier than before.
These spiritual victories reflected ZTF's belief in the power of prayer to transform spiritual realities over nations and regions.
Christian Missionary Fellowship International
In 1991, the Lord gave ZTF the name "Christian Missionary Fellowship International" (CMFI) for the work. This marked a significant milestone in the ministry's identity and global vision.
The first bookshop of CMFI was opened in Mvog Ada, Yaoundé on July 1, 1991, beginning the ministry's publishing arm. By 1995, the number of house churches in Yaoundé had grown to over 300, showing the rapid expansion of the work.
The Missionary Vision Expands
In September 1992, while in Libreville, Gabon, ZTF was made responsible by the Lord for preaching the gospel in all 200 nations on the planet - a massive expansion of his vision.
The First Missionary Conference took place in Yaoundé in April 1993, and the first International Missionary send-off occurred in November 1993, when Dieudonné and Elizabeth Bisse were sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo. This began a new era of missionary sending that would eventually reach across continents.
Global Ministry Impact
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Africa
By 1999, CMFI had sent missionaries to numerous African nations including Malawi, Nigeria, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Botswana, and Central African Republic.
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Asia
ZTF made his first historic journey to China in 1995. In 1996, during a five-day prayer and fasting retreat, he spiritually "planted" 530 house churches in China.
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Europe & Beyond
By 2002, missionaries were being sent to Europe, with four unmarried missionaries sent to Russia in a landmark missiological experience.
His ministry eventually reached all six continents, with his first visit to Latin America (Colombia) in 1997 and Australia in 2007.
International Conventions
ZTF organized numerous international conventions that brought together believers from across the world:
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West African Convention
The first historic international missionary convention took place in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1996 with the theme "Spiritual Aggressiveness."
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East African Convention
The first East African International Missionary Convention was held in Nairobi, Kenya, in May 1997 with the theme "The Power of a Man's All."
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World Conventions
The First World Convention of CMFI was held in Lagos, Nigeria, in November 1998 on the theme "Jesus Our Model," followed by the Second World Convention in December 2002.
Extraordinary Generosity
ZTF and his wife Prisca demonstrated remarkable financial generosity throughout their ministry:
Increasing Giving
In March 1994, their giving leaped from 84% to 90% of their income after the Lord made giving the first priority of ZTF's life.
Complete Surrender
By 2005, ZTF and Prisca were giving 100% of all their revenue and all gifts received to the Lord's work.
Substantial Investment
By 2007, they had personally invested over 15,000,000 CFA francs (approximately $30,000) into the ministry work.
This sacrificial giving reflected their complete dedication to God's kingdom and set an example for others to follow.
Media Ministry Expansion
ZTF recognized the power of media to spread the gospel message. On January 24, 2005, Radio Voice of the Cross (RVC) began broadcasting, extending the ministry's reach through radio.
He also preached on various radio stations including Radio Voice of the Cross, Radio Buea, and stations in Sierra Leone. This media ministry complemented his written works and in-person preaching to create a multi-faceted approach to spreading the gospel.
The Bertoua Headquarters Vision
During a historic 10-day prayer retreat in Beijing, China, from February 16-28, 2004, the Lord told ZTF that the permanent site of the International Headquarters of CMFI would be in Koumé, Bertoua, Cameroon.
In October 2005, the church in Bertoua began building the first house on the Headquarters land. On November 26, 2005, ZTF presided over the dedication of "The Bertoua House of Prayer for All Nations" - the first step toward establishing the international headquarters.
The Colorado Springs Prophecy
In February 1997, during an intercessors' conference in Colorado Springs, USA, American prophetess Cindy Jacobs gave what became known as "The Colorado Springs Prophecy" regarding ZTF's ministry.
This prophecy spoke of three "shakings" that would come to the ministry. The first two shakings had already occurred with the Presbyterian Church excommunication (1978) and the Full Gospel Mission separation (1986). The prophecy indicated that the ministry would emerge stronger after each shaking.
The Santa Cruz Prophecy
In 2007, ZTF visited Santa Cruz, Bolivia and received a special message from the Lord for all in CMFI, known as "The Santa Cruz Prophecy." This prophecy provided direction and encouragement for the ministry's future.
That same year, he had a 21-day prayer retreat in Australia in December to present to the Lord the account of Phase 1 of the Work, marking the completion of the first major phase of ministry and preparing for Phase 2.
The Final Year: 2008
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Intensive Ministry
In 2008, ZTF preached 158 evangelistic messages in 33 nations across multiple continents, showing no slowing down despite his age.
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Dedicated Prayer
He prayed a total of 2,580 hours (7h03m daily) alone and with others, held 227 nights of prayer, and conducted 13 prayer sieges of at least 24 hours each.
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Missionary Sending
Multiple missionaries were sent out, including Bertin Kenfack and Bruno Tchouanssi to India, Abraham and Ida Signing to Lesotho, and others to Belgium and Luxembourg.
He celebrated his 500th missionary journey outside Cameroon in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire in September 2008, marking an extraordinary lifetime of global ministry.
The Final Fast and Victory
From January to March 2009, ZTF carried out a historic 70-day "supra-long fast" for the revival of all in CMFI and the dismantling of what he called "the three hosts of wickedness" - spiritual strongholds he had been battling in prayer.
On March 13, 2009, he declared victory, announcing that these spiritual strongholds had been dismantled. This would prove to be his final spiritual victory before his departure.
His Final Day
On March 13, 2009, ZTF ministered to the church in Bamenda until 2:15 am on March 14. After the meeting, he requested to drive through Commercial Avenue, where he had not been for a long time.
As they drove near the Bamenda main market, he cried out to God in prayer that He would give them the City of Bamenda and its inhabitants for Christ. Shortly after this final prayer, on March 14, 2009, at age 64, ZTF went to be with the Lord - his life's work complete.
The Legacy Continues
ZTF left behind a powerful legacy and an ambitious vision. God had given him a goal to lead those entrusted to him to preach the gospel to 10 billion people, to make one billion disciples that render total obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, in 25 million house churches, in 250 nations, on all 6 continents by December 31, 2065.
Though ZTF himself would not live to see this goal accomplished, he established the foundation for future generations to continue the work toward this vision.
The Power of a Man's All
Before his departure, ZTF instructed: "If ever my biography will be written after me, it must bear the title, 'The Power of a Man's All.'" This title captured the essence of his life - complete surrender and dedication to God.
From childhood to his final breath, ZTF lived in the power of a man's all laid at the feet of the Lord. His life demonstrated what can happen when one person gives everything to God without reservation.
Lessons from ZTF's Childhood
Early Responsibility
At age 6, ZTF woke at 3:30am to make fire and warm water for his father, showing early signs of service and responsibility.
Trustworthiness
From ages 6 to 14, he sold groundnuts for his mother without eating any while selling, demonstrating remarkable integrity and self-control.
Spiritual Curiosity
His first prayer meeting experience at age 7 with his friend Christopher in the chapel revealed his early spiritual inclinations.
These childhood traits formed the foundation for the disciplined, dedicated man of God he would become. His character was being shaped from his earliest years.
ZTF's Educational Journey
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Primary Education
Began at Presbyterian Primary School in Wumnembug in 1952, then moved to Nyasoso with his parents and enrolled in Standard 1.
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Secondary Education
Attended Cameroon Protestant College Bali from 1960-1963, where he distinguished himself as Junior Librarian and later as prefect-in-charge of the library.
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University Education
Studied at Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone from 1966, obtaining First-class honours in Science in 1969.
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Postgraduate Studies
Completed his PhD at Makerere University, Uganda in 1973, later receiving a Doctor of Science from the University of Durham in 2005.
His academic excellence paralleled his spiritual growth, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in all areas of life.
ZTF's Family Life
ZTF was born into a family with several siblings: Isaiah (1930-1943), Peter (1935), Mary (1940), Hodia (1950), Calvin (1955), and Emmanuel (1960). His father, Solomon Fomum Tanee, was a Presbyterian pastor who greatly influenced his spiritual development.
After marrying Prisca Zei Fokam in 1972, they had six children: Ruth (1972), Paul (1975), Stephen (1976), Elizabeth (1979), John (1982), and Mary (1984). Despite his intensive ministry schedule, ZTF maintained a strong family life, with his children following in his spiritual footsteps.
ZTF's Prayer Life
Daily Discipline
ZTF maintained a consistent prayer life, having 430 "Daily Dynamic Encounters with God" in 2007 alone.
Night Prayers
He held 154 nights of prayer in 2007, 227 nights in 2008, and 71 nights in early 2009, showing his commitment to night-time intercession.
Prayer Sieges
He conducted numerous "prayer sieges" lasting 24-96 hours, dedicated to intensive intercession for specific spiritual breakthroughs.
His extraordinary prayer life formed the foundation of his ministry and spiritual authority. He often said, "Prayer is not preparation for the work; prayer is the work."
ZTF's Fasting Discipline
ZTF's commitment to fasting was remarkable even by biblical standards. His first attempt at a 40-day complete fast (drinking only water) began on June 21, 1986, though it lasted only 15 days.
His first successful 40-day fast took place from July 13 to August 21, 1987. Throughout his ministry, he completed numerous extended fasts, including a 56-day "supra-long fast" in 2007 and his final 70-day fast from January to March 2009. These extended periods of fasting were central to his spiritual warfare strategy.
ZTF's Writing Ministry
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First Publications
His first tract, "How to Know Jesus," was written on May 12, 1975, the day after he returned to Cameroon as a missionary.
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Book Writing
His first book, "Discipleship at Any Cost," was written in 1972, beginning a prolific writing career that would produce over 100 books.
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Scientific Publications
Beyond spiritual writings, he authored numerous scientific papers that were published in international journals, demonstrating his academic excellence.
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Editorial Collaboration
In his later years, he co-authored books with editorial assistants, mentoring others in the writing ministry.
His books on prayer, fasting, discipleship, and the spiritual life continue to impact believers worldwide.
ZTF's Evangelistic Passion
ZTF's passion for evangelism began immediately after his baptism in the Holy Spirit in 1970, when he started preaching on the streets of Kampala. This passion never diminished throughout his life.
In 2007 alone, he personally led 27 people to Christ through one-on-one evangelism, despite his leadership responsibilities. In 2008, his final full year of ministry, he preached 158 evangelistic messages across 33 nations, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to sharing the gospel until the very end of his life.
ZTF's Leadership Development
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Early Training
In 1980, ZTF conducted the first leadership training course in Yaoundé entitled "Leading the People of God," beginning his systematic leadership development.
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Elder Ordination
In 1982, the first batch of elders was ordained, including ZTF himself, Joseph Tanyi Mbafor, Emmanuel Robert Bayiha, and David Tabenda Atogho.
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Discipleship Focus
In 1983, the Lord instructed ZTF to start making disciples and to look beyond Cameroon by widening his vision to include the whole world.
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Missionary Calling
In 1984, he was led by the Lord to make the first altar call for missionaries, initiating the missionary sending movement.
His approach to leadership development combined spiritual formation, practical training, and a global vision.
ZTF's Spiritual Experiences
Holy Spirit Baptism
On October 24, 1970, the Holy Spirit came upon him after much prayer and fasting, and he found himself speaking in tongues for a long period.
Heavenly Experience
In 1971, he was "carried into heaven for six hours," during which the Lord taught him about intercession.
Divine Appearance
During his retreat at Mont Fébé in 1979, God appeared to him, launching a period of massive church planting.
Christ's Appearance
During his 10-day prayer retreat in Beijing in February 2004, the Lord Jesus appeared to him for the first time.
These supernatural encounters shaped his ministry and deepened his relationship with God.
ZTF's Church Planting Strategy
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First House Church
October 15, 1978: 22 believers broke bread in the home of sister Emilia Tendo in Obili, Yaoundé.
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Multiplication Phase
Simple, reproducible structures allowed for exponential growth without traditional church building limitations.
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Rapid Expansion
By 1995, over 300 house churches were established in Yaoundé alone.
ZTF pioneered this house church model that allowed for rapid multiplication, emphasizing simple structures that could be easily replicated across communities.
ZTF's Missionary Vision
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Personal Call
In 1992, while in Libreville, Gabon, ZTF was made responsible by the Lord for preaching the gospel in all 200 nations on the planet.
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First Sending
In November 1993, Dieudonné and Elizabeth Bisse were sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo as the first international missionaries.
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Expansion
By 1999, CMFI had sent missionaries to numerous African nations and was beginning to expand to other continents.
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Global Reach
By 2008, missionaries had been sent to all continents, fulfilling the vision of global impact.
His missionary vision transformed CMFI from a local ministry to a global movement with impact across continents.
ZTF's Teaching on Prayer
ZTF developed a comprehensive teaching on prayer that he shared through books, schools of prayer, and personal example. In 1995, he conducted the first School of Prayer in Yaoundé and taught in eight schools of prayer in India that same year.
His teachings emphasized the necessity of prayer ("Pray or Perish"), the power of extended prayer times, and the strategic importance of prayer in spiritual warfare. He established the World University of Prayer and Fasting to systematically train believers in these principles.
ZTF's Teaching on Fasting
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Spiritual Warfare
ZTF taught that fasting was a primary weapon for spiritual warfare against principalities and powers over nations and regions.
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Extended Fasts
He emphasized the importance of long fasts (21, 40, or more days) for major spiritual breakthroughs.
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Practical Guidance
His teachings included practical aspects of fasting, addressing physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
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Personal Example
He modeled what he taught, completing numerous extended fasts throughout his ministry.
His books on fasting remain some of the most comprehensive resources on the subject in Christian literature.
ZTF's Teaching on Discipleship
Discipleship was central to ZTF's ministry philosophy. His first book, "Discipleship at Any Cost" (1972), established the foundation for his approach to making disciples who would fully follow Christ.
In 1983, the Lord specifically instructed him to focus on making disciples, and in 1985, he conducted a leadership training course entitled "The Making of Disciples." His approach emphasized total obedience to Christ, radical commitment, and multiplication through spiritual reproduction.
ZTF's Teaching on Spiritual Warfare
ZTF developed a comprehensive approach to spiritual warfare that combined prayer, fasting, and strategic intercession. He identified specific spiritual strongholds ("princes" and "hosts of wickedness") over regions and nations that needed to be confronted through spiritual means.
His warfare strategy included overthrowing these spiritual powers through extended fasting, prayer walks, and concentrated intercession. The numerous spiritual victories he recorded, including the "overthrow" of spiritual princes over Yaoundé, Douala, Cameroon, and even ideological systems like Communism, demonstrated the effectiveness of his approach.
ZTF's Teaching on Giving
ZTF taught and modeled radical generosity. In March 1994, giving to God became the first priority of his life, superseding even his commitment to fasting. His giving increased from 84% to 90% of his income at that time.
By 2005, he and his wife Prisca were giving 100% of all their revenue and gifts received to the Lord's work. This sacrificial giving was not just financial theory but lived practice, demonstrating his belief that complete surrender included material possessions.
ZTF's Daily Disciplines
Bible Reading
He read through the entire Bible regularly, completing his first reading at age 12 and his second at age 14.
Daily Encounters
He practiced "Daily Dynamic Encounters with God," spending significant time in God's presence each day.
Continuous Learning
He read extensively, with 40 Christian books in 2007 and 28 books (5,544 pages) in 2008.
These consistent daily disciplines formed the foundation of his spiritual life and ministry effectiveness. He often taught that spiritual greatness comes through faithfulness in small, daily habits.
ZTF's Ministry to Children
Despite his global vision and leadership responsibilities, ZTF recognized the importance of ministry to children. In 1999, he organized the first National Seminar for Ministers to Children in Yaoundé.
He understood that reaching the next generation was crucial for the long-term impact of the ministry and for fulfilling the vision God had given him. This focus on children's ministry demonstrated his comprehensive approach to kingdom building.
ZTF's Healing Ministry
ZTF had a powerful healing ministry that accompanied his evangelistic work. In 1978, he held a famous week-long crusade in Bamenda Stadium where multitudes were saved and healed. The front page of Cameroon Tribune reported: "Miracle Gospel Hurricane hits Bamenda," calling him "The Billy Graham of Cameroon."
In 2003, he led the historic Ndogsimbi Salvation, Healing and Deliverance Convention in Douala entitled "Come and See, Jesus Has Not Changed." In 2007, he held a special 21-day healing convention in Yaoundé where 3,027 sinners were saved and 1,600 miracles took place.
ZTF's Ministry to the Academic World
As a university lecturer, professor, scientist, and organic chemist, ZTF had a unique platform to minister in academic settings. He maintained his scientific career alongside his ministry, becoming a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 1973 and later a Fellow (FRSC).
In 1995, he qualified to become a member of the American Society of Pharmacognosy, and in 2005, he was awarded a Doctor of Science by the University of Durham. His academic excellence gave him credibility to reach intellectuals with the gospel.
ZTF's Compassion
ZTF's ministry extended to practical compassion through healthcare. In 1999, the first Hope Clinic of the Ministry was opened in Abong-Mbang, East Province of Cameroon.
These clinics provided medical care while also creating opportunities to share the gospel with patients. This holistic approach demonstrated ZTF's understanding that ministry must address both spiritual and physical needs.
ZTF's Ministry to the Married
ZTF recognized the importance of strong marriages for spiritual growth and ministry effectiveness. In 2000, he held a Married People's Convention in Yaoundé to strengthen marriages within the ministry.
His own marriage to Prisca provided a model of partnership in ministry. From their courtship days, when they prayed together 45 minutes daily, to their later years when they gave 100% of their income to the Lord's work, they demonstrated unity of purpose and vision.
ZTF's Relationship with Co-workers
ZTF developed strong relationships with his ministry co-workers, particularly those who served alongside him for many years. Emmanuel Robert Bayiha became his main interpreter, co-minister, co-evangelist, and apostolic aide from 1977 until Bayiha's death in 2003.
He appointed vice presidents of the Ministry, including Emmanuel Bayiha and Martin Ambe Fatele, delegating authority while maintaining vision. He held special retreats with elders and their wives, investing in those who would carry the ministry forward.
ZTF's Missionary Journeys
ZTF's ministry took him across the globe on numerous missionary journeys. His first historic journey outside Africa was a 42-day trip from July 25 to September 4, 1989, visiting seven nations on three continents: Uganda, Kenya, India, Israel, Spain, France, and Côte d'Ivoire.
By September 2008, he celebrated his 500th missionary journey outside Cameroon while in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. These journeys allowed him to establish ministry connections worldwide and to fulfill his calling to reach all nations with the gospel.
ZTF's Vision for 2065
God gave ZTF an ambitious goal with a specific deadline: to lead those entrusted to him to preach the gospel to 10 billion people, to make one billion disciples who render total obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, in 25 million house churches, across 250 nations, on all 6 continents by December 31, 2065.
This long-term vision extended beyond his own lifetime, requiring future generations to carry it forward. It demonstrated his understanding that kingdom work spans generations and requires strategic planning with an eternal perspective.
ZTF's Legacy in Cameroon
ZTF's impact on his home country of Cameroon was profound. From his return as a missionary in 1975 to his death in 2009, he traveled extensively throughout the country, preaching in numerous localities and establishing churches.
His ministry transformed countless lives, raised up national leaders, and established a strong spiritual foundation. The establishment of the international headquarters in Koumé, Bertoua, ensured that Cameroon would remain central to the ministry's global vision.
ZTF's Impact on Africa
Beyond Cameroon, ZTF's ministry had a significant impact across Africa. He ministered in numerous African nations, sent missionaries to countries throughout the continent, and held regional conventions that brought together believers from multiple nations.
His teachings on prayer, fasting, discipleship, and spiritual warfare resonated with African believers and addressed spiritual realities that were relevant to the African context. His African identity, combined with his global vision, made him particularly effective in reaching the continent.
ZTF's Global Influence
ZTF's influence extended far beyond Africa to impact the global church. By the time of his death, he had ministered on all six continents and established ministry connections worldwide.
His books have been translated into numerous languages and continue to be read by believers around the world. The missionaries he sent and the leaders he trained have carried his teachings to diverse cultures and contexts, multiplying his impact globally.
Remembering ZTF's Character
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Discipline
From childhood to his final days, ZTF demonstrated remarkable self-discipline in every area of life.
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Integrity
He lived with complete honesty and transparency, maintaining the same standards in public and private.
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Generosity
His sacrificial giving demonstrated a heart completely free from materialism and greed.
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Humility
Despite his accomplishments, he maintained a humble spirit, always giving glory to God.
These character qualities, more than his achievements, form the most valuable part of his legacy - a model of Christlike character for others to follow.
The Challenge of ZTF's Life
Zacharias Tanee Fomum's life stands as both inspiration and challenge. His final message before his death was on "The total investment of a man's all" - the theme that defined his entire life.
As we reflect on his extraordinary journey from a young boy in Cameroon to a global spiritual leader, the question remains for each of us: Will we, like ZTF, offer the "power of our all" to God? Will we live with the same dedication, discipline, and devotion that characterized his life?
The greatest tribute we can pay to his memory is not merely to admire his life, but to follow his example of complete surrender to Christ. Share this post with someone who needs inspiration to give their all to God today.