Reverend Ike: An Extraordinary Life of Influence

by Mark Victor Hansen, Xavier Eikerenkoetter, Bob Proctor (Foreword)

The unlikely and sometimes harrowing journey of an iconic evangelist, known to millions as simply Reverend Ike, will draw you into his remarkable story of rising from extreme poverty and leading millions of poor Blacks to unprecedented financial success, independence, and joyful living by understanding the profound Biblical promises of prosperity.

Lovingly known by his ardent and enthusiastic followers as Reverend Ike, Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II touched millions of lives. He presented people with a new way to think about themselves, about life, and about all the riches of health, happiness, joy, love, success, prosperity, and money that could be theirs—if they only understood the principles that he had come to understand. These were the very transformational principles he taught to the hungry hearts, souls, and minds who showed up at his church meetings, workshops, and radio or TV broadcasts each week.

Ike’s early life was full of family drama, opposition, and extreme poverty. Still, he refused to follow the prevailing belief—even within his own family and community—that Black people were here to suffer. Rev. Ike embodied his work and his purpose to raise others up to a better life. In truth, he was a perfect example of the power of faith in action. He overcame the odds by rising above obscurity and transforming himself to a place of great significance.

Around the world, individuals were touched in countless ways and lifted out of poverty, anger, hopelessness, and depression. As Ike’s ministry grew, his calling captured the attention and devotion of millions. Compared frequently to the internationally revered Reverend Billy Graham, Reverend Ike became one of the most widely known and heard inspirational prosperity teachers of his generation.

320 pages, Hardcover

Published December 19, 2023

About the author

Mark Victor Hansen is an American inspirational and motivational speaker, trainer and author. He is best known as the founder and co-creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series.


Mark Victor Hansen was born to Danish immigrants, Una and Paul Hansen. He grew up in Waukegan, Illinois. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1970 with a B.A. in speech communications.

Along with business partner, Jack Canfield , Hansen is best known for creating what Time magazine called “the publishing phenomenon of the decade”. Chicken Soup for the Soul books are one of the most successful publishing franchises in the world today, with more than 500 million books sold internationally and more than 100 licensed products. The name “Chicken Soup” was chosen because of the use of chicken soup as a home remedy for the sick. The first Chicken Soup book, published by Health Communications, Inc., sold more than 2 million copies. There are now over 500 million copies in print and in 54 languages worldwide.

In 2005 he co-wrote, along with Robert Allen, the book "Cracking the Millionaire Code" in which he highlights several self-made millionaires such as Bob Circosta, Michael Dell, Bill Gates, Alexander Graham Bell, Oprah Winfrey, and others, using them as examples of how to build wealth.

Reviews

[Maria Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

It kept me going. Could not stop reading..

Every couple of years a book will come and make you happy, but this book will stay in your heart for a long, long time..
With all of those thousands and thousands of people impacted, there will be no other...

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is surprising that it was not until twelve years after his passing that a biography of Reverend Ike was written. Much like the messages he delivered to the masses, this book seeks to uplift, empower and inspire the reader. Detractors of the late Rev Ike bash his flamboyant lifestyle and excess. This book tells the story of a man who benefited as he practiced what he preached, while encouraging the same for others. The top contributors to the book are Rev Ike’s son and one who benefited greatly under the late Reverend’s guidance. I read the book primarily to learn how Reverend Ike rose from poverty to a well known preacher of the “prosperity gospel”. However, I found that I drew some inspiration from his message.

[Tonia Kroboth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Positive, Powerful and encouraging. I loved reading about what Rev. Ike's life was like before he became well known to the world. This book will certainly motivate readers to want to have more out of life and to think positively.

[Katrina Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice story of Rev. Ike’s upbringing and his evolution. I enjoyed reading about how much Rev. Ike read so many books and unselfishly helped others.