God’s Timeline: From Zinzendorf to Reiter to Revival
The SporkenHof & Hammer Forge, Gresten Lower Austria - Artwork produced by commissioned artist Roittner 1935
When I returned from my trip, I discovered a powerful link to past revivals through revival historian Dr. Jen Miskov. What began with Count Zinzendorf’s “yes” to give the Moravians refuge sparked a chain reaction of revival. The Moravians went on to impact John Wesley, who birthed the Methodist movement in the UK, sending out missionaries to America known as the circuit riders. And this is where we find ourselves today, because of Zinzendorf’s “yes”, we can all enjoy the freedom to practice our faith. I thought it would be worth sharing this timeline with you all.
The Bible tells us that God’s faithfulness continues through all generations (Psalm 100:5). As the Lord led me on this wild journey of self-discovery and understanding my family legacy, I could see just that. His faithfulness throughout my generational line. It’s like God says in his word, that He chose us before creation to be holy and blameless, predestining us in love to be adopted as His children through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4-6), and that he chose us to be born for such a time as this, choosing the time that we were to be knit together in our mother’s womb.
Do you see it? Do you perceive it? Ask the Lord about your generational line and your inheritance. He is faithful to show you. When you look and seek, the Lord will show you that you were planned for such a time as this.
Timeline
1457
Moravian Church
Established The Bohemian Brethren, later known as the Moravian Church, are officially organized—laying the groundwork for future renewal movements across Europe and beyond. Learn More.
1588
The Sporken Hammer Forge Built
The Sporken Hammer Forge in Lower Austria, was constructed by wealthy Sebastian Planckh. Originally a pan hammer, it is later converted into a scythe hammer by Hutter and remained a scythe hammer for over 250 years. [1]
1606
Great Southland of the Holy Spirit
Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandez de Queiros declares the region of Australia and surrounds to be the land of the Holy Spirit. [2]
1634
Zinzendorf Family Acquires Property
The Zinzendorf family purchases the Scythe Hammer Forge in Lower Austria and its accompanying residential estate. [1]
The Zinzendorf family, an ancient aristocratic lineage from Lower Austria dating back to 1150 AD, held vast estates and royal ties across Europe. Most became Lutherans during the Reformation and because of their religious belief, they were forced to leave Austria (including ancestors of the Moravian Bishop, Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf), but one remained Catholic to oversee their estates.
1722
Zinzendorf Meets the Moravians
Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf encounters the Moravian Brethren, and his “Yes” to welcoming the Moravian Brethren to his estate sparked a global movement of spiritual renewal, unity, and missions. Learn more.
1735
Moravians Meet John Wesley
While traveling to America, Moravian missionaries meet John Wesley, profoundly shaping his theology, courage, and faith through their peaceful trust in God during storms at sea. Learn more.
1738
Birth of the Methodist Movement
Empowered by his encounter with the Moravians, John Wesley helps launch the Methodist Revival, spreading a message of grace, holiness, and transformation across England and the world. Learn more.
1741
Zinzendorf Family Sells the Forge
The Sporken Hammer Forge in Lower Austria is sold to the Scythemakers’ Guild in Waidhofen an der Ybbs. [1]
1764
Circuit Riders Begin in America
The Methodist Church launches its first circuit riders—traveling preachers sent into frontier America. They became central to the Second Great Awakening (1784–1830), sparking revival across rural towns and forming the spiritual roots of American Christianity. Learn more.
1788
The First Fleet arrives in Australia & first Christian service is held
First Fleet Chaplain, Richard Johnson conducts the first church service in Botany Bay in the open air under a gum tree. He shares Psalm 116, which recounts the goodness of God to deliver those of childlike faith from calamity. Johnson is labelled a Moravian Methodist. Historian Stuart Piggin says, “Christianity is probably the most formative influence on Australian history.” [3]
1861
Johann Schönauer Sr. Revives the Forge
Johann Schönauer Sr. purchases the forge, converting it into a sickle factory named "Reiter" (Rider). His son takes over and the forge becomes the town’s economic backbone, producing 65,000+ sickles per year, exporting globally to China and Russia. [1]
1945 (approx)
End of the Reiter Era
Following WWII and the earlier death of Johann Schönauer (1938), the Reiter sickle factory closes, concluding a 400-year industrial legacy in Austria.
1957
Schönauer Descendants Immigrate to Australia
Descendants of the Schönauer line—including 15-year-old Rainer Dornauer (my father!)—immigrate to Australia, arriving in Perth, then settling in Sydney.
2011
Rainer Dornauer Passes into Eternity
After a short battle with Mesothelioma, my dear father went to be with Jesus on 30 August, surrounded by family.
2017
I Encounter Jesus
I give my heart to Jesus at Fire Church Frankston, delivered from fear and anxiety and begin my Jesus journey!
2024
God Sets My Journey in Motion
May: I receive a prophetic financial gift from a godly couple who tell me to take a family holiday.
June: I dream of my father Rainer, which awakens my desire to explore my Austrian heritage.
October: My aunt Tilla, the last known living relative living in Austria, sadly passes away.
2025
Austria: Inheritance & Revival Connections Found
14 April: In the 14th year anniversary of my father’s passing, my daughter Sophie and I travel to Austria. We meet my 75-year-old second cousin, living in the original Schönauer house, and we become the first family members allowed in after nearly 50 years. He receives the gospel and gifts me an original Reiter sickle—a symbol of restoration, revival, and inheritance.
7 May: We return to Australia, forever changed. God performs a miracle and gets the Reiter sickle through customs. It now resides in Frankston, Victoria!
12 July:
At the RETURN Conference at Fire Church Carrum Downs, I hear from revival historian Dr Jen Miskov share the legacy of Zinzendorf, the Moravians, Wesley, and the Methodist circuit riders. The Lord connects the dots—revealing that my ancestral legacy is linked to revival history.
I share my testimony that evening, along with the sickle, and the Holy Spirit breaks out.
Evangelist Andrew Scarborough gives me a prophetic word that night. He said as he saw me sharing my testimony at RETURN, he saw me travelling around Australia and overseas with the Reiter sickle, sharing the testimony - a generational call to claim their inheritance for revival.
Today
The saints in Australia and across the globe claim their inheritance, walk in their identity as a children of God and reap the harvest - the biggest one the world has ever seen!
WATCH: See this timeline come to life! Natalie’s testimony on identity, inheritance and end-times revival and harvest.
References:
[1] Seefried, O. (1933, revised 1982). 750 Jahre Gresten, pp. 95-96.
[2] Mahlburg, K & March, W (2022). Great Southland Revival, pp. 113-114.
[3] Mahlburg, K & March, W (2022). Great Southland Revival, pp. 123-126.