Our History
1968
Founding of CRA
CRA (originally called Christian Renewal Foundation) is incorporated. Dennis and Rita Bennett, along with Florence Dressel, begin the ministry of CRA with the mission of "the general dissemination in this state and throughout the world of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with especial emphasis on the renewal of the Christian Church through the work of the Holy Spirit."
1970
Nine O'Clock In The Morning published
Rev. Dennis Bennett publishes his influential book, Nine O'Clock In The Morning, accounting his experiences in the early days of the Charismatic Renewal.
1971
The Holy Spirit & You published
Dennis and Rita Bennett publish their first co-authored book, The Holy Spirit & You. The book goes on to become a staple in seminary courses worldwide.
1976
Inner Healing ministry begins
Rita Bennett founds an Inner (Soul) Healing Ministry within CRA. Together with longtime friend and colleague Shade O'Driscoll, this ministry was eventually developed into the Emotionally Free Inner Healing Ministry, which is now international.
1982
(You Can Be) Emotionally Free published
Rita Bennett publishes her definitive work (You Can Be) Emotionally Free, which becomes the basis for her inner healing ministry for decades to come. Over 100,000 copies have been sold.
1991
Inner Healing Through The Lord's Prayer course
Rita Bennett launches her second major course, Inner Healing Through The Lord's Prayer (now The Lord's Prayer Heals) which quickly becomes a cornerstone for the ministry of CRA.
1992
Death of Rev. Dennis Bennett
Rev. Canon Dennis Bennett passes away on All Saints Day (Nov. 1) 1991. Rita assumes sole leadership of CRA and continues the work of ministry that she and Dennis had built over 25 years of marriage.
1992
Rita begins presenting on TBN
Rita begins a ten-year tenure as a presenter on Trinity Broadcasting Network, often bringing in other CRA facilitators as co-hosts or guests.
1999
Emotionally Free in Africa
SOMA-USA (Sharing of Ministries Abroad) partners with Gail Patton from CRA to begin teaching the Emotionally Free course in Tanzania. The course is translated into multiple languages, training of local prayer ministers begins, and the Emotionally Free ministry expands across East Africa.
2008
CRA New Zealand
Diana Ingle joins CRA and expands the ministry with the founding of CRA New Zealand, creating an official international branch of CRA for the first time.
2021
Death of Rita Bennett
Rita Bennett passes away peacefully on May 8, 2021, surrounded by friends and family. She leaves a legacy of over 50 years of personal ministry and service.
2021 and beyond
'Restore Wholeness' is born
Under the leadership of Diana Ingle, Rita's successor, Christian Renewal Association is relaunched as CRA - Restore Wholeness. The legacy of the Bennetts will continue with a 21st-century vision for their timeless teaching on inner healing and the Holy Spirit.
2025
Restore Wholeness Canada
A new branch of CRA is birthed! Maria Arsenault sets up board and a registered not for profit named "Restore Wholeness Canada' is formed in Victoria BC to oversee the growth of our ministry in Canada.
2026
CRA Tanzania
In June 2026 An official branch of CRA is established in Tanzania with all local leadership under Bishop John Lupaa, and a vision to transform Africa through our children's ministry.
CRA Archives
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