What does revival look like? How might a true revival transform our society?
When I was young, I read everything I could about historic revivals. Here are just a few of my heroes—
I was enthralled by the courage of men like John G. Paton who led an entire island of cannibals to Christ—after the first missionary sent there, a fellow named James Harris, achieved a career lasting only minutes before he was eaten! Paton and his colleagues saw a massive transformative move of God across many South Seas islands.
After young Evan Roberts (namesake for our firstborn!) sought God and received visitations of the Spirit, he led a small group of mostly youth to spread the fire of God all over Wales. In some communities the crime rate dropped to zero, and the police spent their time forming worship choirs. Evan got to see his nation transformed before his very eyes.
Tommy Hicks was an unknown preacher God sent to Argentina with a word that a man named Peron would help him open a stadium to preach in. Peron turned out to be the president, and when he was dramatically healed as Tommy prayed, the stadium and the nation opened to the Gospel.
Duncan Campbell, who saw a supernatural visitation of God in the Hebrides islands that lasted 30 years, where most of the bars had to close because everyone was more concerned about things of great worth, said this: “Revival is something altogether different from evangelism on its highest level. Revival is a moving of God in the community and suddenly the community becomes God conscious…”
All over the world today, the Lord is stirring up this God-consciousness wherever people are seeking His face and taking His Kingdom into every sphere of society. Evidences such as miracles happening in the streets, breakthroughs in social justice, and unity in diversity demonstrate that God’s reviving touch isn’t confined to what happens inside a church building. His Kingdom rule and reign is changing everything.
Years ago I feasted on George Otis Jr.’s Transformation videos. Now my faith is being stirred by those who are currently seeing God transform cities such as Johnny Enlow and Ed Silvoso.
Yes, I’m still on a quest to see revival and transformation happen where I live, even in the Muslim world.
And I want to invite you on a journey with me.
Soon I’ll be launching a new series of suspense novels called the “HOPE Trilogy.” These three books will distill all that I’ve learned from my years of research, from being part of a sovereign visitation of God in Pasadena, California back in the 90s, from my involvement in starting 3 houses of prayer, and from what God is speaking to me about these issues currently.
The first book will be published in February 2020. I hope you’ll plan to read it. Perhaps it’s time for you to ask God with me for something truly big, and time for you to receive a clearer revelation of where you fit in what He’s about to do.
So start praying now, and stay tuned!
Jim Baton 