000 - Introduction
INTRODUCTION Does it seem strange that a Scotsman writes about the great revival in Wales? If so, then may I explain that the reading and hearing of this mighty movement stirred me to my deepest depths when I was a young babe in Christ.
I first visited Wales in 1936 to speak at the EVERY CREATURE MISSIONARY AND BIBLE CONFERENCE in Swansea with Dr Paul Rader, Dr R. E. Neighbour, and Mrs Charles E. Cowman. Many times since then I have had the privilege of speaking at this same convention, held in the grounds of the Bible College of Wales. Besides this, I ministered one year at the Llandridod Wells Convention (The Welsh Keswick). On each occasion I took the opportunity of living over once again these glorious days, not only with those who were saved during this time, but also with some of the leaders.
Mr Evan Roberts’ family have been so gracious to me down the years when I had occasion to visit them. What precious times I have spent at Island House, the birth place of the revivalist and also where he had those extraordinary months of communion with His heavenly Father. Here these friends very kindly drew aside the veil of intimate family life and let me into many of the secrets of these glorious times. Naturally many of these incidents are too intimate and sacred to be placed in a book. In all fairness to my fellow evangelists all over the world, I feel it necessary to state to the reader the difference between a spontaneous work of God in revival and a planned and prepared evangelistic campaign. If the Holy Spirit is not working in a mighty way in the churches before the evangelist comes, then it is necessary to have a well-organized preparation. Many evangelists have been sorely disappointed, not only in the poor spiritual preparation, but also in the lack of organized preparation for their evangelistic campaigns. SLIPSHOD PREPARATIONS are an insult to God. However, this book deals with spontaneous revival. For my own personal views on the difference between preparation for Revival and for an Evangelistic Campaign, the reader may study two important books: EVANGELISM WITHOUT APOLOGY, (lectures given at Bob Jones University) and OPEN WINDOWS. The greatest preparation of all is by prayer which results in confession of sin and mighty anointings of the Holy Spirit. No matter how great may be the crowd or the organization, if the Christians are not broken and burdened for souls and the Holy Spirit is not working, all is in vain.
JAMES A. STEWART
DENMARK 1963