How One Teenage Girl Sparked the Welsh Revival

by Jennifer A. Miskov, Ph.D. 

Igniting revival begins by simply being in love with Jesus and sharing that passion with others. It only takes one match to light a revival fire that has the potential to impact generations.

In the early 1900s, spiritual hunger was being awakened in Wales. Methodist preacher Joseph Jenkins led a conference in 1903 focused on cultivating a deeper life in Christ. The next year, after being confronted by one of his congregants who said his preaching lacked power and conviction, Jenkins did some deep soul searching. He studied the writings of South African Andrew Murray and read a biography about D.L. Moody, which caused him to hunger for a greater experience with God. One night as he wrestled with God into the late hours, he had a life-changing encounter where he said he felt as if he was enveloped by a blue flame as the Holy Spirit descended upon him.[i] Overnight, he was transformed and ignited with fresh fire for God.

Florrie Evans was in his youth group and was being convicted by his new fiery preaching. On February 14, 1904 after the church service, Florrie wanted to connect with Jenkins but was too afraid to approach him. She later paced in front of the door to his house for about 30 minutes before getting the courage to knock on his door. When she finally did, he welcomed her in, and they sat in silence for a time until she spoke up to share her heart and how she longed to know God. He asked her if she had allowed Jesus to be Lord of her life. She wasn’t sure if she could do that yet because she feared what she would have to give up. He encouraged her to accept Jesus as Lord of her life and to shut herself away in her room to fully surrender to Him and to welcome the Holy Spirit.

The next Sunday, after the main service, Jenkins led another smaller meeting of about 60 young people, and asked them this question:

“What does the Lord Jesus Christ mean to you?”

One boy stood up and exclaimed, “Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world!”

This was not what Jenkins was looking for, so he rephrased the question and put the emphasis on the word you in his question. That’s when 19-year-old Florrie Evans stood to her feet and with a tremor in her voice proclaimed,

“I love the Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart!”

God crashed in the room, and many started to break down and cry under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Revival began to spread in her church and beyond. Florrie’s declaration of love for Jesus is said to have been the spark that ignited a flame of what would later become known as the Welsh Revival.

Several months later, a group from Florrie’s church traveled to the region where 26-year-old coal miner Evan Roberts (1878-1951) was attending ministry school. He attended a revival meeting they led in Blaenanerch and it was there that he had his defining “bend me” encounter where God marked him with fire.[ii] About a month later, after having an open vision, he felt compelled to preach to the young people at his home church at Moriah Chapel. It was there, on October 31, 1904 that he preached and convinced all 17 people present to be saved. That was the beginning of what would later become known as the Welsh Revival of 1904 -1905 where in less than six months, over 100,000 people got saved. Shops closed down, people reconciled, crime decreased, debts were paid off, and the nation was brought to a spiritual awakening which continues to have ripple effects around the world to this day.

When this revival burst upon the scene, people from around the world were drawn to Wales to partake in what God was doing. They did not come to see an anointed speaker or a talented worship group on a stage; they came to meet with God. One eyewitness recounted:

“I saw a large, deep gallery surrounding the chapel literally packed with men. They were manly, intensely earnest faces, not looking around or talking one to the other, but with one consent utterly taken up with God. The body of the chapel was also crowded with men and women of all classes, with but one purpose–TO MEET GOD. There was no opening to the meeting; the hearts were full, and burst with prayer and praise to a God felt to be in our midst.”[iii]

The meetings were marked by prayer, testimony, and worship. The spontaneous leading of the Holy Spirit took precedent over any set plans or agendas. People were drawn to this revival to encounter God in a greater measure than ever before.

And it all got sparked by a teenage girl who simply declared her love and devotion for Jesus.

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” –Matthew 22:37

Never underestimate the power of declaring your love for Jesus to this world.

*This excerpt was taken from Jen’s new book Feasting on God’s Presence: 40 Days of Encountering the Holy Spirit through Fasting available today and also as audio book in Jen’s voice too.

How does learning about how one teenage girl’s intimate love for Jesus ignited a powerful move of God impact you? What does it look like for you to declare your devotion and love for Jesus today?