A Deep Spiritual Sensitivity
In the small town of Loughor, Wales, a young man named Evan Roberts was marked by a deep spiritual sensitivity from an early age. Born in 1878 to devout parents, Roberts was raised in a home where faith was central. By 13, he was profoundly impacted by a sermon on the Holy Spirit, igniting a passion for revival. For over a decade, Roberts fervently prayed, "I will have the Spirit," attending every church meeting, even while working in the coal mines.
Bend Me, O Lord
In 1904, while studying for ministry in Newcastle Emlyn, Roberts attended a pivotal service in Blaenannerch led by evangelist Seth Joshua. During this service, Roberts experienced a profound moment of transformation. As Joshua prayed, "Bend us," Roberts was moved to pray, "Bend me, O Lord!" This marked a turning point, where he felt God's presence powerfully, describing it as being "taken up to a great expanse – without time and space."
A Transformed Ministry
Following this experience, Roberts' life and ministry were transformed. Previously serious and reserved, he now radiated joy and spoke with authority. His ministry style was unorthodox; he preached without notes, allowing spontaneous prayer and worship to guide the meetings. His message was clear: confess sins, avoid doubtful habits, and obey the Holy Spirit immediately.
A Legacy of Revival
The Welsh Revival of 1904-1905, spurred by Roberts' passionate preaching, saw remarkable changes. Approximately 100,000 people were converted, crime rates dropped, and communities were transformed. Roberts emphasized, "This movement is not of me, it is of God," and focused on the Holy Spirit's role in revival. Despite his later withdrawal from public ministry due to exhaustion, Roberts' legacy as a catalyst for spiritual awakening endures, having influenced movements worldwide, including the Pentecostal revival.
