A Spiritually Stagnant Congregation
In 1860, the town of Worcester, South Africa, experienced a remarkable transformation led by Andrew Murray, a Dutch Reformed Church minister. Having arrived in Worcester at a time when the congregation was spiritually stagnant, Murray was initially skeptical of the emotional fervor he witnessed as the revival began.
A Divine Movement
It was a youth prayer meeting where a young 15-year-old girl prayed with such passion that the atmosphere shifted. The sound of prayer swelled, and nearly everyone in the hall was moved to join in. A stranger cautioned Murray to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit at work. Despite his initial doubts, Murray came to understand that this was indeed a divine movement.
Profound Community Change
During the revival, Murray preached on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 1860, about "The Ministration of the Spirit," igniting a deeper awareness of God's presence among the people. The community saw a profound change; families reconciled, debts were settled, and forgiveness was freely offered among former adversaries. This period of revival not only rejuvenated the spiritual life of Worcester but also inspired 50 young men to dedicate themselves to ministry, driven by an earnest desire to serve.
A Ministry Forever Changed
Reflecting on his ministry, Andrew Murray once shared, "The lesson of half a century of ministerial work to me was that God had for every man a sphere of work and a plan of work. The more unreservedly a man submitted to God's will, the more completely God's work was wrought." These words encapsulate the transformation he experienced and witnessed during the revival, illustrating how surrendering to God's will can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Murray's ministry was forever changed, focusing more on missions, personal holiness, and fervent prayer, a testament to the lasting impact of the Worcester Revival.
