Father's Transformation Through Faith
In the early 1900s, in the bustling city of Leeds, England, a young boy named Leonard Ravenhill grew up in a home marked by profound change. His father, Walter, once gripped by alcoholism, experienced a dramatic conversion, which radically altered the family's course. This transformation left a lasting impression on young Leonard, who witnessed firsthand the power of faith through his father's street preaching.
Leonard's Personal Conversion at Fourteen
Despite being raised in a devout Methodist household, Leonard felt an internal void. It wasn't until he observed the profound joy and spiritual fervor in his father's life that he realized his own need for a personal relationship with God. At around 14 years old, Leonard embraced his faith, marking the start of a journey that would define his life.
Leonard Ravenhill Prayer Life Ministry
By 20, Leonard felt a calling to ministry and attended Cliff College in Sheffield, where he prepared to become an evangelist. His passion for prayer and revival was evident, as he dedicated countless hours to prayer, sometimes up to 18 hours a day. Leonard once expressed the centrality of prayer in his life, saying, "Prayer is not a preparation for the battle; it is the battle!"
Revival Legacy in America
In 1950, Leonard moved to the United States, where he continued his commitment to revival and evangelism. His meetings during World War II had drawn large crowds, and his influence only grew in America. Leonard's teachings on revival and holiness challenged the Church to rediscover its roots in biblical revival. He mentored many Christian leaders, leaving a lasting legacy.
Leonard's book, 'Why Revival Tarries,' sold over a million copies, and his life inspired a new generation to pursue a deeper relationship with God through prayer. Until his passing in 1994 in Garden Valley, Texas, Leonard Ravenhill's life was a testament to the transformative power of prayer and the relentless pursuit of God's purpose.
