A City Poised for Change
In the early 1900s, Pyongyang, Korea, was a city shrouded in vice, yet poised for a profound transformation. By 1907, a revival swept through the city, bringing thousands to faith in Jesus. One pivotal figure in this movement was Kil Sun-joo, a man who had once questioned how anyone could call God 'Father.' After days of prayer, he heard a voice call his name three times. Overwhelmed, he cried out, 'God the Father who loves me, forgive my sin and save my life!' Kil's personal encounter with God ignited a fire of repentance and renewal.
A Wave of Confession
At a Bible conference in January 1907, Kil's confession of taking money from a dying man's estate resonated deeply. His honesty sparked a wave of public repentance, inspiring others to confess their own wrongdoings. This included Dr. Robert Alexander Hardie, a Methodist missionary who admitted his racial prejudice against Koreans and his lack of the Holy Spirit's fullness.
Heaven Opens
The revival was marked by fervent prayer and heartfelt confessions. William Newton Blair, a Presbyterian missionary, described a moment when prayer filled the conference hall, with voices lifting in a 'vast harmony of sound and spirit.' As he could only stammer out 'Father, Father,' the room seemed to open to heaven, and God's Spirit descended mightily.
Jerusalem of the East
This movement was not just about personal change. It transformed society, as many returned stolen items and sought to make amends. By July 1907, over 30,000 people had come to faith, and Pyongyang was soon known as the 'Jerusalem of the East.' The revival instilled a culture of deep prayer and evangelism, setting the foundation for a rapidly growing Christian community.
Jesus was at the heart of this transformation, bringing healing and hope to a nation in need. Through the confessions and prayers of individuals like Kil Sun-joo and the dedicated work of missionaries, God's love and power were made known in extraordinary ways.
