Rees Howells, born in Brynamman, Carmarthenshire, Wales, in 1879, started life with humble beginnings as the sixth of eleven children. At the age of 12, he left school to work in a tin mill and coal mine, driven by a desire to support his family and seek a better life. In 1901, his ambitions took him to the United States, where he worked in tinplate mills in Pennsylvania. Despite his material success, Rees felt an inner void and spiritual restlessness.
Typhoid Fever Healing Testimony
His crisis came when he contracted typhoid fever, facing the prospect of death. 'As I faced losing all and entering an eternal darkness, I touched real life for the first time,' he later reflected. During this period, Rees met a Jewish Christian named Maurice Reuben, whose transformation inspired him deeply. Crying out to God, Rees promised, 'Give me one more chance...and I will give my life to You.' Through this powerful encounter, he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ.
Transformed by Welsh Revival
In 1904, Rees returned to Wales, where the Welsh Revival profoundly influenced him. He was challenged by God to fully surrender his life and commit to a life of faith. When asked by God, 'Are you willing to be a tramp for me?' Rees wrestled with the decision but ultimately declared, 'I believe You are able to keep me better than that mining company.' He then committed himself to the work of intercession.
Missionary Calling and Ministry
Rees's life of faith led him and his wife, Elizabeth Jones, to South Africa as missionaries in 1915, leaving their newborn son in Wales. They traveled 11,000 miles and witnessed thousands of conversions through their ministry. During the influenza outbreak, Rees declared that no one in his mission base would die, and indeed, there were no deaths.
Prayer Intercession and Global Impact
In 1924, following a divine call at the Llandrindod Convention, Rees founded the Bible College of Wales in Swansea. He led the college in a life of prayer, interceding for global events such as the 1940 Dunkirk evacuation and the 1947 UN vote on the partition of Palestine. 'I want to know that the Holy Spirit is stronger than the devil in the Nazi system,' he proclaimed, believing in the power of intercession to influence world events.
Rees Howells left a legacy of training missionaries and Christian leaders worldwide. He demonstrated that faith and surrender can transform lives and impact nations. His journey of intercession and trust in God continues to inspire believers today.
