A Discouraged Young Pastor
In the late 1970s, Claudio Freidzon, a young pastor from Buenos Aires, faced a daunting challenge. He began his ministry at just 24 years old in the Parque Chas neighborhood, full of hope but soon found himself discouraged. By 1979, his congregation had grown to only seven members despite his efforts and prayers. Freidzon felt like a failure and considered resigning. He recounted, "What I learned is that if God calls you, God takes care of sustaining you at all times." These words of encouragement from another pastor would prove pivotal.
An Encounter with the Holy Spirit
Freidzon's turning point came in 1992 when he longed to deepen his understanding of the Holy Spirit. Seeking a profound encounter with God, he traveled to Orlando, where Benny Hinn prayed over him, asking for the Holy Spirit's presence to fill Freidzon's life and ministry. This prayer marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation.
Revival Breaks Out
Back in Buenos Aires, Freidzon's meetings became marked by an extraordinary presence of the Holy Spirit. Worship services extended to four or five hours as people were moved to adoration, some experiencing deep joy or laughter, while others fell under God's power. The revival was characterized by miraculous healings and a widespread change in lifestyles, as people dedicated themselves more fully to God.
A Global Influence
The impact of this revival was immense. Freidzon's church, Rey de Reyes, grew from a small congregation to over 30,000 members. The revival's influence reached far beyond Argentina, inspiring other movements such as the Toronto Blessing and the Brownsville Revival. Freidzon's testimony is a powerful reminder that, as he often shared, "The success is to remain in the will of God. It is not numbers, it is not resources."
