In remembrance of a great evangelist, also in the spirit of his life’s work: the spread of the Gospel and the salvation of souls.
His story is one of ordinary people carrying the extraordinary flame of faith, a testament to the power of God working through willing hearts.
He wasn’t born a preacher on a grand stage.
He was a student, like some of you, with a month of holiday and a yearning in his heart.
In an unevangelized district, he planted the seeds of faith, and a hundred souls blossomed in response.
This wasn’t a unique feat.
Merchants, hat-makers, students – all became vessels of God’s word, carrying the wondrous story from town to town, building little Christian communities wherever their paths led.
This evangelist rose to unimaginable heights, becoming a household name, a confidante to presidents, and a beacon of hope for millions.
Yet, amidst the accolades and awards, he never forgot the core of his mission: speaking to ordinary people about their souls’ salvation.
He understood that every Christian is a street chapel, a testament to the transformative power of faith.
He wasn’t alone in this journey.
The prayers of his home base, the church family that nurtured him, were the wind beneath his wings.
They wept with him and witnessed the transformation of the sinners grief into a radiant hope.
We may not all stand on grand stages or preach to thousands.
But each of us has a voice, a story to tell, a light to share.
The student who speaks to six people a day, the merchant who whispers the Gospel amidst his wares, the neighbour who offers a kind word – these are the quiet heroes of faith, the foot soldiers in God’s army.
Let us not be daunted by the immensity of the task.
Remember the young evangelist, who sparked a dozen communities.
Like seeds carried by the wind, he found fertile ground in unexpected places.
We are the street chapels in our communities, the merchants of hope in your marketplaces, the students of the Gospel in your daily lives.
Speak to those you meet, share your stories, offer a prayer, and watch the miracles unfold.
For in the quiet acts of faith, in the small seeds of love, lies the power to transform hearts, communities, and the world itself.
Let this great man’s legacy be not just a memory, but a call to action.
Let his life be a torch, passed from hand to hand, illuminating the path towards a world where every soul knows the love and grace of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Our hearts are heavy with the awareness of the violence and murder that plague our streets.
It is a stark reminder of the brokenness in our world, and we cannot turn a blind eye to the pain and suffering that many endure.
Amidst the challenges we face, I’m compelled to share with you a revelation, a vision of hope that has touched my soul.
I am currently reading a book about a man who is developing electric cars in America.
It speaks to innovation and progress, but it also reminds us that while we strive for advancements in technology, our hearts must be attuned to the deeper matters of the spirit.
We recognize the power of words to influence hearts and minds.
In that vein, let us focus on the power of believing.
In a world filled with despair, we must turn our attention to the source of true hope.
One person found themselves standing in a boat along the seashore of the Sea of Galilee in a vision.
The words resonated:
“In 2024, I am breaking the heavy yoke of oppression and depression that has kept you bound and shackled to the spirit of doubt and unbelief.”
Let these words echo in our hearts.
Let us believe in the power of God to break the chains that bind us, to free us from the yoke of oppression and depression.
As we believe, radical disciples will rise, walking in authority over infirmity and growing in maturity.
The call to revival has historical roots.
In 1784, John Erskine republished Jonathan Edwards’ earnest plea for revival prayer, and evangelical awakenings occurred throughout Wales.
Today, let us echo the sentiment of repentance and revival in our prayers, seeking God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
The power of believing is not just about receiving blessings but also about aligning our hearts with God’s will.
When we say “YES” to God, pride fades away, and our hearts become open vessels for His favour and grace.
In this process of purging and refining, we are becoming the strong Christians we desire to be.
The Bride, purified and devoted, “sees” where her beloved is.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
As we align our vision with God’s, we can act in accordance with His will.
Remember the day God gave you the Gold Medal of His approval.
He approved of your decision, and therefore, He approves of you.
Just like the prodigal son, God celebrates our return to Him.
As we believe, let our faces light up with the radiance of God’s love.
May our believing lead to a transformation that not only impacts our lives but also shines as a beacon of hope in a world desperate for the light of Christ.