Lived – 1879-1950

Founder – The Bible College of Wales

Inspiration - To pray until there is a break through

I remember the Summer of 2000. This was a summer that was pivotal in my life and my calling. During this summer I read several books which included two biographies of two men whose life stories have been a constant inspiration to me. One of these biographies was of a man named Rees Howells.

Rees Howells grew up in the valleys of Wales, his job was a coal miner. During the beginning of the 20th century coal mining was the only way to really make a living in the valleys of Wales. It was one day in the mine that God spoke to Rees Howells and told him that he would be his provision, not the mining company. Howells, quit his job and declared that God would provide. To his family, friends and neighbors it seemed as if this man had lost his mind. In fact he was just being obedient for God.

This man spent several months in his bedroom just praying for sixteen hours a day. He would only eat bread and drink water and didn’t even make a trip to church on Sunday’s. However, it was through this extreme time of prayer that Rees Howells started to get a burden for the sick people of his town and the townships in the region.

Howells began to travel from town to town praying for the sick and preaching the news of Jesus being the savior of the world. Many people were supernaturally healed as Howells prayed. Many people who were alcoholics were set free. People through the ministry of Howell found new life. It was during this time that what we know as the “Welsh Revival” took place, when God moved in a supernatural way across Wales and thousands decided to become Christ followers.

It was in Howells later years that he founded the ‘Bible College of Wales’ which is located in Swansea. In fact my Auntie & Uncle live less than a mile from the campus. Each time I drive past the Bible College I am amazed that this all started because one man decided to listen to God and pray. He didn’t pray for one day, nor one week; this man prayed until God told him to stop. He sacrificed his own needs for the sake of others who were hurting and in need. Instead of just complaining about a situation, this man would get on his knees and wouldn’t get up until God and dealt with the situation.

I am inspired my this man. You can read his biography by Norman Grubb to get a better understanding of this mans life. This man inspires me to never give up in prayer. This man inspires me to go to the extreme for God and also inspires me to know when God tells you to do something, do it, don’t look back and trust that God is in control.