The Hebrides Revival. How Did it Start?

Can one person make a difference? Of course! Just think of Rosa Parks, a humble Black housemaid who stood by her convictions and refused to give up her seat to a white person on an American bus. That one act changed a nation! History recounts many individuals who made a significant impact in their time, advancing the kingdom of God. We can mention Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, John Wycliffe, John and Susanna Wesley, Charles Finney, Billy Graham, and Fanny Crosby. The list could go on, but what if I mentioned Peggy and Christine Smith? Their names are little known in history. Let me share what they accomplished to further the kingdom of God.

Off the west coast of Scotland lies a small group of islands called the Hebrides. Between 1949 and 1952, a revival swept through these islands in response to the prayers of Peggy and Christine Smith. They were 84 and 82 years old, with Peggy, the oldest, being completely blind. After learning about the low spiritual state of the Hebrides and the fact that no young people were attending church services, Peggy and Christine began to pray and ask God to change the situation in their church. Because they couldn’t participate in public worship, their humble cottage became a sanctuary where they met with God. They received the promise: “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry ground” (Isaiah 44:3). They took this Scripture and made it their prayer before God, praying day and night. One night, Peggy had a revelation from God. She felt that God had answered her prayer and assured her that revival was coming, which would cause her church to be crowded again with young people!

The evangelist, Duncan Campbell, was asked if he would come to the Islands and preach. He declined due to previous commitments elsewhere, but God rearranged his schedule so he could attend this small church in the Hebrides. Here, in his own words, is Duncan's testimony of what happened.

“They arranged for me to speak at a short church meeting that started at nine o'clock that night. It was an extraordinary gathering. God sovereignly moved, and there was a beautiful sense of God's presence. The meeting lasted until four a.m., and I had never witnessed anything like it during my ministry. Around midnight, a group of young people left a disco and packed into the church. Some couldn't sleep because God so deeply gripped them.

Although there was an awareness of God and a spirit of conviction at this initial meeting, the real breakthrough came a few days later on a Sunday night in the parish church. The church was packed, and the Spirit of God was moving in such a way that I couldn't preach. I just stood still and gazed upon the wonderful presence of God. Men and women were crying out to God for mercy all over the church. I made no appeal whatsoever. After meeting for over three hours, I pronounced the benediction and told the people to go out, but mentioned that anyone who wanted to continue the meeting could come back later.”

This mighty revival started when a couple of senior ladies cried out to the Lord in prayer. Couldn't this happen in your community? Keith Thomas

Continued tomorrow, or you can read the more in-depth copy at the link: God Uses Ordinary Believers.