Susan with some happy ladies at Blaenycwm Chapel, Tynewydd, Wales, where Evan Roberts preached during the Welsh Revival of 1904-05.

By Tom Shanklin

I just wanted to give you a quick update of our ministry time here in the United Kingdom. We have just finished the first leg of our journey, where Susan and I ministered in churches in South England and South Wales. 

Our purpose here has been to encourage the believers and strengthen the churches in their mission to reach their nation. The Christians here are brave soldiers of the light standing against the forces of darkness. The scripture kept coming up in my spirit today: “The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 MEV

As hard as the devil tries, he cannot snuff out the light of Jesus Christ. The church on these islands has been in decline, just as in our nation. But the light will prevail. The devil is the defeated foe, not us. 

Just to share one example of our ministry time here, at Tynewydd (pronouned Ti-now-with) South Wales, we were with Pastor Ralph and Carol Upton. They minister at Blaenycwm Chapel, which was home to revival services during the Welsh Revival of 1904-05. Evan Roberts, the young leader of the revival, preached there to 1,000 people. And yet, for years, the chapel has been an empty shell, barely surviving. 

Since coming to the chapel several years ago, the Uptons have seen seven baptisms, which I believe is a sign that God is cracking the hard shell of this old coal mining community. Amazingly, the initial baptism they had was the first in 60 years at the chapel. This is a picture of the work of God in England and Wales. They need revival, just as we need revival.

It is amazing that places like this, which have experienced mighty moves of God in times past, now are experiencing such a lack of spiritual life. And yet, that is what happens when religion is emphasized rather than relationship. One generation experiences revival, and then they tend to try and teach the next generation how to behave like a Christian, without helping them to know the One who can truly change them. Then the next generation grows up without a true experience with the Holy Spirit, and as a result reject Christianity as dry and lifeless.

I have been preaching on the subject, “We Need the Fire!” from Matthew 3:11: “I indeed baptize you with water to repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Thank God for all the great revivals of the past, but we need fresh fire today!

At Tynewydd, a woman with pain in her temples caused by a disease experienced an immediate release from pain. While we were praying for an older gentleman, a young man nearby experienced immediate deliverance from pain in his foot. He had this pain for his whole life due to being born with a club foot. The next day, he still was pain free. 

The morning after our service there, we visited the chapel again, where church members were serving meals to people from the community. We ministered to several people who were battling with addictions and encouraged them to find their strength in the Jesus Christ. 

Our ministry has been well received in the churches and we have seen a spirit of encouragement come on the people and the pastors. It has been mutually encouraging for us as well to see God’s people pressing into His presence. 

Our greatest challenge here has been driving. Thank you Lord for your grace to drive on the wrong side of the road. I think the United Kingdom has more roundabouts than sheep. 

Thank you for you love and prayers. I believe that we will be bringing something back with us (a spirit of revival) to minister in the churches of America. 

Keep the fire burning!