May 28, 2025

Breaking Open the Wells

Firstly, I want to say thank you to Ceci for doing such a wonderful job on yesterday‘s post while I was traveling home from Wales. She always does an amazing job. 

I was in Swansea, Wales, to speak this past Sunday at the 10th anniversary (since its reopening) of The Bible College of Wales. The school has its roots in the gre at Welsh Revival, the effects of which are still being felt around the world. Here is a little background. 

The Great Welsh Revival

The Welsh Revival of 1903-1904 transformed Wales and had lasting impacts on Christianity worldwide. The revival was characterized by widespread spiritual passion, mass conversions, and renewed commitment to Christ among Welsh communities, particularly within the Methodist, Baptist, and Independent churches.

The outpouring of Holy Spirit was sparked by the preaching of Evan Roberts, a young evangelist whose passionate sermons and deep spiritual conviction inspired thousands. Leaders emphasized the importance of personal repentance, a return to biblical principles, and the need for individual revival as a means to restore spiritual vitality to the nation. The moving of Holy Spirit led to large gatherings and thousands of conversions, much prayer, tremendous worship, and incredible testimonies.

The movement quickly spread across Wales, affecting towns and villages and leading to a significant increase in church attendance and conversions. Churches reported revitalized congregations, increased moral standards, and a decline in negative social issues such as drunkenness and crime. The revival also influenced other parts of the U.K. and beyond, inspiring movements worldwide.

The social impact was profound, as the revival fostered a sense of community, hope, and moral renewal. It also prompted many to pursue active evangelism and social reform. The revival is generally regarded as one of the most powerful and influential spiritual awakenings in history. 

By 1904, the revival began to wane, but its effects persisted for years, leaving an enduring legacy of spiritual passion and a renewed sense of purpose among Welsh Christians. The great Welsh Revival of 1903 and 1904 remains one of the most notable religious revivals in history. 

Rees Howells

Rees Howells was a product of this revival. He was born in 1879 in Wales, became a Christian, and then discovered a deeper relationship with Christ during a period of time spent in America. He moved back to Wales and was deeply impacted by the great revival. Rees became a missionary and developed an incredible life of faith and prayer.  He is best known for founding The Bible College of Wales in Swansea in 1924, and the intercession that took place there. 

Throughout his life, Howells emphasized the importance of prayer and intercession, believing that prayer could influence global events. During World War II, these convictions led him and his students to dedicate themselves to interceding on behalf of the Allied forces and the war's outcome. Many people, and I am certainly one of them, believe Rees and his students were instrumental in saving the world from Hitler and the Nazis.

Rees’s approach to prayer included spiritual warfare, a powerful tool to combat evil and influence nations. He encouraged his students at the Bible College of Wales to pray earnestly for the military, leaders, and civilians affected by the conflict. The students engaged in continuous prayer, often dedicating entire days to intercession, believing that their prayers could impact the course of the war and bring about divine intervention.

Throughout the war, Howells and the students held regular prayer meetings, praying specifically for the safety of soldiers, the defeat of oppressive regimes, and the preservation of freedom. They also prayed for wisdom for Allied leaders and for peace to be restored quickly. Many testimonies from those associated with the college recount the supernatural leadings of Holy Spirit, and confirmations of their prayers being used to stop evil forces. Their deep faith that God would intervene through their prayers was vital in overcoming the darkness of war. Through Norman Grubb’s book, Rees Howells: Intercessor, his life and ministry continue to inspire believers in the power of prayer to influence global events, and bring about divine purpose during times of crisis. 

The Rebirth

After Rees’ death, The Bible College of Wales was eventually relocated in 2009 from Wales to England and renamed Trinity School of Ministry. The Wales campus fell into disrepair; the buildings deteriorated, weeds overtook the property, and portions of it began being sold to developers. On a visit to the area to honor and connect with the roots of revival in Wales, Holy Spirit put into the heart of a Singaporean pastor, Yang Tuck Yoong and his congregation, Cornerstone Community Church, to purchase the campus and restore it. They raised the millions of dollars necessary from believers in Singapore, purchased the property in 2012, and conducted a thorough and beautiful restoration. The school reopened in 2015, not as a typical Bible College, but as a 12-week ministry training course to propel individuals towards the Kingdom purposes of God for their lives. It was my great honor to be part of the opening ceremonies.

When Pastor Yang invited me to speak at the BCW’s 10th anniversary, I felt an immediate desire to do so, honoring what God did through Rees Howells, and what Pastor Yang and his congregation have done to re-dig this well. 

Being there once again was very moving for me. I slept in the restored bedroom of Rees Howells and could still feel the presence of the Lord, not only there but throughout the grounds. This sacred place represents revival, prayer, the sacrifices of fellow believers, and the spiritual joining of the nations. By looking back and honoring what Holy Spirit - and those in the great cloud of witnesses - accomplished in the past, we tap into the fruit of their labors and see the power they released multiplied today. 

Thank you, Pastor Yang and Cornerstone Community Church for reopening this well and for giving me the honor of participating in this wonderful anniversary celebration. 

Pray with me:

Father, You have taught us the importance of honoring those in the family who have labored before us. We stand on great shoulders, reaping from seeds we did not sow, “entering into the labors of others” (John 4:38). May we be found faithful, in order that others coming after us can do the same. 

Thank You - and the Welsh church - for the well of revival dug for us in 1903 and 1904. Thank You, Rees Howells, and the nameless students with him, for the well of intercession dug for us in Swansea, Wales. And thank You, Pastor Yang, and his congregation, for reopening that well for us all. It is flowing once again, releasing its living water.  

Lord, as we move into another great awakening, this one worldwide, we ask that You cause the “synergy of the ages” to manifest. Give us fruit from every previous revival, combined into one unprecedented outpouring of Holy Spirit. We will be faithful to honor those who laid down their lives to produce those former revivals, giving all the glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. And in His name we pray, amen. 

Our decree:

We decree the opening of the wells of revival around the world, releasing rivers of living water!

Click on the link below to watch the full video.