Revival Stories

The 1936 East African Revival: Waves of Revival (Part 2)


The East African Revival of 1936 would be one of the longest lasting revivals in modern history, spanning about 50 years. From 1927-1936, God would position his revival-minded sons and daughters in just the right places, connecting them in supernatural ways, and setting a new passion in their hearts for the Good News and for revival prayer. In June of 1936, the Diamond Jubilee of the founding of the Anglican Church in Uganda became the history-making occasion for the volcanic eruption of this great awakening. For several years prior to the event, one of the key leaders Bishop Stuart was convinced that only revival could solve the dire challenges swamping the church. Much prayer and preparation proceeded with this truth in mind. During the 1936 celebration, strong Bible teaching stirred up personal conviction of sin and testimonies of God’s power and songs of praise. They stressed internalizing the death of Christ and complete surrender to the Spirit.Out of this time, 40 student leaders were irrevocably set ablaze and sent out to carry revival throughout Uganda.

In Gahini, Rwanda, a week of prayer led by the Uganda revivalists was soon followed by an outbreak of Holy Spirit fire that consumed the entire church of Rwanda and other regions like Kigezi and Burundi and Kabale. The Holy Spirit would guide the evangelists to boldly confront chieftains to exhort them to repent of their sin and turn to God. One chief listened intently as if hearing a word from God, and he ordered the revivalist to solemnly write it all down. During the many outdoor meetings convened, the Holy Spirit would move forcefully among the hearts of those gathered. People would receive visions from Christ. Some would weep uncontrollably over their sin, while others would lift up loud testimonies of praise. Some might faint or fall down in worship. Regularly songs burst forth with resounding joy, and many confessed experiencing a sweet nearness to God unlike any time prior.

As the revivalists increased in number and carried the flames out to more areas, a new kind of African Christian was birthed and identified: They were called the Abaka (those who are on fire)! These fiery ones sacrificially and courageously took revival fire throughout the villages and into the neighboring nations. They adopted another name - Balokole -, meaning “the saved ones”, which initially was meant to be a derogatory name from the revival’s critics, yet these Christians gladly embraced the name to give all the honor to their Savior Jesus Christ. There would be obstacles and challenges, as in all revivals, but the revival would bring all Christian denominations together in time, and build increased unity and deeper fellowship between the Europeans and the Africans, between blacks and whites, between young and old.

By 1942, the African Rwanda Mission alone had converted 20,000 new believers, across more than 700 village congregations, to join the family of God. As messengers of the awakening travelled around, even more revivals burst to life in the 1950’s in the countries of Burundi, Sudan, Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania. Revivals continued to surge afresh in all these regions through the 1980’s. It would engulf an entire generation and more in the Holy Spirit’s fresh fire, touching millions of Africans and assisting in raising up a vital new generation of African ministers for the nations of East Africa. And even today, many re-tell the old stories of this great outpouring, and many still resonate in their hearts the cry once again for revival!


QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS:

  1. How would you describe the hopes and longings of those Christian leaders in Uganda in 1936? Why do you think many historians view the 1936 event as the official trigger event for the East African revival?
  2. What kinds of supernatural manifestations took place during this revival? Which ones are you comfortable with? Which ones make you uncomfortable? Why? What would the birth of a new historic revival look like today if it were to take place in your immediate community?
  3. What flares up in your heart as you think about the names given to the revivalists and the new believers: The Abaka (the ones on fire) and The Balokole (the saved ones)? What names would you proudly wear if the next great awakening jarred the world with a “new” kind of Christian walking around town?
  4. Does your heart yearn for revival today? What are you willing to give up to see and experience revival with your own eyes?
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