African Revivals — A Continent on Fire
Key Scriptures
Psalm 68:31; Isaiah 60:1–3; Acts 8:5–8
Introduction
Africa’s 20th century church history is nothing short of a miracle. From small mission outposts, the African church grew into a global powerhouse of revival, evangelism, and missions.
Today, some of the world’s largest congregations, fastest-growing denominations, and boldest missionary movements come from Africa — much of it birthed from revival fires ignited by men and women of prayer, courage, and faith.
1) Joseph Ayo Babalola (1904–1959) — The 1930 Oke Oye Revival, Nigeria
A steamroller operator called into ministry, known for fervent prayer and supernatural encounters.
1930 Revival at Oke Oye (Osun State):
Tens of thousands gathered as miraculous healings, deliverances, and mass conversions swept the region.
Idols and charms were burned publicly.
The revival birthed the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).
Impact: Sparked the first great indigenous Pentecostal movement in West Africa.
Lesson: Obedience, prayer, and holiness can birth nationwide revival.
2) Pa S.G. Elton (1909–1987) — Discipling a Generation for Destiny
British missionary who settled in Ilesa, Nigeria, in 1937.
Mentored young Nigerian believers like Benson Idahosa, W.F. Kumuyi, E.A. Adeboye, and many others.
Emphasized Spirit-filled living, national transformation, and Africa’s global missionary calling.
Prophecy: Declared Nigeria would become a hub of global revival and missions.
Lesson: Revival is sustained by intentional discipleship and vision beyond one generation.
3) Benson Idahosa (1938–1998) — Firebrand Evangelist of Africa
Trained under Pa Elton, became the face of Pentecostalism in Nigeria.
Famous for stadium crusades, healing miracles, and bold faith declarations.
Challenged witchcraft, corruption, and fear with the power of the gospel.
Founded Church of God Mission International and influenced the rise of African charismatic leaders.
Lesson: Revival must confront cultural strongholds with boldness and faith.
4) The East African Revival (1930s–1960s, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania)
Sparked by missionaries and African Christians burdened by spiritual dryness.
Marks: Radical repentance and public confession of sins.
Unity across tribal and denominational lines.
A lifestyle of “walking in the light” — transparency and holiness.
Impact: Spread across East Africa, influencing Anglican, Presbyterian, and other churches.
Left a legacy of holiness movements and deep discipleship.
Lesson: Revival transforms culture when repentance becomes a way of life.
5) The African Pentecostal & Charismatic Explosion (1970s–present)
Inspired by early pioneers, movements like Deeper Life (Kumuyi), Redeemed Christian Church of God (Adeboye), Living Faith/Winners Chapel (Oyedepo), Christ Embassy (Oyakhilome) rose.
Marks: megachurch growth, bold evangelism, missionary sending, and socio-political influence.
Africa became home to the largest Christian gatherings in the world.
Lesson: Revival must mature into reformation — influencing not only churches, but also governance, business, and education.
Common Themes in African Revivals
- Prayer Mountains and Vigils – Intense intercession birthed breakthroughs.
- Confronting Witchcraft and Idolatry – Revival broke cultural strongholds with Spirit power.
- Healing and Deliverance – Signs and wonders were central to evangelism.
- Indigenous Leadership – Africans leading Africa into God’s future.
- Missionary Vision – From being “mission fields,” African churches became missionary senders.
Inspiring Real-Life Snapshots
- Babalola: People brought wheelbarrows full of idols to burn at revival meetings.
- Elton: Prophesied, “Nigeria will send missionaries to the nations.” Today it is happening.
- Idahosa: Entered stadiums where witches challenged him; he declared, “If I be a man of God, let the power of God fall” — and it did.
- East Africa: Believers greeted each other with, “Are you walking in the light?” keeping revival alive in everyday life.
Action Challenge: “This Week’s Mission”
- Spend a night in extended prayer, asking God to revive your land.
- Identify one cultural “idol” (e.g., greed, fear, immorality) and declare God’s power to break it in your community.
Interactive Discussion Prompts
- What stands out to you most about Africa’s revival story — Babalola’s miracles, Elton’s discipleship, Idahosa’s boldness, or the East African repentance? Why?
- How can today’s African church guard against losing fire through pride, division, or over-reliance on personalities?
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