Faith Ablaze-William Seymour Azusa Street

The biography of William Seymour, the man behind the Azusa Street Revival and the Pentecostal Movement, He was a Black Man who was blind in his left eye, experienced ongoing racism, who many would see as the least likely candidate to be used by God. But as a child William saw his mother praying throughout the night and he desired to know the same God his mother knew.

William Seymour as a young man discovered the holiness movement. He made it his goal to live a life of holiness. As he read the Book of Acts over and over again his heart burned “Lord do it again”.

A woman living in Los Angeles, CA named Nellie Tery heard about a humble blind eye preacher named William Seymour hungry for a move of God. She went to Houston and told Seymour there were hearts hungry for God. Seymour went to Los Angelese and preached repentance, holiness,. and the promise of the Holy Spirit. In one meeting a woman began to speak in an unknown language. The room was filled with an unseen power. Word Spread in Los Angeles. The house they were meeting in was too small, multitudes would stand in the street. The meetings moved to Azusa Street. Full revival broke out and there were signs and wonders. Those who attended were of various races and nationalities that came to the revival.

Ultimately the fire of God that originated from Azusa St spread across the world. Sadly, like many other preachers who were a key factor for revival, Seymour was mocked, criticized. Many said God could not use a black man. But Seymour remained steadfast in prayer, even when the revival died out.

What about you and I? How serious are we to see a move of God and revival in America? Enough to pray for hours each day? Willing to give up everything for a move of God? Willing to be mocked, lied about, hated?