REVIVAL COMES TO SASKATOON

Some weeks ago a headline appeared in the Star Phoenix which stated, “150 ATTENDED OPENING OF SEWAGE PLANT.” The article written by a Staff Reporter went on to give some detail as to those in attendance, etc. One interesting item was the fact that Saskatoon's new primary sewage centre cost $6.68 million.

     Meanwhile another clean-up project had been going on which involved many more than 150 people and cost far less than $6.68 million. However, it took several weeks of continuous revival, with thousands in attendance, and some prodding, before reference was made in the local news media.

However, the Nov. 12th, 1971 issue of the Star Phoenix contained the following news item:

 

RENEWED MORALITY FOUND IN WAKE OF REVIVAL

     What has been billed as a 'spiritual awakening' has been credited with an unusual phenomena in Saskatoon – a surge of people making up for past dishonesty.

     The Sutera Twins Crusade, a series of nightly revival meetings which have lasted over a month and drawn exceptionally large crowds, has resulted in the spiritual awakening, according to several clergymen in the city.

One of the results has been 'conscience money' being paid to various business places in recent days. Another has been a public renouncement by many young people of drug-taking.

     One man told a recent meeting he had defrauded the Workmen's Compensation Board and would report his actions and repay what was owed.

     As examples of the reported incidents resulting from the revival meetings, Bob McPherson, manager of Zellar's Country Fair, said two persons had confessed to stealing from his store in recent weeks. One was on welfare and offered to repay a portion from each cheque.

    Another admitted theft and offered to work, free of charge, to pay for what was taken.

    Blair Bustard, manager of The Bay, said a customer appeared last week wanting to pay for something stolen previously.'

     Frank Hammond, manager at Simpson-Sears, said two persons appeared recently, wanting to pay for stolen property. A store employee paid money into the lunchroom coffee fund for coffee he had taken without paying.

     The Sutera crusade, which was to end last Sunday, was extended at least one week because of the response from Saskatoon and area. The crowds have been growing consistently since it began, with 2,000 persons attending last Sunday's meetings.

This Sunday, organizers have arranged two services at Third Avenue United Church, one at 5:30  and one at 8 pm. With each capable of seating 1,800 persons. And organizers say they have every indication both services will be fully attended.

     Not only are people turning out in large numbers, many are spending the better part of the night at the church. When the regular meeting ends, the Sutera Twins  hold what is called an 'afterglow' for those who wish to remain. As many as 200 have stayed, some up to 4. a.m. the following morning.

    May we state here that “the half has not been told.” Little did Pastor McLeod of Ebenezer Baptist Church realize the wheels he would set in motion when he heeded the advice of a missionary friend over 18 months ago and invited the Sutera  Twins to come to his church.

     The Sutera Twins may have wondered, just a little, as to what might take place as they boarded the plane in Cleveland and winged their way north to Canada. They, with many others, longed and prayed for revival and they knew that God would work somehow for had He not done marvelous things in previous meetings in Red Deer, Alberta, and then later in Abbotsford and Prince George, B.C.?

     The following is an eye witness report contributed by Mrs. E. Rowney,

     A brief report of what God has been doing in revival blessings, here in Saskatoon and other areas, during the past five weeks.

     It all began when the Sutera Twins, Ralph and Lou, accompanied by Dr. Virgil Brock, well-known hymn-writer, began a week of evangelistic meetings at Ebenezer Baptist Church. The Lord really honoured His Word, as  given to us in 11 Chronicles 7:14. The whole congregation got right with God and with one another, as they humbled themselves and prayed. Two brothers who had not associated with one another for many, many years, confessed their faults to each other and have been a great blessing to the congregations as they have sung together in the meetings.

     Some families drove 30 miles out of the city, in the early hours of the morning to ask forgiveness of those against whom they had had a grudge for many years.

     After the first two weeks the attendance increased so that meetings had to be held at St. Timothy's Anglican Church, and two nights later at the University Drive Alliance Church with a seating capacity of one thousand, and finally into Third Avenue United Church. Here the nightly meetings have continued for two weeks,  with week night meetings drawing an average of 900, and Sundays seeing two meetings with approximately 1700 at each and an overflow meeting of 400 at the University Drive Alliance. Hundreds lined up outside the church waiting to get in.

No excessive emotionalism was manifest, but a contagious joy was evidenced as people, spontaneously testified before the huge crowds, of the wonderful release that God has given as they died to SELF and gave their lives to Christ.

     About 40 percent of those  that spoke were young people, some of whom had been delivered from drugs, alcohol and other binding habits. 

     A significant number of people who had  suffered from mental breakdowns were completely healed. One young woman, who had been diagnosed as a schizophrenic is a living, vibrant testimony to what God can do when all else fails. She had received over 30 electric shock treatments, was taking 20 pills a day, and then living in defeat. Her doctor had said that there was no hope for her. But, as she gave herself completely to Christ, He set her free.

     Numerous homes, some already broken up, have been reunited. One young woman, whose husband had left her, was in such a state of depression, that she was contemplating suicide. But, that night after Christians had prayed for her until the morning hours, she also found joy and release in giving her life to God. A few nights later her husband also put his trust in Jesus Christ, and today they are happier than ever before.

     The unspoken theme of the revival is honesty before God and man. As a result God has spoken to many to make restitution for thefts in the past. Business men of the city have been more than surprised as people have called on them to pay for stolen goods.

     As God has spoken, by His Spirit, Sunday morning services have continued into the afternoon, with people asking forgiveness of one another, and others telling of the wonderful renewal God has brought to their lives in these days.

     Another sure sign that this really is revival is that people no longer want to hurry home after meetings. In several churches they gather together in what are known as 'after-glows.' Here each one is given a chance to share what God has done for them. No one needs coaxing as people with a holy joy in their voices express their love for the Saviour.

     Here also the opportunity is given to tell of a spiritual need in one's life. A unique feature of these groups is that several lay people will relate to the one with the need, and counsel and pray that one thro' to spiritual victory.

     As word of the revival has spread, calls have come from other areas for those who have felt the touch of God to go and tell what they have experienced. The faculty and student body of several Bible schools in Saskatchewan, Alberta and even as far away as Toronto, have tasted of revival as a result.

     Although the meetings are led by the Spirit-filled evangelists, many a night there has been no sermon preached, but people have turned to God, response to the testimonies they heard. Often a young person will, suddenly be led to call the congregation to turn themselves to Jesus Christ.

These are marvelous days we are living. And we can think of no better description for them, than to say with the young people, “It's fantastic!”

    As we go to press, the centre of activity is moving from Saskatoon to the neighbouring city of Regina, 150 miles south. (However, meetings are still being held in Saskatoon. The revival is in its seventh week). Advance teams have already paved the way in Regina and a revival has made its beginnings.

     This is typical of this revival. The evangelists cannot be everywhere and the lay people are doing it. This is not new to us. The founder of our mission, Geo. W. Elliott, travelled many miles with gospel teams recruited from local churches. We have advocated this type of ministry but churches and even pastors have been sometimes reluctant to give up their people for fear of facing a half empty church. We have advocated what is now known as “protracted meetings.” Why should we limit our Evangelistic Campaigns to a time length of say a week or ten days when eternal results are involved?

      As people have continued to get right with their Lord, we have noticed that the majority of them have confessed to a spirit of pride, selfishness or self-will. In the past it has always been, my husband, my home, my car, my farm, my business, etc. No the emphasis is upon the Lord Jesus Christ and others. Even the everyday routine of life has been upset as ladies have neglected their dishes and housekeeping in order to attend meetings during the day. One taxi-cab driver could hardly believe his own ears when a lady asked him to take her to a church meeting after mid-night. What church is normally open at that time?

     We wish that everyone of our WTM members could experience something of this revival. Most of us have longed for and prayed for revival but in the back of our minds we always think of revival as something that someone else needs. In this case our own need comes first. Then and only then can we truly expect a state of revival to begin. “Thus says the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy places; I also dwell with him who is contrite in spirit and lowly, to restore the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite.”  Isaiah 57:15.