Revival and Mission Podcast
Discover the Power of Global Revival: An Interview with Revival Historian Mathew Backholer
In a captivating episode of the Raw Mission podcast, host Matt of Frontiers UK welcomes Mathew Backholer, a passionate revival historian and prolific Christian author, to explore the explosive connection between historic revivals and the advance of global missions.
The podcast host, Matt, expertly steers the conversation with author to unearth the powerful link between historical revivals and the drive for global mission. Matt’s deep questions guide Mathew Backholer in providing a fascinating overview of centuries of mission history, from the Moravians to the Welsh Revival, establishing a clear pattern of God’s transformative power.
Mathew explains how powerful moves of God’s Spirit and pioneering missionaries have spread the message of Christ around the world.
While many revival histories focus only on Europe or North America, Mathew Backholer deliberately set out to showcase how God repeatedly poured out His Spirit on mission fields across the globe.
Global Revival truly shines a light on hidden chapters of church history. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” Mark 16:15.
I realised that many of these pioneering missionaries actually saw revival, I wanted to bring to the wider public how the outpourings of the Holy Spirit helped advance the Kingdom of God, not just among the missionaries, but among the people they served
– Mathew Backholer
Defining True Revival
Mathew Backholer is careful to distinguish genuine revival from renewal or planned evangelistic events. Mathew defines true revival as:
- A sovereign, unplanned move of God
- Marked by overwhelming conviction of sin (often spontaneous and widespread)
- Leading to deep repentance, restitution and social transformation
- Resulting in holiness of life rather than mere excitement or signs and wonders
Listen to the full podcast on YouTube , Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon.
Stories That Will Stir Your Faith
The podcast is packed with breathtaking examples, including:
- The martyrdom of Welsh missionary Robert Jermain Thomas in the hermit Kingdom of Korea in 1866. As his ship ran aground and he faced execution, he threw Bibles to his attackers. One soldier later used the pages as wallpaper, only to read them, come to faith and dramatically confess during the great Korean Revival of 1907 that he was the man who beheaded Thomas!
- The 1904–1905 Welsh Revival sparked at least 30 other revivals worldwide, especially in areas where Welsh missionaries prayed, “God, do here what You are doing in Wales!”
- The 1727 Moravian Revival under Count Zinzendorf that launched a 100-year, 24/7 prayer movement and sent out more missionaries in 20 years than the Protestant church had in the previous 200 years.
- Waves of repentance swept mission stations in Congo, India, China and beyond, often beginning among the missionaries themselves when news of revival back home reached them as they sought God for showers of blessing.
A Timely Call
As the sound of a quiet revival circulates in the UK, U.S., and beyond, especially among Gen Z, Mathew’s research reminds us that every great missionary advance in history has been birthed from seasons when God’s people humbled themselves and encountered Him afresh.
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land
– 2 Chronicles 7:14
After you’ve finished the podcast, discover how Global Revival – Worldwide Outpourings will deepen your prayer life, enlarge your vision and convince you that the same God who shook nations in the past is ready to do it again today.
Beyond this historical exploration, the RAW Mission podcast consistently delves into compelling real-life stories of how Muslims are coming to the Lord Jesus Christ in power, offering authentic, worldwide accounts of individuals leaving Islam for Christ, such as the testimony of ex-Muslim Shahriq Khan in a recent episode, to highlight the radical, worldwide impact of the Gospel.
The history of revival is clear: when God revives His people, the nations cannot remain unchanged.
Find out more about RAW Mission and Frontiers UK.
