|
The Pentecostal movement was supernaturally birthed and right from its beginning caused a stir - particularly amongst the religious folk of its day. Two thousand years later trouble still remains one of its many hallmarks as it seeks to keep in step with the Holy Spirit of God, demonstrating the fruit, gifts and power of the Holy Spirit to the very people God wants to reach with the power of His love.
In the last century the Pentecostal movement has grown from almost nothing to become the second largest group within Christianity, second only to Roman Catholics. Conservative estimates put Pentecostal / Charismatics to number in excess of 450 million or "25 percent of the world's Christian community" (New York Times). Christianity Today has reported that this group is growing at approx. 19 million a year, mainly in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In some parts of the world people are surrendering their lives to Christ faster than the birth rate, and this is mainly due to initiatives by pentecostal / charismatic groupings.
The story of the birth and growth of this group has the stamp of the Holy Spirit running throughout. Although it has to be admitted that just like the early church mistakes have been made as a result of the zealousness of its followers. However, the Pentecostal movement since the last hundred years has got closer to mirroring the early church. They have given the Holy Spirit the recognition that God always intended He should have in the church, namely in His gifts, fruit and work in bringing glory to Jesus Christ.
From the beginning of the last century the doctrine of the person and work of the Holy Spirit was not generally accepted. It's followers were wrongly labelled often by fellow Christians who failed to realise what God was doing at the time. However, since those days the vast majority of the Christian church has embraced this important subject - thanks to the stance taken by pentecostals / charismatics and those who have experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
In these pages particular attention is given to the founding of the Elim Pentecostal Church by George Jeffreys and the rapid growth that took place mainly in the UK, through his ministry and his loyal band of workers. They sacrificed greatly for the sake of the Kingdom of God, and God blessed and honoured their efforts in remarkable ways - Not always understood even today.
In Elim's 90 year history we now have over 500 churches in the UK, a growing number have sizeable congregations particularly in the London area. Overseas we are in 43 countries directly with over 8,000 churches, and indirectly can be found in an additional XX countries, with a growing number Bible colleges and training centres. Take for example the Elim work in Ghana with a combined congregation of over a million people.
New Zealand is not considered a large country but even there Elim has over fifty churches. More and more churches are having a greater influence upon their local communities whilst still seeking to proclaim the full Gospel of Jesus Christ as He commanded us to. One of our churches in London has a weekly congregation of over 17,000 attenders.
It has been truly amazing what God has done from our simple and humble beginnings.
I trust you will find the following pages informative, exciting and challenging, particularly to see what the Holy Spirit can do through individuals totally surrendered to Him. Included are a variety of photographs which are self explanatory and it is also intended to include a number of recordings of George Jeffreys speaking in his distinctive and authoritative way.
This intention of this site is to bless, inform and encourage you - particularly as you allow the blessed Holy Spirit to minister the love of Christ to your heart.
Trusting and expecting that God will richly bless you and those you love.
Enjoy |