Customer Reviews

History of the Pentecostal Revival in Chile

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The entire time I was reading this book I could sense the presence of the Holy Spirit. It was like a journey in time to a place nearly one hundred years old, but very much alive today. In "part 2" of the book, the author, Mario Hoover, shares wonderful childhood memories and stories of life while living with his loving grandpa, Dr. Willis Collins Hoover. This glimpse into Dr. Hoover's family life, along with his personal writings are carefully woven into the first part of the book. This personal touch provides the reader with an insiders perspective of this great man of God, as well as the Pentecostal revival that was sovereignly bestowed upon him, his church, and the nation he so dearly loved.

I was reminded that our endeavors are always tested by time, and time has been gracious to Dr. Willis Collins Hoover, his family, and the Spirit led movement of 1909. His legacy is one of genuine leadership, humility, steadfastness, and an unwavering respect for The Lord and his work. It is amazing how the 1909 revival in Chile reflects the Azusa Street, and Welsh revivals of the early 20th century. Interestingly, they are the mirror image of today's Pentecostal outpourings that are taking place in cities like Brownsville Florida, and Toronto Canada. The names, dates, and locations are all different, but the Holy Spirit continues to function in the same manner as he has since the days of Pentecost some 2000 years ago, truly amazing, profoundly insightful.

"The History of the Pentecostal Revival in Chile" has encouraged and deepened my personal commitment to the Lord. It has renewed the realization in me that the Holy Spirit of yesterday is still on the move today. His desire to soak mankind in His Spirit continues throughout history, and his methods and mode of operation remains the same: foolish and bizarre to some, while exciting and sweet to others.

History continues to prove that revivals are messy, and the 1909 Chilean revival was no different. Outwardly, it would appear there's a price to be paid for involving ones self in such matters. But to those involved in the Chilean revival it was no sacrifice at all. Instead, the revival became a movement to facilitate the empowering of the Holy Spirit to hungary individuals whose ardent desire was to simply reach the lost. Their obedience in this matter was far more important than the discomforts associated with persecution, and the seeds sown in those days continue to grow and flourish today.

This book is a book of history, fashioned in the form of an amazing story. It's style and content is interesting for the casual reader as well as the scholar. A must read for those interested in the history of 20th century Pentecostal revivals. It serves as a reminder that God is interested in all people, of all nationalities, and his precious Holy Spirit moves among them in the same form and fashion, both yesterday and today.

Throughout time, civilizations rise and fall, while cultures ebb and flood, but the Holy Spirit remains constant and true, which is the very nature of God and his unchanging hand. The physical hardships Pastor Hoover and his family faced in order to fulfill the call to the people of Chile, along with the dedication to never insult, or capitalize on the move of the Holy Spirit was truly inspiring.