Mr. Evans, often called "the John Bunyan of Wales",
was born on Christmas Day in 1766. "He was eminently a man of prayer. Prayer was his
daily bread, the very breath of his spirit. He considered himself entitled, through
Christ, to all the blessings of the gospel, and came boldly to the throne of grace in
every time of need. During his whole ministerial life, much of his time was spent in the
closet. It was his custom for many years, to retire for devotion three times during the
day, and rise regularly for the same purpose at midnight."
"When he was about to preach at an association, or any important occasion, he would
wrestle for hours with The Angel of the covenant, nor relinquish his hold till he felt
himself 'endued with power from on high.' Then he came forth to the congregation, as Moses
from the Tabernacle, when he had communed with God." This was his secret, to tarry in
prayer until the anointing of the Spirit came. Although he was often shabbily dressed and
awkward, large crowds came to hear him preach and often there were tears, weeping and an
uncontrollable excitement.
"On his arrival in Angleses, he found ten small Baptist societies, in lukewarm and
distracted condition; himself the only minister, and no brother to aid him within a
hundred and fifty miles. He commenced his labors in earnest. One of his first movements
was the appointment of a day of fasting and prayer in all the preaching places. He soon
had the satisfaction to realize an extensive revival, which continued under his faithful
ministry for many years."
Those who witnessed this great season of spiritual blessing reported that the people were
often so affected by Evans' sermons that they literally danced for joy. As a result they
were nicknamed, "Welsh Jumpers". Others said the people seemed like the
inhabitants of a city shaken by an earthquake, they rushed into the streets, falling upon
the ground, screaming and calling upon God.
"In 1794, the South West Baptist Association was held in Caermarthenshire. Mr. Evans
was invited, as one of the preachers on the occasion. It was a journey of about 200 miles.
He undertook it on foot, with his usual fortitude, preaching at different places as he
went along. The meeting was to commence with three consecutive sermons, the last of which
was to be preached by Mr. Evans. The service was outdoors, and the heat was very
oppressive. Mr. Evans arose and began his sermon. Before he had spoken fifteen minutes,
scores of people were on their feet, some weeping, some praising, some leaping and
clapping their hands for joy. Nor did the effect end with the discourse. Throughout the
evening, and during the whole night, the voice of rejoicing and prayer was heard in every
direction; and the dawning of the next day, awakening the few that had fallen asleep from
fatigue, only renewed the heavenly rapture."
Christmas Evans knew how to pray and therefore knew the power of the Holy Ghost. He viewed
prayer, not as a passive or a casual thing, but as a responsibility that must be
PRACTICED. In a sermon preached on the Holy Spirit, he reminds us of this often neglected
truth. "Christ is making intercession on our behalf without us and independently of
us. But the Holy Spirit is making intercession through us, pleading in our prayers with
groanings that cannot be uttered. He never acts without us. He inspires us to pray, but
the act of prayer is our own. He works in us to will and to do His good pleasure. But He
does not will and do for us!" If we are going to see revival WE must pray!
Life & Sermons of Christmas Evans by Joseph Cross
Deeper Experiences of Famous Christians by J. G Lawson
From: A Revival Source Center