1905 Dohnavur Revival

The 1905 Revival at Dohnavur stands as a significant event in the history of Christianity in India. This revival, sparked by a global wave of spiritual awakening, transformed the lives of many and left a lasting impact on the Dohnavur Fellowship and surrounding communities. This report delves into the history of this revival, exploring its antecedents, key figures, and lasting impact.

Timeline of Events

While specific dates for all events are not available, a general timeline of the Dohnavur Revival can be constructed:

• 1895: Growing expectation for revival in India¹.
• 1897-1898: Designated days of prayer for revival in India¹.
• 1901: Amy Carmichael founds the Dohnavur Fellowship¹.
• 1903: Special prayer meetings for revival at Mawphlang in the Khasi Hills¹.
• 1904: The Welsh Revival begins, sparking increased prayer for revival in India².
• 1904: The Sialkot Revival in India further fuels the desire for revival².
• March 1905: Revival breaks out at Mawphlang with a Bible lesson on the baptism of the Holy Spirit⁴.
• October 1905: Revival comes to Dohnavur¹.
• Following Months: Revival spreads to surrounding areas and continues to impact the Dohnavur Fellowship¹.

The Setting: India Before the Revival

Prior to the wave of revivals that swept through India in the early 1900s, the religious landscape of the country was diverse and complex. Hinduism was the dominant religion, with Islam having a significant presence as well⁵. Christianity had been introduced to India centuries earlier ⁶, with varying degrees of success in different regions.

While some Christian communities traced their origins back to the first century AD, others were established through the efforts of missionaries from Europe and America in later centuries⁶.

In the late nineteenth century, there was a growing sense of expectation for revival among Christians in India¹. This anticipation was fueled by reports of revivals in other parts of the world and a desire for a deeper experience of God’s presence and power⁷.

Antecedents of the Revival

The Dohnavur Revival was not an isolated event but part of a larger wave of revivals that occurred globally in the early twentieth century⁸. These revivals were characterized by a renewed emphasis on personal holiness, spiritual experience, and the power of the Holy Spirit⁸.

Several factors contributed to the burgeoning revival atmosphere in India. The Welsh Revival of 1904-1905 played a significant role in igniting revival fires in India². News of this revival, with its emphasis on prayer and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, spread to India and fueled the desire for a similar outpouring of God’s Spirit².

The impact of the Welsh Revival extended even to America, where it sparked revivals in various locations, demonstrating how these movements could transcend geographical boundaries⁹.

Another contributing factor was the 1904 Sialkot Revival in India, which is considered the initial spark for the series of revivals that followed². This revival, along with the Welsh Revival, led to intensified prayer for revival throughout India².

Adding to the spiritual fervour, the devastating famine of 1904 further prompted Christians across India to pray earnestly¹⁰. Amidst suffering and uncertainty, people turned to God for solace and strength, creating fertile ground for spiritual awakening.

It’s important to note the shift in theological perspectives on revival during this period. While excessive displays of emotion were once seen as a sign of God’s presence, there was a growing emphasis on faith as the key to experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit¹¹. This shift in understanding shaped the way people approached revival and sought God’s transforming work in their lives.

Within the Dohnavur Fellowship itself, Amy Carmichael and her fellow workers had been praying specifically for a visitation of the Holy Spirit¹. They had heard reports of revivals in other parts of India, such as Coimbatore, and were longing for a similar experience¹. This collective yearning for God’s presence set the stage for the remarkable events that unfolded in Dohnavur.

Key Figures in the Revival

Amy Carmichael, the founder of the Dohnavur Fellowship, played a central role in the revival⁸. Her leadership and commitment to prayer created an environment where revival could flourish¹. Carmichael, originally from Northern Ireland, had dedicated her life to serving the people of India, particularly those who were vulnerable and exploited¹².

Carmichael’s deep faith and unwavering dedication to God’s work were evident in her life and ministry. She once wrote, “One can give without loving, but one cannot love without giving.” ¹³ This quote captures her selfless spirit and the driving force behind her work at Dohnavur.

While Carmichael was a key figure, it’s important to note that the revival was not dependent on any single individual⁷. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was a sovereign act of God, and the revival spread organically through the community⁷.

Prayers and Practices

The Dohnavur Revival was marked by fervent prayer and a deep hunger for God². The community at Dohnavur had been engaged in intentional prayer for revival, inspired by reports of revivals in other parts of the world¹. This prayer was not limited to formal gatherings but was a way of life, with individuals and groups seeking God’s presence continually¹.

One notable practice was the dedication of the first Saturday of each month to prayer for revival in Bombay, a practice that spread to other centers¹⁰. This dedicated time of prayer reflects the commitment to seeking God and the expectation for revival that characterized the period.

Personal Testimonies and Divine Encounters

The Dohnavur Revival, like other revivals in India during this time, was accompanied by profound spiritual experiences and divine encounters¹. While specific personal testimonies from the Dohnavur Revival are not available in the provided research material, accounts from other revivals during the same period in India offer insights into the nature of these encounters¹⁴.

In the Khasi Hills Revival, for example, there were reports of individuals experiencing trances, visions, and prophecies¹⁵. These phenomena, while sometimes viewed with scepticism, were consistent with manifestations in revivals throughout history¹.

In the Mukti Revival, there were accounts of individuals speaking in languages they had not previously known¹⁶. This phenomenon, often associated with the baptism of the Holy Spirit, was seen as a sign of God’s power and presence¹⁶.

Immediate and Lasting Results

The Dohnavur Revival had a significant impact on the community. Many individuals experienced conversions and spiritual renewal¹. The revival brought about a sense of unity among the believers, breaking down barriers between different groups¹.

One of the immediate results was a transformation in the lives of the students at the Dohnavur Fellowship’s school¹. There were reports of widespread conversions and a renewed commitment to following Jesus¹. The revival also had an impact on the servants at Dohnavur, with many experiencing spiritual blessings¹.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Dohnavur led to some specific outcomes:

• All work was set aside so that time could be given to prayer and the ministry of the Word. This involved counseling new converts and those who were newly revived in their faith¹.
• There was a professed conversion of all the students at the school¹.
• Backsliders were restored to their faith¹.

The revival extended beyond the Dohnavur Fellowship itself, with notable conversions in the nearby village and a revival among Christians in the surrounding Anglican churches¹. This spread of the revival to neighboring communities highlights the contagious nature of spiritual awakening.

The lasting results of the Dohnavur Revival are evident in the continued work of the Dohnavur Fellowship. The revival strengthened the community’s commitment to serving vulnerable children and sharing the Gospel¹. The revival also contributed to the growth of the Christian faith in the region, with many individuals coming to know Jesus as a result of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit¹.

Context and Relationship to Other Revivals

The Dohnavur Revival was one of many revivals that occurred in India during this period¹⁷. These revivals were interconnected, with news of one revival often sparking prayer and expectation for revival in other locations¹⁴.

The revivals in India were also part of a larger global movement of spiritual awakening, with revivals occurring in Wales, the United States, Korea, and other countries⁸. This global wave of revival in 1905 even reached places like Topeka, Kansas, and Loughor, Wales¹⁸.

The Dohnavur Revival shared common characteristics with these other revivals, such as an emphasis on prayer, repentance, and the power of the Holy Spirit¹⁶. However, each revival also had its own unique features and impact on the local community¹⁶.

The intensity and joy that characterized these revivals are captured in the words of veteran missionary Handley Bird, who said of the revival in Coimbatore, “God has come to Coimbatore and we are like them that dream. Our mouth literally is filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing.” ¹

The Dohnavur Revival also played a role in the origins and development of Pentecostalism in India⁶. The revival’s emphasis on spiritual experience and the manifestations of the Holy Spirit contributed to the growth of this movement, which continues to have a significant presence in India today.

Scholarly Perspectives

Scholars and historians have documented the Dohnavur Revival and its impact on the Christian community in India. One account describes the revival as a powerful movement that led to widespread repentance and a renewed commitment to the Christian faith¹⁶.

Another historical account highlights the dedication of young people in the Dohnavur Fellowship to prayer and their role in the revival¹⁹. These scholarly perspectives provide valuable insights into the significance and lasting legacy of the Dohnavur Revival.

Beneficial Takeaways

The Dohnavur Revival offers several valuable lessons for Christians today:

• The Importance of Prayer: The revival highlights the power of persistent, fervent prayer in seeking God and preparing for revival².
• The Sovereignty of God: The revival demonstrates that God is the ultimate source of revival and that it is his Spirit who moves in and transforms hearts⁷.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The revival emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in bringing about conviction, conversion, and spiritual renewal⁸.
• The Value of Unity: The revival shows how God can use revival to break down barriers and bring unity among believers¹.
• The Impact of Testimony: The revival underscores the power of personal testimonies in sharing the Gospel and encouraging others in their faith¹⁴.

The Dohnavur Revival, along with other revivals of the early twentieth century, demonstrates the potential for spiritual awakening to bring about positive social change²⁰. In Wales, for example, the 1904-1905 revival led to a dramatic decrease in crime rates and transformed communities⁸. These historical accounts remind us that revival is not just about individual conversions but can have a profound impact on society as a whole.

The Dohnavur Revival also highlights the importance of unity among believers²¹. During the revival, there was a remarkable spirit of unity among the people, transcending personal and doctrinal differences. This unity was a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit to bring people together and create a sense of shared purpose and love.

Conclusion

The 1905 Revival at Dohnavur was a significant event that transformed lives and left a lasting impact on the community. This revival, fueled by prayer and a global wave of spiritual awakening, serves as a reminder of the power of God to move in and transform hearts.

The Dohnavur Revival offers valuable lessons for Christians today, particularly regarding the importance of prayer, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the value of unity. The revival’s impact extended beyond individual conversions, influencing the social fabric of the community and contributing to the growth of the Christian faith in the region.

 

Works cited

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13. Amy Carmichael Quotes | Apprenticeship to Jesus – WordPress.com, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://apprenticeshiptojesus.wordpress.com/2007/09/23/amy-carmichael-quotes/
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