march 31, 2006
Week-long Celebration Marks Anniversary Of Azusa Street Revival
Today, more than 600 million adherents to the tenets of Pentecostalism can trace their religious roots back to the Azusa Street Revival, which began on April 9, 1906. Those include such denominations as the Church of God in Christ, Assemblies of God and the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel.
Tens of thousands of Christians from around the world will gather in Los Angeles this April to mark the 100th anniversary of the Azusa Street revival, considered the start of the modern Pentecostal/Charismatic movement.
According to a media advisory obtained by ANS, the Centennial Celebration is scheduled April 25-29 in downtown Los Angeles. Organizers of the five-day event have booked the largest venues, including the Los Angeles Convention Center, the Sports Arena, West Angeles Church of God in Christ, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. In addition, the largest Pentecostal and Charismatic churches in the Los Angeles area will take part and host sessions during the week.
"This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the reflection and reality of the world’s greatest revival," said the Rev. Billy Wilson, executive officer of the Azusa Street Centennial. "The various streams of the movement are coming together in an unprecedented way."
Los Angeles, California, was a popular destination at the turn of the twentieth century for many Americans dreaming of greater opportunities and purpose. By 1906 this city was quickly becoming a major hub of activity.
In April of that year two events focused the world’s attention on Los Angeles: The city was impacted by an earthquake that also devastated San Francisco, and services conducted in a small holiness mission on Azusa Street birthed spiritual renewal globally.
Thousands of individuals converged on the city to attend the revival at Azusa Street's mission, where they found a renewed purpose and passion in serving Jesus Christ and were commissioned to share the message of His love and power with others.
Almost a century later, the activities of the renowned Azusa Street outpouring in Los Angeles are hailed as one of the greatest events in Christian history. Today, Pentecostal and Charismatic believers throughout the world reflect on the significance of Azusa Street in their spiritual heritage and development.
A unique aspect of the nearly week-long event will take place Saturday April 29, when attendees, working with local ministries, will hold what promises to be the largest one-day compassion-oriented outreach project in American history. Dozens of truckloads of food and clothing will be distributed to Los Angeles' neediest neighborhoods and a gospel message presented, Wilson said.
Attendees will be commemorating the event that sparked the Pentecostal/Charismatic movements in the United States, and ultimately around the world. Prominent theologians consider Azusa Street “the birthplace of the modern Pentecostal movement.”
Some of the event highlights include: an Azusa believers convention, rallies commemorating William Seymour (the leader of the Azusa revival), women in ministry services, an international revival series, a U.S. pastor’s conference, a prophetic conference, an international pastor’s training conference, a Spirit-filled gathering of Native Americans, an international youth convocation and a host of other auxiliary meetings held in conjunction with the Centennial.
Although more than 150 well known Pentecostal leaders from around the world are confirmed to preach or teach, including people such as Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter’s House in Dallas; the Rev. Paula White of the Church Without Walls in Tampa, FL; the Rev. Jack Hayford of Living Way Ministries in Van Nuys, CA; and Pastor Kenneth Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries in Fort Worth, Texas; Wilson said the event is not about drawing attention to any one individual or ministry.
"As it was at Azusa Street, personalities will fade into insignificance as all glory is given to God," Wilson said. "This will be a time of unparalleled blessing, ministry and renewal that we hope will be the launching pad into an even greater second century of Pentecostal revival."
Other centennial activities include daily ministry sessions relating to various missions of the church; a daily in-depth study on the contemporary work of the Holy Spirit; tours of various Pentecostal landmarks, including the Bonnie Brae Street House, the Azusa Street Mission site and Angelus Temple, founded by pioneer evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson.
Details on the event, including a program, history of the revival, and registration information can be found at www.azusastreet.com.
For additional information or interviews, please contact Giles Hudson with A. Larry Ross Communications at 972-267-1111 x223.
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