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 PrintableVersion Pioneers in the E. African RevivalEast African revivalThe Coming of the Rain Pioneers in the E. African Revival These books both deal with the East African Revival in the middle of the 20th century, but their style and scope differ. Makower's book is a biography of Dr. Joe Church, one of the key leaders in the Revival, while Osborn's recounts the lives and impact of six couples. This recognition of the contribution of indigenous church leaders is refreshing, and the relationship that Joe seemed able to maintain with his African colleagues sets an example that is still needed. The godliness and sacrificial service of these leaders are a challenge to the modern reader. Both books reflect their African setting, and both give some insight into some of the features of British Evangelicalism that shaped the work in Africa: such as CICCU, and the earlier Keswick Convention and the 'Higher Life' movement. We learn that the teaching in the notes in the Scofield Bible, too, shaped their thinking, as did the teachings of C. G. Finney on revival. While the authors see these influences as strengths, some readers will have misgivings. Interestingly, Makower quotes a later mission leader as suggesting that the pietistic emphasis of the revival leaders, reflecting the earlier teaching of the Keswick Convention, underemphasized the role of the Christian in society. Does this have some bearing on the agonising question of why nations with so many professing Christians could have produced the horrors of genocide of a few years ago? These questions remind us of the mystery of God's ways. Sometimes events - and God's dealings with us - are consistent with the beliefs and lifestyle of his people. At other times, reflecting the core of the gospel itself, his blessings are in spite of our failures both of theology and practice! Robin Wells© Evangelicals Now - February 2001 |
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