Not very long after the great revival of Asuza Street in 1906, evangelists began to make their way to Valdosta to spread the new doctrine of the baptism in the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking with other tongues. If you were to look into the archives of the Valdosta Daily Times from the years of 1908 – 1912, you would easily find articles that spoke often about the happenings of that Pentecostal revival that broke out in our city at that time.
The Pentecostal Mission, led by Pastor Waltrip, was seeing notable miracles and a great stirring in the city. The miracles were published right in the local paper! The racially integrated revival was spoken of often, even causing a stir in the large local Baptist church. The “tongues issue” was not being overlooked. The local paper told of people marching down the streets of Valdosta preaching the Gospel. These individuals were mocked and treated as ignorant. For the sake of the avoidance of citations, I will not include the names of the people and places associated with or birthed from that revival. However, I am always thrilled to know that churches are still in existence in our city today that were birthed from those meetings over 100 years ago. Many times, I will ride by these places in town just to reminisce over the thought of what it was like to see such a mighty revival. Just to think that individuals who were present in the great revival of Los Angeles preached and held meetings in these very places that I can visit today. It is astounding to me!
Yet more astounding than that is knowing the things that God is doing right now in Valdosta. Many may not be aware of it, but word is getting around. Signs, wonders, healings, and miracles are taking place in connection with The Church of Valdosta. Just this week, we have seen cancers disappear, broken bones healed, infertility reversed, and many more things. God is speaking and moving in a powerful way. I believe that the things that were birthed at the turn of the 20th century were just a glimpse of the things that God will do in this generation.
We as a church are believing for revival, not just in our city, but in our region. We have seen a vision of the message of Pentecost moving in the streets again. Not a church growth program, but the signs and wonders that follow those who believe. As a church, we are calling the names of our mayor, city council, city manager, sheriff, and other political leaders out in prayer and asking God for a door of utterance. God will do it. He does not place desire in the hearts of God’s people for things that will not come to pass. As we move forward in the vision, the things we have seen will become more intense until everyone knows.
John 17:3 is our vision statement:
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Pastor Smith
