Who is your favorite historical figure?
My favorite historical figure is probably someone that not too many people recognize.
William J. Seymour was the leader of the Azusa Street Revival in 1906-1909 in Los Angeles, that defined the event of a worldwide movement. He was born in 1870 in property and raised Baptist, but he saw deeper spiritual experiences that led him to explore the holiest teaching. With racial segregation limited his opportunities. His interest is deep spiritual experiences let him to explore theholiest teachings.
Seymour moved to Houston, Texas in 1903 we he attended Bible school. Despite segregation, forcing him to listen from the outside of the classroom, he embrace the teachers lessons. He was invited to preach in Los Angeles as a small church but face rejection when he emphasized speaking in tongues the language that was spoken in Acts. He was soon locked out of the church, but began holding prayer meetings in his home where attendees experience tongues and spiritual outpourings.
Seymour was a humble and soft spoken leader that emphasized Holy Spirit, power, sanctification, and unity in Christ.
The Azuza Street revival Wayne due to internal disputes, external opposition, and his efforts to maintain order.
He laid the foundation for denominations like the assembly of God and the church of God in Christ, and his vision of racial unity inspired later movements.
His leadership and global force now was over 600 million. People focuses on spiritual gift and inclusivity still remains influential. The Azuza Street revival is seen as a landmark in Christian history, reviving, experimental, faith, and challenging racial barriers.
From Pity to Praise 