The influence of Azusa Street Revival in the early developments of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa

Abstract

This article examines the influence of Azusa Street Revival in the early developments of the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of South Africa. The link between AFM and Azusa Street Revival came through the American Missionaries, John G Lake and Thomas Hezmalhach who prior to their trip to South Africa had contact with William Seymour of the Azusa Street Revival, Los Angeles. Azusa Street Revival was characterised by Spirit baptism with the evidence of speaking in other tongues and non-racialism. Upon their arrival in South Africa, John G Lake and Thomas Hezmalhach influenced African Pentecostal like Elias Letwaba. They used Central Tabernacle Congregation as a place of fellowship. Meetings in this congregation were characterised by similar acts to what happened at Azusa Street Revival, Los Angeles. The article argues that the services hosted by American missionaries were characterised by Pentecostal experiences and non-racialism. This article concludes that the main impact of Azusa Street Revival in the early developments of the AFM of South Africa was its ability to unite people beyond their differences of race, gender, age and color and Pentecostal