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Whatever one thinks about Christianity the fact remains true biblical Christianity is all about changing people – for the better. When one is born again, God’s Spirit enters their heart and begins a work of transformation.
“I urge you by the mercies of God, present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.... don’t be fashioned according to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and prove what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God”. (Rom.12:1-2)
This does not mean Christians are perfect or never make mistakes. But they should be different (1 Cor.6:9-11 2 Pe.3:11). For God is working in them,
“…even our Lord Jesus, make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight” (Heb.13:21 see also Eph.2:10, 15 3:20)
God is in the business of changing lives. The Walsh revival is documented, substantiated evidence of just that. It began in Loughor (1904) and spread throughout Wales. It demonstrated people and society can change for the better and the problem of moral social degradation arrested.
Eyewitnesses describe the impact on the people of Wales. Some estimate about 100,000 converts, historians say "at least 150,000". But the influence on Walsh society was precise and immense. Commentators and critics alike observed the converts in detail. There was a kind of scepticism concerning the reality of what took place but this scepticism eventual was taken away for ever.
One common feature among people was a sense of the total unworthiness of wicked sinners to receive forgiveness and grace and mercy from God. Tears of remorse were common. This was not born from religious fanaticism, but from those with little or nothing to do with Christianity previously. Those ‘inclined to laugh’ at Christians were overcome, wept and repented. Even those described as “ringleaders in the devils army” for 20 years. There were “extraordinary effects” on “ungodly people” and “the worst of characters”. They experienced a "deep distress" over wrong and "evil".
Converts were changed “by heart and life”. Those known as “swears, blasphemers, and drunkards” and previously a “terror to those around them” were found on “bended knees”. Their swearing, oaths and curses ceased. Foul language and "profane conversations" ceased. Those “previously immoral in their conduct” changed.
On the town streets “drunkenness was greatly diminished” compared to what was previously normal. So much so that “public houses emptied” and “publicans” took down their signs and even became “teetotallers”. Those who pledged to be "total abstainers” kept their pledge. And those "addicted to drunkenness for many years” changed. These accounts spread all over Wales. No one expected anything like it and no one had seen anything like it.
People said, "the effect the revival had on the community at large is wonderful". And, "sectarian contentions have disappeared..." "We do not now require a police officer..." "It is difficult to imagine the greatness of the change in this neighborhood..."
Hard hearted miners and quarrymen known for rough living would hold prayer meetings instead. The land experienced a “spirit of doing-good”, as people were "anxious to do good to others". There was a peace and happiness as never before, and among all ages groups. Where there was once ‘bigotry, bickering and unpleasant feeling’ between people – it was gone.
Churches experienced a remarkable unity, never previously seen and united for public prayer. There was a common concern for the ‘salvation of souls’, they were astounded at what happened. Churches were open every night and found it difficult to terminate their services at the usual time. Those who entered the chapels to scoff and ridicule “remained to pray”. At least 20 churches had received a 100 new converts. All denominations experienced an influx of people. Churches had not updated themselves to appeal to people, but it was the old hymns (not modern songs) that were the songs of the revival. The "old hymns are more appreciated than ever, some of the tunes recently introduced are put aside for the present". And the voice of singing was often heard in public.
For years afterwards people would look back at the effects and transformation.
(Quotes from “The Welsh Revival, its Origin & Development’ Thomas Phillips The Banner or Truth Trust 1989. pg. 51, 61-66, 75, 111-16, 123)