The Story of a Life Lived for God
“Rees Howells: Intercessor” by Norman Grubb is a beautiful journey into the life of a man whose dedication to prayer and intercession has left a lasting mark on Christians around the world. As you turn each page, you can’t help but be drawn into the deeply spiritual and often awe-inspiring experiences of this man of God.
From the outset, Grubb captures Howells’ life in a very engaging and enlightening way. The book is not just a biography; it is a testament to the extraordinary lengths one man went to in order to follow his calling. You will enjoy the detailed account of Howells’ youth, his spiritual awakening, and his early years as a Christian. The transformation from a simple coal miner’s son to a spiritual leader is nothing short of miraculous, and Grubb captures this metamorphosis with much grace.
As you delve deeper into the book, the stories of Howells’ intercessory prayers during significant historical events, such as World War II, are particularly captivating. These accounts are not just historical anecdotes; they serve as reminders of the impact of fervent prayer and the belief in divine intervention. Grubb does an excellent job of providing context and explaining the broader significance of Howells’ prayers, making these stories accessible and relatable to readers from all walks of life.
Moreover, the personal anecdotes and testimonies from those who knew Howells make the narrative very authentic. These firsthand accounts provide a window into Howells’ character, his humility, and his unwavering dedication to God’s will. It’s these personal stories that truly bring Howells’ legacy to life, making him not just a historical figure but a relatable and inspiring example of what it means to live a life of faith.
Following is a short excerpt from “Rees Howells: Intercessor” recounting in his own words some of his experiences while in Africa:
“…On the first station it was hard going the first day. The missionary told us of much backsliding in the church – even some of the deacons had been causing trouble. But on the third day the Spirit came down and swept the place.
“Two of the deacons were always sitting at the back. When the people began to confess their sins and come through to great blessings, they came up to me and said, ‘We enjoy the meetings very well, but we don’t like this confessing of sins. When it begins, we feel a great pain in the back of our heads!’ “Quite so,’ I answered, ‘but one day it will move down a little lower – to your hearts!’ ‘Do you think we need to confess?’ they then inquired. ‘If you have sinned against God,’ I replied, ‘it is between you and God; but if you have sinned against the church, you must confess before the church.”
“One of these deacons was named Jephthah. He went to pray and continued in prayer for about three days. Then, about one o’clock in the morning, his wife came and got us up: ‘Do come; Jephthah is mad with joy! Shall we ring the bell and call the people together for a meeting?’ ‘You can’t ring the bell at this hour of the night,’ I protested. But his mother went round to all the people, calling them together, and by 3 a.m. the church was packed!
“Jephthah was blinded, just like the Apostle Paul. They had to lead him to the church, where he confessed the sins he had been committing. After that, scores were converted. His sight returned in a few days, and we took him around with us for about three months. Whenever he gave his testimony, it was like shots from a gun all the time, as one after another would go down under the Spirit’s conviction, and he never failed to get many through.”
“Rees Howells: Intercessor” is more than just a biography; it’s a spiritual journey that challenges and inspires. It encourages readers to reflect on their own faith and the role of prayer in their lives. Norman Grubb has crafted a remarkable tribute to a man whose life was a testament to the power of intercession.
Whether you are looking for a deeper understanding of intercessory prayer, seeking inspiration for your own spiritual journey, or are simply interested in the life of an extraordinary man of faith, this book is a must-read. It’s a heartfelt and moving account that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind as it did on others.
