Where were you when....?

A Historical Review of the Lay Renewal and Revival of 1970

Where were you when . . . .? This is a question that is posed to those who have experienced a unique time in history. Sometimes, once in a life-time events occur, though rare, and become significant historical markers. One of these significant historical markers not only impacted many lives in Florence, but over the span of forty years later, the impact of what Jesus Christ did in the lives of Florentines has reached across this country and even into the world.



In the early 1970’s businessmen who were converted began to change the way they did business—by the “Book”. Teenagers who were hooked on drugs were finding Jesus’ saving grace in Timrod Park. The culture of Florence began to change as a spirit of love flooded into our community. Young people who experienced the power of the Gospel formed touring musical singing groups. Sharing groups met across the city with eager participants desiring to share all that God had done for them. Some of those people who were changed became a part of teams of lay witnesses who took the message of the Gospel all over the country and testified of what Jesus had done for them. In 1972, a Christian coffee house was founded and, from that strategic location on North Edisto, students from all over the Pee Dee came to concerts, Bible studies, prayer meetings, and a place where many of “The Door’s” participants became adults who impacted both the market place as well as their local churches. A spirit of unity cut across denominational as well as generational lines. For many years, “The Festival of Faith,” was a unity service held the final three days of each year, with each of Florence’s largest churches hosting the service by sharing their packed sanctuaries with the faith community.



Understandably so, there were early skeptics. The July 4, 1971 issue of the Florence Morning News had an article entitled “Jesus Revolution Stirs Florence.” This article was written one year after the Lay Renewal of May 1970 hosted by Florence’s First Presbyterian Church. Was this revival simply an off the scale emotionalism or was it something much different? How long would this “good will” last? When would these “Jesus revolutionaries” return to their old, uninspiring lives? Over time, the reality of changed lives and their vast numbers have proven the authenticity of what God did in our community. Now, forty years later, many of those who were impacted by the 1970 Lay Renewal and Revival are still growing in their faith and inviting others to join in the journey and follow the Lord Jesus. For this, we say, “To God be the glory for the things He has done.”



Please join us for this city wide celebration service. Everyone is invited! Please bring a friend!



Saturday, November 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 @ Trinity Presbyterian Church

What is your story?

Share with us your story! How were you impacted by the 1970 Florence SC revival and renewal?

Welcome!

A Celebration! Of Worship, Testimony, and Praise of the Lord

IT'S A CELEBRATION!

In 1970 God moved in a mighty way in Florence. Many came
to salvation. Many went to the corners of the United States and shared what He had done. Many more responded to His message.
...
You are invited to join us as we
Glorify God
Praise the Lord
Give testimony to His faithfulness
Celebrate the Spirit
Worship Him with music
Are exhorted to continue in His name

Trinity Presbyterian Church
Saturday November 20, 2010
6-8pm

Many of you came to the Lord as He moved in a mighty way in 1970. Many came as direct result of the salvation of a parent, spouse or friend. We want to celebrate not only what Jesus did in our lives 40 years ago, but what He is still doing today. We will hear from those who were involved in the Lay Renewal at 1st Presbyterian, The Door, The Reach Out Singers, The Festival of Faith, Montreat, and Bible study groups as well as others whose lives were forever changed.

Mark your calendars for November 20 6pm at Trinity Presbyterian church.