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Moreno Valley Today
By the People, for the People
Remembering Pastor John Vickery and the Welsh Revival
Pastor John Vickery's influence on the author was dramatic, opening his eyes to the great events of the Welsh Revival and inspiring him to pray for revival again.
Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:57pm
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Pastor John Vickery of Calvary Chapel Cardiff, Wales, passed away in late February. He was a devoted student of the Welsh Revival and prayed and preached with a deep longing to see another great awakening sweep across the world. The author first met Vickery on a mission trip to Wales in 2003, where Vickery showed him newspaper archives from the Welsh Revival of 1904-1905 that completely transformed the author's vision of the possibilities of revival.
Why it matters
The Welsh Revival of 1904-1905 was an extraordinary movement of the Holy Spirit that swept across the nation, with churches packed to overflowing, lives transformed, and communities changed. Vickery's passion to see revival happen again inspired the author to continue the mission of Calvary Chapel Magazine, believing it could help stoke the flames of revival.
The details
During the Welsh Revival, newspaper accounts reported on the 'converts' from each town and village, with numbers reaching over 90,000. The revival was marked by a remarkable lack of religious hysteria, with congregations described as 'soberly sane, orderly, and reverent.' Even police officers were converted after being invited to the meetings. The revival eventually subsided, but Vickery believed there would be one more great awakening before the Lord's return.
- In 2003, the author first met Pastor John Vickery on a mission trip to Wales.
- Vickery passed away in late February 2026.
The players
Pastor John Vickery
The pastor of Calvary Chapel Cardiff, Wales, who opened the author's eyes to the Welsh Revival and inspired him to pray for revival again.
Evan Roberts
The 26-year-old Welshman whose name became synonymous with the Welsh Revival, even though he always prayed for Jesus Christ to reveal Himself and not for revival.
Chuck Smith
The pastor whose ministry during the Jesus Movement in Southern California led to the establishment of over 2,000 Calvary Chapels around the world.
Steve Vickery
The son of Pastor John Vickery, who took over as the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Cardiff in 2009 and then moved to pastor Calvary Chapel Oxford in 2018.
Rhys Hughes
The current pastor of Calvary Chapel Cardiff, who was saved and started attending the church in 2007 while John Vickery was still the pastor.
What they’re saying
“The Lord might use Calvary Chapel Magazine to help stoke the flames of revival,”
— John Vickery, Pastor
“Bend me, bend us, O Lord,”
— Evan Roberts
The takeaway
This story highlights the lasting impact of the Welsh Revival and the enduring legacy of pastors like John Vickery who were passionate about seeing another great awakening. It serves as a reminder that revival is not dependent on large numbers or famous leaders, but on ordinary believers who humble themselves before God and allow the Holy Spirit to move freely through their lives.
