This Week in AG History -- Jan. 5, 1964

In January 1964, General Superintendent Thomas F. Zimmerman encouraged Assemblies of God members to focus on four areas in the new year: 1) pray for a renewed Pentecost in our personal lives; 2) recognize the urgency of saving the lost; 3) equip ourselves to win the lost through prayer, reading the Scriptures, and training; and 4) be diligent to do the work of the Kingdom.

Zimmerman’s admonition was written in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Assemblies of God. His article in the Pentecostal Evangel, “Our Fiftieth Year,” told of the significance of the Pentecostal revival which took place at the turn of the 20th century as well as the influence of the Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles, which greatly impacted the world. He made reference to the approximately 300 persons who met in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in April 1914 to organize the Assemblies of God. He wrote, “The founding fathers of our Movement laid a foundation strong and sure.” He acknowledged that the Assemblies of God has an illustrious history, but he tempered this by saying, “We must not glory too much in the past lest we forget our situation today and the work that is yet to be done.”

Zimmerman emphasized, “One of the factors in the growth of our Movement during its early years was the sense of urgency to evangelize the world. This same burden is needed for continued growth.” Although programs and procedures are helpful, he said, “The greatest need today is for men and women who will dedicate themselves to labor faithfully.” “Nothing short of a full mobilization under God, and an overflowing power of Holy Ghost power, will suffice,” declared Zimmerman.

These same principles apply today as the Assemblies of God approaches its 108th anniversary.

Read “Our Fiftieth Year” on pages 3-4 of the Jan. 5, 1964, issue of the Pentecostal Evangel.

Also featured in this issue:

• “I Remember,” by Ernest S. Williams.

• “Miracle at Caracas,” by Mrs. Elmer C. Niles.

• “A Call to Prayer.”

And many more!

Click here to read this issue now.

Pentecostal Evangel archived editions courtesy of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center.