The Pentecostal Church was founded in 1915 by a Welshman in Monaghan Ireland. George Jeffreys was an outstanding evangelist and church planter. He had a Welsh Congregational background, was strongly influenced by the Welsh Revival of 1904, and was introduced to Pentecost by an Anglican vicar, Rev Alexander Boddy of Sunderland.

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The name 'Elim' is taken from the book of Exodus where the Israelites, exhausted and dispirited en route from Egypt's cruel bondage to the freedom of Canaan, arrived at an oasis in the desert called Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees. Exodus 15.27.

As the Elim Movement grew with amazing rapidity against the background of dramatic decline in the historic churches, it proved to be a fitting symbol of spiritual refreshing.

Between 1915 and 1934, George Jeffreys conducted some tremendous evangelistic missions. This unknown preacher would commence a mission with a mere handful of people, and by the end of the week, thousands would clamour for a seat. Amazing miracles of healing had taken place. After the mission, large churches were established.

Elim continued to grow despite the ravages of World War Two and soon established itself as a Pentecostal power in the evangelisation of the United Kingdom. Today, there are just over 600 churches in the UK and we are active in nearly 50 countries world-wide.

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Elim International Missions was birthed in the wake of this spirit of evangelism and church planting. Missionaries were sent out from 1922, working mainly in Africa in connection with other Pentecostal groups. Originally called The Elim Missionary Society this was founded In 1929. The Second World War curtailed missionary expansion, but in 1945 new developments happened and over the next few years missionaries went out to many countries in Africa, South America and Asia.

Now known as Elim International Missions, we are involved in nearly 50 countries around the world, sending missionaries to many different situations, but all with the same aim of reaching people with the good news of Jesus Christ.

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For a more detailed history of Elim International Missions you can read Global Warming : An anecdotal history of the work of Elim Missions (1919 - 1989) by Pastor Peter Smith. 

 

 

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