A Look at a Book, A Review: Rees Howells Intercessor
by Irene Gilsenan

I have just finished reading the biography of a Welsh coalminer, Rees Howells, Intercessor, who lived at the turn of the century and who played a significant role in the Welsh revival of the time. This story, which is told with great honesty and clarity, combines two essential ingredients: the dramatic worship of a wonderful, all-powerful God, and the way in which that wonder and power were manifested in a life of total surrender.

Shortly after his conversion Rees Howells saw that if he wanted to experience the fullness of God, God would never share his life. It had to be all God’s. In describing this Howell says, "I had received a sentence of death, as really as a prisoner in the dock". God showed him that there could be nothing for self, but that the life God would live in him would be 100% for others. As he faced this, Rees says he struggled and wept for many days, but the final surrender was total and lasting.

Rees was called to a life of intercession and the book describes intercession as: identification, agony and authority, rather than as some form of intensified prayer. As he interceded for a woman with consumption he told God he was willing to die in her place. Instead God showed him he wanted to use him as a "living martyr." He did none of this lightly, but having counted the cost, he was always prepared to pay the price and God then did the work.

From small beginnings of interceding for the salvation of one ill woman he went on to stand in faith that Nazi Germany would not win World War II. He was moved by God to work as a missionary in Madeira and Africa, and later to build the Bible College of Wales.

This book is a worthwhile read for any who want to know what can happen when God is free to live His life in us.