Jessie Penn-Lewis (1861-1927)

Jessie Penn- Lewis’ maiden name was Jessie Jones. She was born in Victoria Terrace, Neath, Wales. Aged 19 she married William Penn-Lewis.

She was a Welsh evangelical speaker and author of a number of Christian evangelical works. Her ministry took her to Russia , Scandinavia, Canada , the USA and India.

In 1882, 2 years into her marriage, she heard messages about the return of Christ and became concerned about her own spiritual state. By reading the Bible she came to a place of belief and found peace.

They moved to Richmond and she became involved with Richmond Young Women’s Christian Association (RYWCA). She lacked confidence when speaking publicly and preparation was painful. In 1892 she wanted answers to Questions. She had asked to be filled not crucified. Romans ch.6 v 6-11 became a power to her. I know the Risen Lord From this time she felt liberty in speaking and experienced power of prayer , the Bible came alive, Christ became real to her.

She was asked to give a message The Lord manifested his power and gave liberty. In 4 years the RYWCA numbers rose from 6,900 to 13,000.

1902 Jessie was asked about starting a convention in Wales by a group of Welsh ministers. In 1903 the Llandrindod Wells convention began. Jessie spoke regularly.

1904 revival broke out in Wales. There was spontaneity exhibiting renewed worship or singing, displays of confession, speaking in tongues, signs and wonders. In November she began writing weekly revival reports, The Awakening in Wales drew world wide attention to the movement.The 1904-5 Welsh Revival was one of the largest Christian revivals ever to break out.

Jessie became involved in building a national Keswick connection with more making more local yearly conferences accessible.

1906 she spoke out publicly that she believed the Keswick trustees were trying to to limit her ministry due to her gender.

Jessie and Evan Roberts founded The Overcomer (1908-14) (1920+), a monthly periodical, clearly aimed at Christian workers and helping to maintain communication within the Keswick network.

In 1919 she wrote The Magna Carta Of Christian Women

Jessie ran 8* The Overcomer conferences in Swanwick (1919-27)
By this time her health had deteriorated, William had died and she was living in a flat.

Early in her ministry with RYWCA she made it a priority for young women to be sent out as missionaries. She also encouraged and mentored others through personal correspondence.

With an extensive speaking and writing ministry she reached people with the Gospel message across the world. HerThe Bible Booklet . whose distribution spanned the globe, helped spread the Gospel.

Jessie would probably like to be remember for her emphasis on the priority of the cross.** Looking unto Jesus** and the power and strength of the Holy Spirit.

Jessie died on August 15th, 1927.

List of* Works* and History of Keswick Ministries included

Sources
CBE
History- Keswick Ministries
wikipedia