A 20th Century Apostle: The Life of Alfred Garr

This is probably the most inspiring biography I've ever read, and I've read quite a few. Truly a life lived- a life poured out- for God. Garr was a true God chaser and lived the great adventure in God. Alfred G. Garr was a man hungry for the living God. He simply couldn't settle for the false comforts of tradition and religion. Although, until now, his story hasn't been widely known, he had a tremendous influence. For example, without him Azusa Street might not have happened. According to this book, before Garr came into the picture, God was moving at Azusa Street but only about a dozen people were being impacted. Although Garr was already a successful revivalist and evangelist who moved in the power of God, he recognized there was more available in God. One evening in early June 1906, Garr's congregation arrived at the church for their regular meeting and found Garr standing on the front steps with the doors locked behind him. He said to the people, "Do not attend here tonight. We do not have the power of God; let us go to the Asuza Street Mission, where they are enjoying the presence of God." And he began walking towards Azusa street. The people followed him. According to this book, historical accounts verify that prior to this, before Garr made his move, there was only about a dozen saints seeking God at Azusa Street. In April, Frank Bartleman had described it as "a small flame." But by July, after Garr's move of profound humility, Bartleman wrote, "Pentecost has come to Los Angeles" and it began to have worldwide impact. This is just one example of the kind of impact Garr had, often unknown to the masses, but known in Heaven. Garr seemed to spread the authentic fire of God wherever he went. He lived a life of radical faith and dependence on God. The invasion of the supernatural power of God was a standard part of his ministry. He ministered throughout the world bringing the authentic gospel to places such as India, Hong Kong, Japan, Arabia, and especially the United States, eventually "settling down" in Charlotte, North Carolina for the last few years of his life. I was extremely impressed how he maintained his fervency for God until his dying day and didn't compromise morally. He fought the good fight of faith until the end. In light of recent news concerning leadership in the church, this is quite refreshing and encouraging. He had relationship with, worked alongside, and/or influenced such notable saints as William Seymour, Aimee Semple McPherson, Charles Price (a very humorous story about how they met), Maria Woodworth-Etter, Pandita Ramabai, and other more widely known saints of God. Yet somehow his story has remained largely unknown to the masses, until now. Touch the bones of Garr's life through this account. It's bound to wreck you good!