Five Things We Will Learn
- How the began with simple obedience and a surrendered “yes”
- Why true evangelism flows from first love, not religious duty
- The power of personal, one-on-one outreach and how it multiplies into movements
- The hidden role of intercession and prayer behind every genuine move of God
- What it means to live crucified with Christ and fully accountable to Him
A Divine Interruption: When One “Yes” Changed Everything
In this powerful interview, Jeri Hill, wife of evangelist Steve Hill, shares the story behind one of the most significant spiritual awakenings in modern American history. What began as a single Father’s Day invitation in 1995 became a sustained move of God that impacted millions.
It was not planned. It was not orchestrated. It was simply obedience.
Steve Hill had one open date. That was it. A single service. Yet, as Jerirecalls, God had already begun preparing their hearts. When the invitation came to stay longer, the decision came down to one thing:
Would they say yes to God, even when it disrupted their plans?
They said yes.
And everything changed.
The Heart Behind the Revival: More Than a Moment
Jerimakes something clear that often gets misunderstood. Revival is not just a large gathering or an emotional moment. It is deeply personal.
Every move of God begins with individuals being revived.
Some are dead in sin.
Some are lukewarm.
Some are simply going through the motions.
But God’s desire is the same for all:
to awaken hearts fully to Him.
This is what marked the revival. It was not hype. It was hunger. A cry of “more, Lord” that came from people encountering the real presence of God.
First Love: The Missing Key in Evangelism
One of the most striking insights from Jeriis this:
Evangelism is not a program. It is the overflow of love.
When someone truly falls in love with Jesus, they cannot help but talk about Him. Just like any deep relationship, that love naturally spills into conversations, actions, and daily life.
The problem is not that people don’t know how to evangelize.
The problem is that many have lost their first love.
When Jesus becomes central again, sharing Him becomes natural again.
Crucified Living: The End of Self
Jeripoints to a foundational truth that challenges modern Christianity:
“I am crucified with Christ… and the life I now live, I live by faith.”
If we are truly crucified with Christ, then selfishness no longer has control.
No more living for comfort.
No more living for convenience.
No more living for personal recognition.
Instead, life becomes fully surrendered.
This kind of life does not get easily offended.
It does not withdraw when things get difficult.
It remains anchored in one reality:
We are accountable to God.
And we live like it.
The Power of One Life: How Evangelism Really Works
Jerishares a powerful example from their time in Argentina.
Steve simply played tennis with a young man named Gustavo.
That relationship led Gustavo to Christ.
Gustavo introduced Steve to his family.
That connection led to a meeting with the mayor.
That meeting led to land for a church.
That church led to thousands being reached and dozens of churches planted.
All from one relationship.
This is the Kingdom.
Not mass strategy first.
Personal obedience first.
Every conversation matters.
Every moment matters.
Every person matters.
You never know what God will multiply.
The Hidden Engine: Intercession and Prayer
Behind every visible move of God is an invisible foundation.
Jerirecounts visiting crusades where women were literally under the platform, crying out to God during the meetings. While the evangelist preached above, intercessors were travailing below.
This was the “secret.”
Not talent.
Not charisma.
Prayer.
A deep, desperate cry for souls.
This kind of intercession creates an atmosphere where God moves powerfully. It reminds us that what happens in public is sustained by what happens in private.
A Call to the Weary and the Worn
During the interview, a heartfelt moment emerges. Greg speaks directly to pastors and leaders who feel dry, discouraged, or disconnected.
The message is simple but urgent:
Do not quit.
Do not walk away.
Return to God.
Revival can begin again in one heart.
Not by striving.
Not by pretending.
But by turning back to Him fully.
God has not forgotten His call.
And He is still ready to restore.
Counting the Cost: A Life Fully Given
Jerireflects on the decision she and Steve made early in their walk with God:
Their lives would not be their own.
They would say yes to God, no matter the cost.
This was not a one-time decision.
It was a daily surrender.
That surrender led them across nations, into difficult places, and into a life that bore eternal fruit.
And even in loss, there was peace.
As Steve said near the end of his life:
“There are no regrets.”
Living Ready: The Eternal Perspective
The interview closes with a sobering reminder from Steve Hill himself.
Life is temporary.
Eternity is real.
And every person will stand before God.
This reality shaped how he lived:
Focused on souls.
Focused on eternity.
Focused on obedience.
His message was clear:
Be ready now.
Not later.
Not someday.
Now.
A Final Invitation
This conversation is not just a reflection on the past.
It is a call for today.
To return to first love.
To live surrendered.
To share Jesus boldly.
To pray deeply.
To say yes.
Because the same God who moved then
is ready to move again.
Begin Your Journey Today
Jesus didn’t just call us to believe in Him—He called us to follow Him.
Step into the life He designed for you through Emmaus Road’s The Commands of Jesus. This is more than learning—it’s an invitation to walk with Him, obey Him, and experience Him in a real and powerful way.
You don’t want to miss this exciting adventure Jesus has called you into.
Start now:
https://GregLancaster.org/StartHere
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