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The Elim 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.
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, very large churches were established.
The name 'Elim' was taken from the book of Exodus where the Israelites exhausted and dispirited en route from Egypt's
cruel bondage to the freedom of Canaan came to Elim an oasis in the desert where there were twelve wells of water and seventy
palm trees. Exodus 15.27.
As the 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.
Elim continued to grow despite the ravages of World War two and other difficulties and soon established itself as a Pentecostal
power in the evangelisation of the United Kingdom. Today, there are over 500 churches in the home land, and nearly 9000 world-wide.
Ministers are trained at its official residential college in Nantwich- Regents Theological College, accredited by Manchester
University for the B.A. and M.A. degrees. Its global thrust is spearheaded by the International Missions Board, which operates
in 35 countries, with orphanages, hospitals and schools as well as churches.
Kensington Temple
It has a vibrant Home Missions policy and is committed to the evangelisation of the UK and the planting of new churches.
The winning of young people to Jesus is an important part of Elim's mission, and this is directed by its Christian Youth
Ministries directed by the 'Serious4God Team'.
Elim's largest church is Kensington Temple in London. Which, via its London City Church network reaches over fifteen thousand
people every Sunday.
Elim is a founder member of P.C.U.K. an alliance of all the main Pentecostal denominations representing the 17,000 Pentecostal
churches in the UK.
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