Sounds from Heaven: The Revival on the Isle of Lewis, 1949-1952

by Colin Peckham

The recounting of the story of revival on the Scottish Isle of Lewis in the late 1940s. It is a fascinating blend of history, biography and testimony. It includes the eye-witness accounts from Duncan Campbell and Mary Peckham.

Genres: Christian, Biography, Religion, Faith, History

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2004

Reviews

[Rob Markley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful testimonies in a very rare look inside a true revival. Shame this is rather too much a chaotic collection of sources with a lot of overlap and confusion, which detracts for the first half of the book before the second half, which is simply a straight set of recollections. Better editing incorporating all together into the overarching analysis and assessment could have led to 5 stars. Nevertheless there is very much to appreciate here. There are certain things that ring very true - the actual presence of God is one, the opposition of another denomination another. On the other hand there are things that make one wonder how characteristic of this particular time and place? - the deep conviction of sin and the overwhelming culture of prayer - do these come from an isolated community already saturated in a Calvinist/revivalist paradigm or would these be universal? How would the evident knowledge of sin and repentance fit for our time and place? Also of interest is the difference in manifestations between the '39 and '49 revivals. Much to reflect on and actually to give hope that deep prayer preparation may not be quite the absolute prerequisite always thought necessary after all? Nevertheless it make me wonder - how could true revival happen today?

[Missy Landess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging book giving first hand testimonies of revival in Scotland during 1940’s. There were some parts that were difficult to get through because of repetition, but overall an incredible testimony of God’s power and presence during this time!

[ThePrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very humbling book which cannot be read without much heart reflection and contemplation. I also highly recommend taking notes and letting the words within these pages drill through to your soul. What a stunning telling of the events of the Hebridean revival. I went very skeptically into this book, at the recommendation of a friend, but this book is really something else.

It is split into halves, with the first half telling background, the rough story, and some general history which was most fascinating. The second half, and I see that other reviewers don’t much care for how this part was done, is personal testimonies. The reason that so many of them overlap is because Lewis is not so exceptionally large and many of the folk will have known each other. It was also done entirely independently so that no one could accuse them of compiling a single narrative. Such transformation in the lives of these islanders. If only we could see such revival again.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading about revivals and have wanted to know more about the Hebridean revivals of the twentieth century. This nook seemed to have good reviews because it contained eye witness accounts. And it’s really good to read what went on. It was precious and awesome but sadly the book itself wasn’t. It was poorly edited and so repetitive it became boring. That’s really disappointing bearing in mind the subject matter!

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a glorious compilation of what God did in the Hebrides. Chapter 12 "God's Choice - Lewis Prayer - Soul Travail" is worth reading, and re-reading, and re-reading. The 2nd half of the book is super repetitive as it is personal testimonies of those who were apart of the revival but still so rich.

[KR · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt encouraged by the testimonies in the book, but I wished it had been more reader friendly.

[Howard Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

So amazing to read first hand experiences of the revivals on the islands. I pray that revival may come again to this nation.

[Valton Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book of personal testimony’s. It was a privilege to communicate with Mary following the passing of her husband, Colin. Another must have book for your bookshelf.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful account of a true move of God in the 1950’s. Such an encouragement in a difficult time. Highly recommend! It will encourage and grow your faith.

[Kevin Deane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is clearly such an incredible story, it's a shame the book is filled with so much repetition and unnecessary details.

[Breakthru International · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to have spoken and written to Mary Peckham, she was truly remarkable lady. Her late husband, Colin Peckham, wrote this book prior to his departure from this world. He reviews the events of the revival on the Isle of Lewis in this inspiring book.

We often hear about revivals in this era in a way that seems to demean what revival really is. This book successfully captures the testimonies of people who were actually in the move of The Holy Spirit in a place that was fairly isolated from the mainland.

If you want to connect with the real events of a genuine revival, then this is the book to read.

www.breakthruinternational.co.uk

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an encouraging book. Like other reviewers have written the testimonies are excellent but the structure of the book with its repetition and overlap detracts slightly, especially with regard to the first few chapters. I found the characteristics of the Revival (Chapt 9) really interesting and the book really got going from this point. Chapter 12 was very good (God's choice - Lewis) and I have directed a number of people to that chapter to read in my church - especially our Ministry and Intercessionary groups. Whilst I haven't quite finished I am also enjoying the testimonies which are clearly powerful. Overall I would recommend this book to read.