Mathew Backholer / Rees Howells
Worship as Warfare and Prophetic Declarations of Praise in the Heavenlies. Vision Hymns gives a rare insight into the prophetic declarations, hymns and choruses used in spiritual warfare by Rees Howells and his team of intercessors at the Bible College of Wales (BCW). Spanning the pivotal years of 1936-1948 and brought to life for the first time in more than seventy years. Many of the songs of worship reveal the theology, spiritual battles and history during the dark days of World War II and the years surrounding it. From Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, Hitler’s predicted downfall, to the Nation of Israel being born in a day and the glories beyond. Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvellous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory - Psalm 98:1. Vision Hymns is more than a collection of rare hymns and choruses, including songs from the Bible, revelations, explanations and historical analysis behind many BCW hymns, coupled with historical events and the authentic voice of Rees Howells. Including letters, rare and never-seen-before fully digitally enhanced photos, plus three never-before-published poems about Rees and Lizzie Howells, and the British staff member working at BCW’s Paris mission imprisoned in occupied France, his Divine escape and return to BCW during World War II. Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand - Psalm 149:5-6. Rees Howells embraced worship as warfare and participated in it daily. The Holy Spirit taught him the power of prophetic declarations and prophetic praise. Vision Hymns is a stirring book of historical spiritual warfare that contains no melodies or music and is a book that can be read by all, to inspire and uplift one’s spirit and mind - words and lyrics to stir the soul and set the heart ablaze. Learn how your praise and worship can bring you into God’s glory, into the realm of revelation so you can be effective in prayers and intercessions. ’Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord giving thanks always for all things....’ (Ephesians 5:19-20). Mathew Backholer is a former student and staff member of the Bible College of Wales under Samuel Rees Howells and is the co-founder of ByFaith Media (www.ByFaith.org). He presents ByFaith TV which airs globally on numerous networks and is the author of many books including Rees Howells’ God Challenges the Dictators, Reformation to Revival, Christianity Rediscovered, Extreme Faith and Short-Term Missions.
