By the end of the 19th century, many churches had lost their fervor for righteousness and had taken on a cloak of formalism and modernism. They thereby became void of the Spirit and power of God. Once again, the remaining praying Christians were faced with a challenge, which this time was met in the little country of Wales. In answer to the agonizing prayers of hundreds who interceded for their country, a mighty revival broke out in Wales in 1904 and continued until thousands of souls were converted. From among the converts there arose men who were called to preach the Gospel to others. The leading revivalist in Wales was Evan Roberts, one whose work of evangelism turned many from the paths of sin.