Spiritual Revival in Santa Barbara, California, 1980-1984
- Betsey Gooch Stewart
- May 4
- 2 min read
In the 1980s, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, and Isla Vista were alive with spiritual fire—Jesus was moving mightily through the coastal communities. Pastor Jeff Harkin stirred hearts in Isla Vista. Women’s Aglow, under the leadership of Charismatic Catholic Sue Brown, gathered women in passionate prayer and worship. The Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship, led by Walt and Sally Wolf, joined forces with Jerry and Mary Vaughan of Foursquare Church. Pastor Jack Hayford of Church on the Way came up from L.A. and preached with power. Pastor Gilbert Allen from Calvary Chapel, Peter Mosgofian of the Vineyard movement, and Keith and Mary Hudson of Word of Faith also carried the flame.
Every denomination came to the table—Assemblies of God, Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, the Covenant Church, Methodists—laying aside their differences to lift the name of Jesus. United in one Spirit, the Body of Christ gathered to pray over Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, and Isla Vista. The Women's Aglow Convention at Westmont College brought hundreds together. Pastor Fred Price of Crenshaw Christian Center, sent his Assistant Pastor, an African American leader known for leading dynamic Women's Conferences, preached boldly. She prayed with the “laying on of hands,” a common practice in the church for healing (Mark 6:5), receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17), and ordination (1 Timothy 4:14). Many received Jesus and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Then came Mario Murillo—his crusade at the Arlington Theatre rocked the region. Chains broke. “The city was set free from demonic forces.” Jesus took center stage. Jesus is Lord over Santa Barbara—then, now, and forever. You could feel Him in the air. You still can. Jesus!
Spiritual Revival in Santa Barbara
The Arlington Theatre Rocked the Region
Revival Recap California
“The fuse is lit for the next revival in California” ~Mario Murillo
Join us July 6-9, 2025, 6:30 PM at the Earl Warren Showgrounds
Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara CA 93105
Mario Murillo rose from poverty in the Mission District of San Francisco. After being revolutionized by Christ, he felt a call to the University of California at Berkeley. Sharing his faith on this riot-torn campus seemed beyond impossible. A small group of students quickly grew to a regular crowd of hundreds. Then something else happened: students began to report healings. Read more...
"The Gathering" Montecito, CA
Keith and Mary Hudson
A couple with a combined ministry experience of 40 years, hold gatherings at the Montecito Library in Montecito, CA. Their gatherings, often referred to as "The Gathering," take place on Sundays at 6 pm at the Montecito Library, located at 469 E Valley Rd, Montecito, CA 93108. They are also known for their prophetic ministry and Arise Women's Conferences, focusing on empowering women.
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