JOHN HYDE
1865 - 1912
 

“Shout the victory of Jesus Christ” (his dying words).

John Hyde was born into a minister’s home in Illinois in 1865. His father prayed both in his church and at family altar for laborers to be sent into the mission fields.

Although Hyde graduated from college with high honors and was hired to the faculty, his father’s prayers had their influence. He resigned and entered seminary.

A fellow seminarian challenged the students about missions, and Hyde prayed until God made his calling clear. As he was leaving for India in 1892, a family friend promised by letter to pray that he would be filled with the Spirit. He was angry over this perceived insult, but during the voyage he confessed his need, conquered his pride and received the Spirit’s power.

Difficulties with hearing hindered learning the language, and his early work was not noteworthy. He even offered his resignation once, but an appeal from the villagers kept him on the field. The nationals called him “the man who never sleeps” because of his long seasons of prayer, and he earned the name of “Praying Hyde.”

He helped start an annual conference at Sialkot where revival was prayed down upon India. At this meeting in 1910, he personally prayed for four souls a day, and God answered him with hundreds saved that year.

The extraordinary work took a physical toll, and doctors told him to rest or face death. He persisted in his labor, and in 1911 he was forced to return to America for his final days. Passing through Wales, he met G. Campbell Morgan, and Morgan said that he learned what real prayer was from Hyde.

On February 17, 1912, John Hyde was called to the Saviour with whom he had fellowshipped in prayer for many years.