Cecil Todd, of Branson West, Mo., who served the Lord faithfully for 75 years, founded Revival Fires Ministry, and hosted a weekly television program that aired nationally for 20 years, died March 4, 2024, at age 92.
He was born Oct. 7, 1931, in Nashoba, Okla., one of 11 children born to Cecil and Emily Todd. “He led a life marked by an unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel across the globe,” according to an obituary posted by the Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, Mo.
Todd’s ministry spanned the United States and 22 foreign countries. He preached the message of Christ in various capacities, including serving as minister in five churches and founding Revival Fires Ministry in 1964. The ministry was based in Joplin, Mo., for many years, before moving to the Branson West area 38 years ago.
In a news release from 2018, Todd shared why he had not retired after nearly 70 years of ministry: “How can I retire when Hell is on fire!”
“His mission touched countless lives,” the obituary shared. “A graduate of Ozark Bible College. He delivered his first sermon in 1949, marking the beginning of seven decades dedicated to ministry, traveling over 3 million miles, and more than 3 million souls were won to Christ.
“His unique contributions included being the only minister invited to speak on Red Square during the May Day celebration in Moscow, Russia. Dr. Todd launched a nationwide television program in 1966, broadcasting on at least 200 stations and featuring interviews with notable figures including Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford, and many well-known celebrities. Dr. Todd’s commitment to service was also evident through his efforts to provide over 200,000 Bibles to our U.S. troops and new recruits, starting at Desert Storm and still going to this present day.”
“Dad, I’m so thankful for the godly influence you have had in my life for 62 years,” his son, Tim Todd, wrote on the Revival Fires International Facebook page. “Dad has left a legacy of 75 years of Kingdom productive ministry. Millions came to the Lord! Masses were called to the ministry! Dad’s legacy will continue.”
Cecil Todd is survived by his widow, Linda, whom he married in 1980; two daughters, Jan Uhlig and Gail Stallman; three sons, Jon, Tim, and Chuck; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; four brothers; and one sister. He was preceded in death by one son, Cecil Wayne Todd, in 2020; four brothers; and one sister.
A celebration of life service was conducted at the Faith and Wisdom Church in Branson, Mo., on Saturday, March 9. Memorial contributions may be made to Revival Fires Ministry, P.O. Box 1008, Branson West, MO 65737, to support the distribution of Bibles to new recruits.
At his Facebook page Saturday, former Ozark Christian College alumni director Meredith Williams shared a photographic tribute of more than 70 images honoring Todd’s life and ministry.
In the Revival Fires_News_Release from 2018, this is how Cecil Todd said he would like to be remembered: “As an undeserving servant of our Lord Jesus . . . who gave his best to all he attempted to do. . . . A ‘fighter’ for America’s spiritual foundations” and an example of “what God can do with ‘mountain do’!”
In that news release, Todd also shared much of his history—including growing up in poverty in southeastern Oklahoma, his first sermon (12 minutes long), his three greatest influences, and his favorite Scripture verse.
I am interested to know how long ago, Cecil and his son Tim became Pentecostals? It seems that Tim is primarily aligned with the Assemblies of God denomination today. As a former student at Ozark Bible College, I am very interested to know the history of this change if someone can fill me in.