The late 1940s was a time of deep spiritual hunger among Pentecostals, who were concerned about the declining operation of the gifts of the Spirit once so evident when Pentecostalism began in the early 20th century. In response to this spiritual hunger, about 70 students gathered in October 1947 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, to begin the first term of the newly formed Sharon Bible College. Most were first-year students, but some were second- and third-year students from the Pentecostal Bible College in Saskatoon. From the latter part of October until the great visitation of the Spirit in February, daily there was someone or a number of people in fasting and prayer, day after day, week after week, classes were suspended, as a heavy burden of prayer and supplication swept in upon the bible school. They knew that God was about to do a new thing in the Church, but just what it was they could not tell. A few prophecies urged them to seek the face of the Lord. It was difficult to study, as the desire to pray was so great.