Fire in our hearts - The Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTSAWAKE O ZION!farm. Sheepfold Grange, as we renamed it, was beautifullysituated on a hill and overlooked a valley dotted with sheep.Sheepfold housed about twenty. There were single brothersand sisters, marrieds and single-parent families, with areal sense of homeliness. Kids were everywhere!The household (which included non-residents) was led byPete and Carol, whose liberated ‘tribe’ of children was regardedas a fairly good example of community life. ‘Welcometo the families of Zion, Lord,’ wrote one sister, ‘...holy, happychildren, strong in character...’ — though sometimes morestrong in character than holy!Sheepfold wasn’t perfect, but from this inspired little communityhouse issued a stream of life, wisdom and hymns. Petehad a prophetic spark and sang of the vision of a holy Zion:Zion, the city of pure gold,Is holy, righteous, pure in heart.In awesome reverence we beholdNo spot or stain in any part.It was our vision of holiness that united us with the dissenters,trouble-makers, and martyrs of the past. Since the declineof the early church, a persecuted remnant has alwaysstood bravely for the practice of biblical truth. Through suchpioneers God has been gradually restoring New Testamentradicality to the wider church.‘Pioneers, shock troops, are always necessary for God’smovement in history,’ says Roger Forster. ‘They are to fulfiltheir true calling which is ultimately to bring blessing to...God’s people. ‘ 46160