Fire in our hearts - The Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTSCITY ON A HILL‘Afraid so!’ I said. ‘The library has thousands of them —mostly Christian paperbacks — and we also have a referencesection next door on church history, theology, community...’‘The Hall is quite a centre,’ said Pete, ‘what with the library,the clothing store, the pre-school, the laundrette, andthe FDC.‘The FDC?’ Anneke looked puzzled.‘We’ll show you,’ he said, leading them into the courtyard.In front of the converted stable block a man with snow in hishair struggled by with some boxes of frozen meat.‘Hi, Steve!’‘Bless you! Bit cold for May, isn’t it?’ (He’d just come out ofthe freezer van!)‘Steve was training to be a vicar,’ I explained, ‘but joined usinstead. He now runs the FDC — the Food Distribution Centre.’‘More like Stephen the deacon, eh?’ said Henk.‘That’s right!’ said Steve. ‘Except the stuff we distribute isfrom manufacturers and wholesalers!’‘How does it work?’ asked Henk.‘Well, each house sends us an order for food, clothing andhousehold needs, along with a cheque for the previous week.We try to keep things simple, and supply what’s needed... aslong as the orders get in on time!’Steve disappeared into the store room.‘He’s busy! Upstairs is the pre-school,’ I pointed. ‘It’s forthree to five year olds. Notice the cardboard tractor in thewindow?’231