Fire in our hearts - The Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTSON THE MARCHMany did to a high degree, and some of our deepest propheticwisdom came from non-residents, who were often verygrateful for what those in the community houses easily tookfor granted. They were frequently around, stayed overnight,were active on the prayer watch, and used the Food DistributionCentre. They carried a vision for their neighbourhood,and opened their homes to us. Non-residents were vital.All new members belonged to a servant group and a disciplingband, as well as having a shepherd and a ‘caring brother’or sister. They were ‘bone of our bone’ and part of our ‘family’.A smaller proportion fell away than is normal with moreimpersonal big mission evangelism. After a year some twentyper cent of our new members were not actively with us. Eventhat was heartbreaking.We pushed further afield. Stoke was our northern frontier,and Mick ‘Temperate’ visited two friends there, Pete and John,who had ‘split’ from New Creation Hall some years ago. Pete’smother hadn’t slept properly for two years, but after theyprayed, she overslept and was late for work the next morning!Soon Mick had a coach team in Stoke where they metone of John’s friends. He sat in the meeting and, when thecall to Christ was made, he felt someone jabbing him in theback. He turned round, but no one was there! He was convertedthat night.Roy and Maggie encountered the supernatural, too. Royhad been a Christian for twenty years, but felt dry. What’smore, he didn’t believe in miracles — until he met someonewho radiated life and spoke in tongues. He welcomed Mick’sservant group to Stoke and was filled with the Spirit. But246