Fire in our hearts - The Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTSON THE MARCHOf course, the image provided a field day for critics. Northampton’sArchdeacon compared us to paramilitary rebels andone local MP described us as a ‘Rambo’ cult. Others foundthe association with war a little disturbing. We understood,and ensured that the jackets were well adorned with badgesand a large golden JESUS ARMY patch on the back. Red epauletteswere added to distinguish us further from any other‘street people’ with combat jackets!But many greeted the army image enthusiastically. It wasstrong and dynamic. God was in this latest initiative. Menand women were attracted and a fresh batch of zealous Christiansjoined us.The press was full of headlines like ‘Onward Christian Soldiers!’and ‘Jesus Army Marches In!’ ‘Bugbrooke’ still carriedsome shrouds of mystery but ‘Jesus Army’ belonged tothe public. It crystallised our vision of commitment and compassion.As the months went by we learned more and more tolay down our lives and love the needy ones. As this was seen,our acceptance with church and people increased. We ‘did agood job’ — there was room for us in Britain.But what of Zion? A hunger grew amongst the veterans. Whatabout our standards, our depth, our holiness? The eightieshad doubled the church and now many knew little of the waywe’d come. The glory of the early days burned in our memory.Then we had thrilled to be a people for God. Jesus Army wasexciting, but did we really have the depth and anointing totake the nineties for Christ?289