Fire in our hearts - The Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTSNEW GENERATIONYoung leaders began to baptise their converts from the clubscene, sometimes at the break of dawn in a river. Friendsfrom the club and a few cows looked on in wonder.The inspiration of the early Celtic Church was now comingthrough and encouraged the wild spirit of the Jesus Reds. Atthe outset of Christianity in Britain there was a powerful movementof God amongst the Celts. This simple, charismatic brotherhood,led by the Holy Spirit (whom they called the ‘WildGoose’) gained a vast influence over the people — so much sothat their searching, pagan culture was turned towards God.These believers were intuitive creation-lovers who devotedthemselves to a life of hard work and prayer. Marrieds andcelibates often joined together in communal settlements inwild places like Iona and Lindisfarne. And from these spiritualpower-houses they ventured out amongst the people,identifying with them and leading them to Jesus.Now, many centuries later, God was reminding his people ofthese lovable Celts. Roger Ellis was very enthusiastic aboutthem when we interviewed him:When I read and prayed about the Celtic Christians, the impactof God speaking to me was stronger than anything I’d known —stronger even than Toronto’. I believe God is saying somethingprophetically through them. They are a symbol communicatingsomething to us with regards to mission, community, creationand creativity. 141412