Fire in our hearts - The Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTSfully involved, they will normally enquire into everything. Weencourage them to be sure of what we are; our faith and lifestyle,our various styles of membership and all that sort ofthing, so that they can make an intelligent decision. And wehave particular safeguards for those under twenty-one whowant to move into community. There’s no question of just grabbingpeople and pulling them into what we are, without themfully understanding what is involved!Roger: How do you answer the accusations that in communitythere is a potential for breaking up families and separatingthose who have joined from families who are outside?Noel: We’ve no desire to break up families! Often it worksthe other way round, and families are reconciled, especiallyyoung people with parents. Our members generally maintaingood loving contact with their families and visit them regularly,but, as Jesus taught, the gospel does bring tensions. Hemade it clear that there would be ‘division’ in natural families,some choosing for him, and some against him.As for families in our community houses, there is little evidenceof serious family break-up. Of course some teenagersleave when they start work, but they keep in touch.Roger. Are people encouraged to make friendships outsidethe Fellowship?Noel: Very much so. A lot of new friends are made throughevangelism and work. Friendships with other Christians areoften retained and new ones may develop. And maintainingcontact with non-Christians may lead to their finding Jesustoo. However, it would be difficult if old friends were going todraw someone back into his old ways and habits, and we wouldcaution against that kind of bad influence. We would also cau-421