Fire in our hearts - Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTS
AWAKE O ZION!
the city of truth, was defiant and secure, a place of joy and
creativity. Like a precious jewel she shone in all her colours
and distinctions. But only through the cross could such a
beauty be born.
In the afternoon we walked around in twos and threes. Here
in sunny Sussex was an opportunity to get to know one another
more deeply. ‘Let us open up ourselves to one another,
without fear of being hurt or turned away,’ 33 was the theme
song of the fortnight. Friendships deepened as we confessed
hidden faults and fears. Hopes and aspirations were shared
and we exposed the real ‘us’.
God showed us that we were like a broad river flowing along.
All looked well, but below the surface were dividing partitions.
The river moved on to a waterfall where it cascaded
down a cliff and was dashed on the rocks below. In the turbulence,
the partitions were broken up and then a swift, strong
river began to cut its course down the mountainside.
So we, as a body, were to experience a new ‘brokenness’
bringing oneness. We were a remarkable mix of straights,
freaks, professionals, and village folks. God was determined
to break down any remaining barriers. Class divisions were
now a thing of the past and there were some hilarious attempts
to prove it! Rufus came in one morning sporting a
jacket and tie, while Victor followed in a boiler suit! Jessie
appeared in a tweed skirt. She’d lent her hippy cheesecloths
to Val the schoolteacher! Whether freak or straight, biker or
Beethoven addict, we let these things go and joined the flow!
Noel stood up in the morning meeting and there were a
few more smiles — he was wearing an orange kaftan!
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