Fire in our hearts - Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTS
AWAKE O ZION!
farm. Sheepfold Grange, as we renamed it, was beautifully
situated on a hill and overlooked a valley dotted with sheep.
Sheepfold housed about twenty. There were single brothers
and sisters, marrieds and single-parent families, with a
real sense of homeliness. Kids were everywhere!
The household (which included non-residents) was led by
Pete and Carol, whose liberated ‘tribe’ of children was regarded
as a fairly good example of community life. ‘Welcome
to the families of Zion, Lord,’ wrote one sister, ‘...holy, happy
children, strong in character...’ — though sometimes more
strong in character than holy!
Sheepfold wasn’t perfect, but from this inspired little community
house issued a stream of life, wisdom and hymns. Pete
had a prophetic spark and sang of the vision of a holy Zion:
Zion, the city of pure gold,
Is holy, righteous, pure in heart.
In awesome reverence we behold
No spot or stain in any part.
It was our vision of holiness that united us with the dissenters,
trouble-makers, and martyrs of the past. Since the decline
of the early church, a persecuted remnant has always
stood bravely for the practice of biblical truth. Through such
pioneers God has been gradually restoring New Testament
radicality to the wider church.
‘Pioneers, shock troops, are always necessary for God’s
movement in history,’ says Roger Forster. ‘They are to fulfil
their true calling which is ultimately to bring blessing to...
God’s people. ‘ 46
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