Fire in our hearts - Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTS
CITY ON A HILL
At the Farm, the ‘brotherhood’ was at times more natural
than spiritual. Cattle-men reacted against the thought of ‘more
pressure’ and some wondered whether it was all worth it.
But Noel upheld the vision and refused to lessen our standards
of diligence and holiness.
When Kelly lunched at the Farm, he was at times sandwiched
between an overburdened pastor and a discouraged brotherhood.
Noel needed support, especially in the face of all the
criticism from outside. ‘No man can take the strain alone and
remain inspired,’ thought Kelly and urged Noel to lean more
on other senior brothers. In July a group of seven were recognised
as a ‘Covering Authority’.
The spiritual battle was fierce all round, and not just at the
Farm. It was the price of moving against the tide. Sniping
came from within our own ranks and some of our outside
supporters tended to draw back in the face of the constant
criticism we received. How long could we go on pioneering?
Many were burdened in prayer. Val would often cry out to
God and at times all she could get out was, ‘Oh God, save our
church!’ and then just tears and speaking in tongues.
‘The powers of darkness were doing their utmost to destroy
us,’ she later wrote. ‘Our witness was vital and I prayed
for our leaders to be men of strength and unity. I was burdened
for the state of the nation, and for Zion that she might
stand. The future for us and for our children was at stake.’
Mobilising a community of 600 was no mean task and many
had settled down. Noel continued to exhort and motivate us
fearlessly. At times he roared on the platform and purred at
home. At others he purred on the platform and roared at home!
Paul’s directions were to ‘encourage and rebuke with all au-
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