Fire in our hearts - Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTS
ON THE MARCH
Our interest in revivals gave us a shot of old-time religion.
We were a blood, fire, and hallelujah church and introduced
kneeling benches at the front for the ‘altar call’. The counselling
room was abandoned and the action remained in the meeting.
We painted a tea chest black, placed it up front and wrote
SIN BIN in white letters. Night after night we emptied it of
drugs, lighters, cigarettes, syringes, charms, studded jackets,
records and earrings. John ‘Fortitude’ had a regular bonfire.
What with the brightly coloured Marquee, the march, daily
street work, large badges, and three editions of Lifenews, we
had well and truly hit town! Handouts invited folk to lunch
and a team of catering sisters arose with endless supplies of
filled rolls, teas and soup.
The late night spot attracted bikers, punks and drunks.
While John ‘Fortitude’ kept a fatherly eye on things, time was
spent making friendships and gaining trust. Then Kelly or
Rufus might share at the microphone. Sisters sang moving
solos or gave their testimonies. One brother touched many
hearts with his folksy songs. ‘Seek the mercy of God, my
friend,’ he sang gently, ‘he has opened a door in Jesus.’
Visitors increased. There were conversions, healings and
deliverances, and stories abounded in the daily Marquee
News. Touches of God were many but often claims were too
high and too soon. Testimonies were encouraging but miracles
were few. And where was spontaneous revival?
The firebrands were disappointed and Steve was heartbroken.
He had expected something more. But as he cried to
God he took heart. This was but a beginning. The reviving
work had begun ‘at home’ and was a preparation for some-
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