Fire in our hearts - Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTS
ON THE MARCH
Of course, the image provided a field day for critics. Northampton’s
Archdeacon compared us to paramilitary rebels and
one local MP described us as a ‘Rambo’ cult. Others found
the association with war a little disturbing. We understood,
and ensured that the jackets were well adorned with badges
and a large golden JESUS ARMY patch on the back. Red epaulettes
were added to distinguish us further from any other
‘street people’ with combat jackets!
But many greeted the army image enthusiastically. It was
strong and dynamic. God was in this latest initiative. Men
and women were attracted and a fresh batch of zealous Christians
joined us.
The press was full of headlines like ‘Onward Christian Soldiers!’
and ‘Jesus Army Marches In!’ ‘Bugbrooke’ still carried
some shrouds of mystery but ‘Jesus Army’ belonged to
the public. It crystallised our vision of commitment and compassion.
As the months went by we learned more and more to
lay down our lives and love the needy ones. As this was seen,
our acceptance with church and people increased. We ‘did a
good job’ — there was room for us in Britain.
But what of Zion? A hunger grew amongst the veterans. What
about our standards, our depth, our holiness? The eighties
had doubled the church and now many knew little of the way
we’d come. The glory of the early days burned in our memory.
Then we had thrilled to be a people for God. Jesus Army was
exciting, but did we really have the depth and anointing to
take the nineties for Christ?
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