Fire in our hearts - Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTS THE LORD TOOK HOLD OF BUGBROOKE
villagers were so keen. ‘All that clapping and singing!’ said
one irate neighbour. ‘You wouldn’t think it was a place of worship.’
A facelift was now overdue for the chapel. The organ was
riddled with woodworm, and the pews were large, hard and
immoveable. The place needed heating, lighting and space.
The evening congregation was growing and the mums and
babies were taking over the vestry. A new building programme
was needed.
The plan was to replace the old pews with lightweight, padded
ones, and to redecorate the chapel in bright, cheerful
colours. As for the organ, the cost of restoring it would be
astronomical. The space could be better used for a new vestry.
So they agreed to purchase an electronic one, versatile
enough for a newer style of worship. The organist could then
sit with the rest of the ‘family’.
But, again, not everyone was happy. ‘When that organ went,
it was like someone had died,’ lamented one old lady. Opposition
was building up, not only from within the congregation,
but from others who were suspicious of the charismatic movement.
Noel stood firm and reassured the deacons. ‘As we allow
the Lord to have his way, we shall know victory,’ he said and
quoted from 1 Peter 3: ‘Love as brothers, be compassionate
and humble... But even if you should suffer for what is right,
you are blessed.’
Many, like Kelly, ached for a full release of worship and
brotherly love, and had often grieved over those who were
getting left behind. But in the end it was their choice whether
or not they would yield to the Lord.
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