Fire in our hearts - Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTS THE LORD TOOK HOLD OF BUGBROOKE
Rufus and Jess came to the next meeting. Rufus wore a
greatcoat tied with string, and turned-down wellies. With two
dogs and a baby they came in as tramps and were welcomed
like kings. He looked around. These people were worshipping
a powerful, invisible presence, and they looked radiant
and fulfilled. Afterwards, Noel left him with a copy of Run
Baby Run 15 . He found the book disgusting — all blood and
guts, but when he reached the place where the gang leader
finds Jesus, Rufus entered into a great sense of forgiveness.
At the next meeting Rufus joined in the praise. Suddenly
the finger of God touched him and in a moment he knew the
Father’s love. It was neat, undiluted love — powerful, but superbly
personal. As he felt the dirt drain away, his knees went
weak and he fell to the floor, weeping for joy.
Soon he was in London seeing his old mates. One of them,
Ralph, was like a brother to Rufus. Ralph was so Communist
that he had painted his door red, and on his bedroom wall
had fixed a huge poster of Che Guevara.
‘Rufus, mate,’ he used to say, ‘you’re too airy fairy.’ He enjoyed
bringing Rufus down to earth but would still let Rufus
badger him into going to something way out. He loved Rufus
but couldn’t keep up with his fads.
Rufus blew in and hugged Ralph.
‘Praise the Lord, Ralph!’
‘You what?’ said Ralph.
‘Praise the Lord! Glory! I’ve found Jesus — the constant
high!’
‘Oh no!’ said Ralph. ‘Not Jesus! You’d praise a matchbox if
it could save you.’
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