Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 1www.jesus.org.ukA UK JESUS PEO PLE MAGAZINE from the Multiply Network and Je sus Fel low ship / modern JESUS army (mJa)A UK JESUS PEO PLE MAGAZINE from the Multiply Network and Je sus Fel low ship / modern JESUS army (mJa)

JesusLife

INSIDE

www.jesus.org.uk

#81two/2009FREE

LEAP OF FAITH

MJA IN BIRMINGHAM

CONSUMER CULTURE

mJa Untamed

01.indd 101.indd 1 05/05/2009 16:25:0905/05/2009 16:25:09

Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 2 www.jesus.org.uk

contents...

The Jesus FellowshiP ChurCh, which is also known as the Jesus Army and includes the New Creation Christian Community, upholds the historic Christian faith, being reformed, evangelical and charismatic. it practises believers baptism and the New Testament reality of Christs Church; believing in Almighty God: Father, son and holy spirit; in the full divinity, atoning death and bodily resurrection of the lord Jesus Christ; in the Bible as Gods word, fully inspired by the holy spirit. This Church desires to witness to the lordship of Jesus Christ over and in his Church; and, by holy character, righteous society and evangelical testimony to declare that Jesus Christ, son of God, the only saviour, is the way, the truth and the life, and through him alone can we find and enter the kingdom of God. This church proclaims free grace, justification by faith in Christ and the sealing and sanctifying baptism in the holy spirit.

2009 Jesus Fellowship Church, Nether heyford, Northampton NN7 3lB, uK. editor: James stacey. reproduction in any form requires written permission. The Jesus Fellowship does not necessarily agree with all the views expressed in articles and interviews printed in this magazine. unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the holY BiBle, New iNTerNATioNAl VersioN. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 international Bible society. used by permission of hodder & stoughton ltd, a member of the hodder headline Plc Group. All rights reserved. Photographs in this magazine are copyright Jesus Fellowship Church or royalty-free stock photos from www.sxc.hu. The Jesus Fellowship is part of Multiply Christian Network. Both the Jesus Fellowship and Multiply Christian Network are members of the evangelical Alliance uK. Jesus Fellowship life Trust registered Charity number 1107952.

also...Church Alive Comment from the Jesus Fellowship Apostolic Team 3-4Electronic Postbag Emails to the Jesus Army 8Unconsumed A look at radical shopping in the Jesus Fellowship 16Celibacy is like surfing Andy Crisp on living single for Jesus 20A Checklist for Community Two young pioneers on the secrets of building Christian community 24

Jesus Centres News of the Jesus Fellowships vision for Centres expressing Christ daily 25-26Radical Bites A challenge to Radical living 29

Spiritual Search Find out why Grace Timms threw away a career for something better 30

Rant and Rave Boiling with rage and bubbling with excitement 31

5-7The Prophetic WordNoel Stanton on the leap of faith into Christian community

Multiply Christian NetworkTrevor Saxby describes the Multiply movement in Sierra Leone

9-12

13-15

Consumer CultureGraham Cray issues a call to go against the consumer flow

17-19On The Margins The second feature in this series on marginalised groups looks at UK street gangs

21-23mJa Tribes: BirminghamA look at the work of the Jesus Fellowship in Britains second biggest city

Power of BrotherhoodJake Clark describes the movement of Christian brotherhood in Norwich

27-28

02.indd 2 11/05/2009 11:58:41

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g Christians dance at a recent Jesus Fellowship Celebration

Capitalism is dead!HE recent G8 summit of

ld leaders in London, one of banners held by a demon-tor stated: Capitalism is d! With the ongoing world-e recession, many are now ng the dire consequences of d and sel sh materialism.

wing fears and anxieties r job losses, house repos-ions, fraud at the highest ls, mounting debts and ris-unemployment have all fed llusionment with our system doubts over its future.nderlying this is a sense of injustice of 70 per cent of

the worlds wealth lying in the hands of ve per cent of the people and a billion men and women living on less than $1 a day. Something has to change. Yet all past revolutions have never provided a solution. No political or social system has removed inequalities and cor-ruption. No one has modelled a truly just form of government. In these days of political and economic turbulence, the call of Jesus to create a new society based on sacri cial love and sharing needs to be heard. There was no rich/poor divide

in the early church, bneeds were met in anof generous, unsel shGenuine equality wasand practised, based change of mans hearpower of Gods love. Twere given dignity, thwere released from thand a radical new waexplored. The call is needed tas much as ever and ademonstration of a diand opposing cultureon self-interest and gservice, love and justi

3 3EEents from the Jesus Fellowship

UK/mJa Apostolic Team

E CHURCH in the UK is me, marginalised, often

vant, dull and docile. Jesus t was a revolutionary and His followers to join Him

in the revolution. After being in uenced by Jesus and lled with the Holy Spirit, weak men became pas-sionate men of strength and guts. They were unstoppable, often forceful and shocking, upsetting the religious people. They were extraordinary be-cause they carried supernatural power. Nothing was impossible to them. They endured all sorts of trials, persecutions and depri-vation. They proved in their lives that Jesus is Lord! We have a call, in our day, to

ntamed

ut all Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 3

be wild like they were. Lets be wild, radical, a modern Jesus army untamed. VV over ow giving. taught on the real t by the

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Church Alive continued over

11/05/2009 15:57:1511/05/2009 15:57:15

Jesus www.jesus.org.uk

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ant to know mlease send me free ublications Jesus Life and od ern JESUS army treetpaperK only. For overseas 3 issues, 6.00 p+p please fill in form

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Fellowship Life Trust. Reg Charity no 1107952 Jesus Army Charitable Trust. Reg Charity no

gs happened? Well then, ave to ask ourselves are we ing as we used to? And well e when our egos dont get e way of Gods light when e humble enough to shine.ul could be a ferocious guy

had authority all right! but as broken and earthed. (He e many of his letters from n, remember?). Be earthed

eing completely humble. ntleness? Authority? es no contraction there!

promise. Hell say, Come on, Sunshine, you missed that step! No, I want you to go back and learn it, because this generation is screwed-up and Ive got some screwed-up people just for you that I want you to love and build into My church. If you congratulate yourself for doing all this for God then youll hit the deck and break your nose. And then God will lift you up because youve learned.

apost It isbaptithe joa surpone. WcommhousetionsJesusCreat

Thiswenase contact mease arrange for me come to a meet ingant to become a Christian. ase help me.ould like to stay in one of ur housesm ...................................

.......................................rt stay accommodation and hos pi tal i ty is of-

d free. Over seas residents, sub ject to sta tus.)

Your details:Name ............................................ Address .......................................................................................................................................................................................................Postcode .......................................

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Debit my Visa/Mastercard

ore?ntact me

JL

olic team. now 40 years since I was

sed in the Holy Spirit and urney since then has been rising and remarkable e now have around 70 unity houses, 75 church holds and 20 congrega-

throughout UK. As well as Fellowship UK and New ion Christian Community,

We have sought to be true to the New Testaments radical call, untamed by the world, the esh, prides of life and the many challenges we have faced together. So, with gratitude for all your prayers, love and gifts, I say my farewell. May Gods sustaining and powerful love be with you all.

item is based on material written by Noel shortly before he t into hospital for a serious operation.Only humility builds

BODY of Christ is built up umility: it costs us to be

. Spiritual gifts are important they must all carry humility brokenness. First the one-: then the gifts.e wont get anywhere with-humility. Why not? Because wont let us. God wont ip us without humbling us. relates with people through rch it has a massive effect ociety. Do we want history y that because our church

effective crime rate went

Have we any idea of how pa-tient God has been with us? But how hard it is for us to bear with one another! Some of us even in the apparent stability of our good routines are still immature about this. Do you want a big ministry? First, be humble and patient and gentle. Harshness will build nothing. Our primary calling is to build up the church (Ephesians 4:12) and harshness has no place in building. If you try to bypass humil-

tinued from previous page

A farewell message

THIS IS an opportunity to say farewell to all readers, friends and supporters of the Jesus Fellow-ship who have stood with us for many years. In my 83rd year and with declining health, I am joyful-ly passing on the main directive leadership of the Jesus Fellowship

Noe

l Sta

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we have launched modern Jesus army, Jesus Centres and Multi-ply International Network. I am very grateful for Gods presence and grace over the years and for all the loyal brothers and sisters who have allowed me to lead them and 11/05/2009 15:57:3311/05/2009 15:57:33

www.jesus.org.uk

IinthcJeoc

05-7.indd 5THE PROPHETIC

WORDJesus Life Two/2009 Page

The leap Noel Stanton, founder of the Jesus Fellowship, on radical Christian community.

Continued overleaf

ss

T WAS the leap of a lifetime! It felt very painful, but the pain was mysteriously exciting. The smart of los-g independence was being swallowed up by the thrill at we were at last becoming a true New Testament

hurch. I was experiencing the joy of obedience: to sus; to the Holy Spirit; to the radical, kingdom vision

f all things in common community; to the call for the hurch to be a day-by-day alternative society.

But Mammon did not go easily. It was deep-rooted, seemingly essential to life. Extraction was painful! Yet my new life in the Holy Spirit, like that of the Spirit-filled disciples of the first church in Acts 2, would not be denied. Old Mammon was corrupt it had to be removed! You cannot serve two masters, Jesus said. You cannot serve God and Mammon(Luke 16:13).

11/05/2009 14:18:55

Jesus Life Two/2009 Page

his article is abridged from the foreword of One eart and Soul, a book on intentional Christian mmunity, published by Multiply Publications. order a copy visit www.jesuspeople.biz or use

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new, kingdom brotherhood was being birthed in centre of the Jesus Fellowship and, as the Senior

ader, I just had to lead. That meant leaving the old, lking out of the Baptist manse, and leaving all but most personal of my belongings behind. Yes, I could e the car, but it would become part of the all things

common pool of vehicles. My financial nest-egg the Building Society must go into the pool of funds eded to buy communal houses. And, like everyone e, I needed to provide an income for the common rse in a property housing up to 40 people.t all felt very frightening, yet also very stimulating. It

t like the completion of my baptism. Old independ-ce was being buried with Christ Jesus and I was rising th Him to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4). is new, community life was an imperative, terrify- in its radicality, but vital if I was to remain a true ciple and servant of Jesus, whose call is ever to deny

urself, take up your cross and follow (Mark 8:34). th the loss of material security, a new discovery was olving: a Holy-Spirit-empowered way of living, in mu-

l dependence and in true openness with the brothers d sisters.o it was that, some five years after being baptised

th the Holy Spirit, I took the last big step of obedience ere have been many smaller ones since). The first d been repentance and saving faith in Jesus Christ; second a thirsting for and receiving the fullness of Holy Spirit. The third and last was the loss of mmon-led independence with its capitalistic com-

titiveness, and the move into community. I needed belong to a real church built by Jesus Christ, where tice, equality, brotherly love, peace, unity, trust and plicity ruled; where every person was valued, needs

re met, and disciples were equipped. My heart ached a true kingdom of God church, where the chains of

cumulation, the prides of life, security in personal alth, prejudice of class and race, poverty, injustice d social sins were fully broken.

ave I regretted it? Never! This is the Jesus way, where poor find the kingdom, the rich are humbled, and last become first. Its the way of His disciples, who

d to bring the natural family into the spiritual family the kingdom and love every brother and sister with s quality of love. It is the fulfilment of His command sell and distribute possessions (Luke 12:32-34) and of s promise that those who leave everything to follow m would receive, now in this life, houses and lands, iritual mothers, brothers, sisters and children, with rsecutions, and so find eternal life (Mark 10:29-31).

Continued from overleaf

sthe ommunity is clearly the way of the first church he band of disciples gathered around Jesus. Thats www.jesus.org.uk

freepost order form between pages 8 and 9.

11/05/2009 14:18:57

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elongings behind. Yes, I could take

the car, but it ould become part f the all things in

common pool.ttern church, the kingdom church, the new ed society which He creates, with a culture

d on His own lordship. And when the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we find this pattern church vastly ed, built with Simon Peter as its foundation, s had foretold (Matthew 16:18). It was also

powered church, with disciples being added ught; the strong, deep fellowship; the regular ation of covenant in the bread and wine; the God; the signs and wonders; the sharing of sions; with daily church in the house and more

saved day by day (Acts 2:42-47). This is truly the f powerful church which Jesus builds, where they of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32).ough we must say it with kindness, we do need to t some church life in the UK is an add-on to peo-orld-centred lives. They go to church or become for a few hours a week. Its a far cry from the daily church and sharing all things of that first . Those early Christians saw church as the centre

ellspring of their lives. It was the cause for which ey would live and die, as Jesus taught. Self- nial, bearing their cross, renouncing other things,

as the way of being His disciples. Opposition from me of the closest members of their natural families, Jesus had said, proved the reality of their commit-ent. They saw church as the presence of Gods king-m, the new society of Jesus Christ. Church, the Body

Christ, was their life, their inspiration, their passion. True church is a rich, loving brotherhood, where aring and caring are the way of life, and all live for the use of Jesus Christ.In the mid-1980s, the Holy Spirit began dealing

ith us in the Jesus Fellowship in the area of being too ward-looking. There was the danger of enjoying com-unity brotherhood but not reaching out to lost souls. d so, in the leading of the Holy Spirit, the Jesus Army

as born, with its distinctive jackets and red crosses. For too long, Christian churches have been passive d self-satisfied. It has been assumed that the Chris-n faith would always be the national religion of the

K. But now Islam is on the march, as are other faiths. is time Christianity began to show itself to be active, march and fight.So New Creation Christian Community and the Jesus my became one. We became a fight for justice,

ove the poor community. In recent years, this Spirit-livened desire to love the poor has led to the vision Jesus Life Two/2009 Page

opening Jesus Centres for worship and social care in rge UK cities and towns. Its all an ongoing adventure in the name of the Lord sus Christ. JL

11/05/2009 14:18:59

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08.indd 8ore about New Creation Christian munity visit www.newcreation.org.uk

dian discoveryI AM from India and would like to

more details about Multiply Network. ve a ministry in Orissa. I would be rested in discovering ways we can ner with a view to spreading the good s of Jesus Christ in this unreached . anking you and looking forward to ing from you.

PradeepParichha,Orissa,INDIAore about Multiply Christian Network

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ommunity sparkLO! I have been looking at living in stian communities for a while now, yours has really sparked my interest. I just finished my Discipleship Training ol with YWAM and I am looking for opportunities to live with fellow vers and to grow in Christs love. If is an opening in one of your houses, uld be wonderful if you could let me . God bless.

MeganLane,Unalaska,ALASKA

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ifferent wayE are two friends from Sweden at a leship training school called Team Mission (Bibelskola Livskraft). We ry interested in community life and rent way of living. We would like a part of what you are, the life that ve and what you do. If it would be le we would be truly delighted to

n community with you. bless you.

FredrikandBjorn,SWEDEN

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ife Two/2009 Page s.orgsolutelyloveit

ETINGSfromIndia!IwasreferredurwebsitebyoneofthestaffberswhereIwork.HehadvisitedultiplyInternationalConference

n2006.HewaseveninterviewedourJesus Lifemagazine.

susArmyissuchacatchyphrase.olutelyloveitandamveryuragedtoknowthattherearesoyyouthinvolved.

asamazedatthethingsIsawonwebsite.Itissomotivatingforagpersonlikemyself.TheLordhasaburdenonmyheartforyouth.

avedownloadedyoure-booksandnjoyingeverywordthathasbeeneninthem.Seeingyoungpeopleesopowerfullyinthesetimeslyastoundsme.

ustfelttheneedtoletyouknowblessedIamjustbyreadingthecontent!AndIamprayingforthe

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ThHi, IFiresbest moreI couone ohoftoday.

veryecstaticyouth,

VioletPereira,Mumbai,INDIA

For moe-book

LovREGAOrphaKenyayou! I and incollectto jointeachi church. We do bible studies, pray eds and talk through issues. Maybe a round the kitchen table at a Jesus ship Community House. Some days t around 30 different non-church folk ay! Anyway, it struck me that we do with some of your Streetpapers for o read and talk over. at big blessing on all your work.

ChrisBradwell,Southampton,UKre past issues of Jesus Life and aper visit www.jesus.org.uk/ja-mags

irsty for Gode been reading your book Revival and Im so thirsty for God. You are the hurch I know and I desperately want of this. Is it possible that in the future spend a year in Britain and work in your congregations? Blessings!.ukund the table FOLKS, I really loved the current of Streetpaper, and the Jesus Life zine was very excellent too! involved in what we call the r at our church (we used to hold n old air-raid bunker). Its an open fo KE TO FIND O

s.org.uk WRITE: JESUS FELLOW

SHIP,

D, NORTHAMPTON NN7 3LBwww.jesus.org.uk

MicaelGrenholm,Karlstad,SWEDENre Jesus Fellowship books and s visit www.jesus.org.uk/ja-books

e from KenyaRDS from Kenya! I am working with ns International School in Kisii, . I am so glad to get in touch with and others at my church are moved terested in the teachings we have ed from your website. We would love with your organisation to share more ngs and fellowship together. With love.

PeterMMageri,Kisii,KENYAJL

11/05/2009 11:47:52

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weve known. iving to the ferry with our Desmond Thomas, and r, Pastor David, its all so no street lights, little elec-ghting but you can see

etee

Thursday 12 March Freetown in daylight. Bright costumes, neat school uniforms, little shops everywhere. The city has a distinctive smell a mix of

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with agreed and commissioned supervisors of resources, evan-gelism and prayer. Steve and I share the Jesus Fellowships own story plus the prophetic call to brotherhood and to do-

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In Mleadinvither

HAT IS ULTIPLY?ltiply Christian Network is orldwide apostolic stream hurches, initiated by Jesus

lowship Church. It is a mber of the Evangelical ance UK. Multiply now 18 UK groups and 105 rldwide.

HOS IT FOR? fellowship, of any size, any culture or race,

long as it is basically ngelical. The latest partner oin was Living Water rch, a Congolese French-aking church based in ucester, UK.

HAT DOES IT FER?

ationships between leaders central and are fostered ugh regular conferences, bration gatherings and

owship. Leadership and ngelism training plus a iety of resources, including literature, are also ilable.

Sultiply.org.uk

the sta Thedrive astays aevery sliving tions oancy isour honets. O

ORE FORMATION:tact Multiply Director

w Lewis +44 1327 344533ail: huw.lewis@jesus.org.uk rite to: Jesus Fellowship/

ltiply Central Offices, her Heyford, thampton, UK NN7 3LBEDNESDAY 11 MarchArrive in Freetown. Its le world away from any-

arch this year, Jesus Fellowship senior rs, Steve Calam and Trevor Saxby, were d to Sierra Leone for the Multiply conference . Trevor recorded some of their experiences.

city rolls on praise God for earplugs! But, were here and were on Gods business.

prayer and praise, we introduce ourselves in turn. Its clear Mul-tiply is on an organised footing,

tars in

Boys delighted with their football in Kissy, FreetownJesus Life Two/2009 Page 9

rs in all their glory. n a rather hair-raising cross Freetown (which live till 3am). Stalls line treet: people making a

in one of the poorest na-n earth where life expect- 40. By midnight were in tel beds under mosquito utside, the noise of the

salty humidity, charcoal smoke and hot refuse. Open sewers run like streams in places, with dwellings next to them. People use mobile phones, but live in corrugated zinc shanties. Were taken to meet 16 Multiply West Africa leaders. Sierra Leone is well represented, plus Liberia and Guinea. After

ing the word. After lunch were given a tour. Its a study in rich and poor: the sumptuous US Embassy framed by corrugated shanties without sanitation. We visit Davids church, down a rutted track next to some very poor homes. Children clamour to be pho-tographed. Hens run around

Continued overleaf

VV

11/05/2009 14:57:0511/05/2009 14:57:05

Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 10

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09-12.indd 1009-12.indd 10short life expectancy there). veryone laughing, glad to be

ogether.Finally we reach Lumley, dip

ur toes in the Atlantic, cooled y the sea breeze, and start to repare for what may prove

o be an arduous three-day onference.

riday 13 MarchWe head for Kissy in eastern

reetown, which is densely opulated and predominantly uslim. Here, in a dusty square, e are immediately mobbed y curious children calling Apoto! (white man). White

en dont come to this part of own.

After praise and worship, frican-style, I speak on the ingdom of God; Steve speaks n covenant brotherhood and ommunity

Over lunch I talk to Timothy, young single pastor from earby Grafton, with a beauti-

ul soft heart. Grafton is made p largely of displaced persons, mputees from the rebel war nd sufferers of diseases like olio. Eighty per cent of his con-regation is disabled, but hes efused invitations to pastor easier churches, because he

knows Gods call. Between conference sessions, Desmond takes us to see the plot of land earmarked for a church-plant and bible school. Its searingly hot! We shelter under a mango tree and locals crowd round to see their photo on our digital screen. Good to see them overcome the fear and mistrust of strangers which they learned during the rebel wars. That evening in Kissy, children come in droves. Steve pumps up one of the footballs weve brought with us and offers it to a gang of street boys aged 8-13. Theyre over the moon! Steve has an instant family! Going home, we nd the cen-tre is gridlocked and learn that there has been a political riot with several people injured. We trust this is an isolated incident and wont lead to more violence in this war-damaged land.

Saturday 14 March What a day tummy troubles and spiritual breakthroughs. The morning conference sees a wonderful interaction between me (teaching), Steve (challenging) and Desmond (con rming and applying). I pray for leaders needing

Continued from previous page

VVwww.multiply.org.uk

Top: David, Steve, Desmond and Trevor in Bo Middle: Henrys kingdom business in Luingi Bottom: Steve with Multiply Liberia leaders

11/05/2009 14:57:1511/05/2009 14:57:15

www.

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09-12.indd 09-12.indd s help in their marriage. e speaks on celibacy a pletely new concept over . Afterwards, several want

now more. One young or now sees that hes always this gift. Steve builds in our orsement of Desmond, born 15-year relationship. esmond is so obviously d and respected by leaders . He preaches with cut and

ity: Pastors, how do you ond when the pastor down

road struggles? Do you se-ly rejoice, or do you comfort ? When he is blessed more you, do you rejoice, or are

jealous? oth very tired now. Were

cting to go back to the l, but instead the car takes ff to BBN Freetown Chris- radio station, where were were going live, to bring ts on our hearts for the rches and the nation. Steve I look at each other, hor-d! Throwing ourselves on

speak at Pastor Lakohs church, where the two-hour event is led by the under-twelves praising, dancing, exhorting, giving testi-monies and reciting memorised scriptures. At the nale of the con-ference, 16 new groups are welcomed into Multiply, which currently has six Chapters: Free-town, Grafton, Bo and Lungi in Sierra Leone, plus Liberia and Guinea its going to be hard to keep up with the growth!

Monday 16 March At 5.30am we set off on the 120-mile run through the bush to Bo, in what was once rebel country. Here we meet Pastor Sonsiama, Multiply co-ordinator for Sierra Leone South. In good African style, Desmond and the two of us sit under a mango tree to listen to the pastors concerns. The main one is poverty: small congrega-tion, unable to nance even its pastors stipend, let alone the serious prophetic word: Hard

Tuesday 17 March To Lungi by speedboat! Here, Pastor Henry runs the Great Divine Store - a kingdom business, selling building materials. With over 60 per cent unemployment in Sierra Leone, having work is vital to generate funds for Gods initiatives. Hen-rys studied business and knows what kind of micro-enterprise will bring quick returns. I tell him that he should pass on his experience to our friends in Bo. Sub-Saharan Africa teems with children orphaned by war or AIDS, or simply abandoned. With no State help, many live rough, selling their bodies to get the next meal. Only the Chris-tians show real care. Its normal for a pastor to have three of his own children and four adopted orphans. The need for African equivalents of Jesus Centres is acute. So, when Henry speaks of his vision to build an orphan-age, we must understand that it isnt a distraction from church

...giving orphan girls skills like fabric dyeing or typing, so they have work and a future free of prostitution.

Street scene in Freetown praise Africa style!Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 11multiply.org.uk

e, we share on the kingdom od and how we learned in our lives in the Jesus

owship. The other pastors ent are one in spirit with us. els prophetic, signi cant for citys future.

day 15 Marcheve preaches at Pastor ons church, who backs

up and applies the word to local context. Meanwhile, I

work of the gospel. Desmond turns this into a challenge: All Jesus Fellowship pastors have jobs to bring in an income; can you come up with some ideas for a viable kingdom business, in which you could all take part and bring money into the Lords work? The evening meeting is in a small church building on a dusty track. It has a very dif-ferent avour as Steve brings a

times are coming. Dont lose heart, but throw yourselves on God and the brethren. He asks them all to pray for each other and the place erupts! Desmond follows up with a call to come forward for healing and all the pastors are involved in praying. Theres a sense of something special in the air, a strength-ening and enfolding of these dear believers, who easily feel forgotten.

its a work of the church and an investment in its future: some of these orphans, nd-ing love in Jesus and church, will become leaders. When he speaks of a vocational school, its the same as classes given in a Jesus Centre: giving orphan girls skills like fabric dyeing or typing, so they can have work and a future free of prostitution. That evening, about 100 people join us in a large

Continued overleaf

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ommunity centre. The only ight comes from two light bulbs nd a pack of glo-sticks which ed taken as gifts for children. xpressive praise, animated reaching and prayer for an utpouring of the Holy Spirit. he congregation shouts for

oy to see their leaders linking rms, praying for one another,

umping for joy and having a oly rugby scrum of hugs.Later, standing under the

mazingly bright African stars, e feel privileged to have een part of Gods moving (in ignificantly different ways) in he three Multiply chapters of reetown, Bo and Lungi. For nything we may have given, eve been amply repaid by

he warmth, acceptance, trust nd kindness of these dear

brothers and sisters in Christ, who have little in outward resources but who rely on God in ways we in the West can only imagine. And now, at last, they have the chance to pull together and find in Multiply a voice of hope and courage for the future.

Wednesday 18 March A lunch of yam stew and black-eyed peas with Pastor Henry, then off to the airport. We bid farewell to a country we will never forget; to churches who now know they are not standing alone; to loving peo-ple who have become friends; and to a Multiply movement which is in good health, wisely led and set to expand greatly in the years to come.

Continued from previous page

V

JL

Roads in the bush are an experience!

12 12www.multiply.org.uk

ST Jesus Fellowship Church............................0845 123 5552

INGHAM Jesus Fellowship Church ..................0845 166 8153

KBURN Hyndburn Christian Fellowship ......... 01706 222 401

KBURN Rishton Christian Fellowship .............01254 887790

END The Bridge Community Church ..............01656 655635

TON Jesus Fellowship Church ........................0845 166 8151

OL Jesus Fellowship Church ...........................0845 123 5339

HAM House Of Prayer For All Nations .............01634 669933

HAM Kings Church Medway ...............................01634 847477

TER/NORTH WALES Jesus Fellowship Church ...0845 123 5561

WALL Jesus Fellowship Church ......................0845 166 8191

NTRY Jesus Fellowship Church ........................0845 166 8154

CESTER Living Word Fellowship ......................01452 532 138

INGS Jesus Fellowship Church .........................0845 123 5551

WYCOMBE Church of Shalom ...........................01494 449408

ICH Jesus Fellowship Church ...........................0845 166 8156

RING Jesus Fellowship Church .......................0845 166 8157

S Jesus Fellowship Church................................0845 166 8167

STER Jesus Fellowship Church .......................0845 644 9705

POOL Jesus Fellowship Church ......................0845 166 8168

ON Jesus Fellowship Church ...........................0845 166 8152

ON N Glad Tidings Evangelical Church ..........020 8245 9002

ON S Bible Life Family Ministries....................020 8689 2244

ON SE Ephratah Intl Gospel Praise Centre ..020 8469 0047

ON SE Flaming Evangelical Ministries .......... 01634 201 170

ON SE Glorious Revival Eagle Ministries ....020 8855 3087

ON SE Life For The World Christian Centre .... 01634 311 507

ON SE Mission Together for Christ ............... 020 7401 2687

HESTER Jesus Fellowship Church .................0845 166 8169

N KEYNES Jesus Fellowship Church .............0845 166 8159

HAMPTON Jesus Fellowship Church .............0845 166 8161

ICH Jesus Fellowship Church .........................0845 166 8162

NGHAM Jesus Fellowship Church...................0845 166 8163

RD Jesus Fellowship Church ............................0845 166 8164

TON Jesus Fellowship Church ..........................0845 123 5554

EY HOLLOW (HUNTS) Christians United .........01487 815528

FIELD Jesus Fellowship Church .......................0845 166 8183

E-ON-TRENT Jesus Fellowship Church ............0845 123 5334

SEA Jesus Fellowship Church .........................0845 123 5556

ERHAMPTON Jesus Fellowship Church ........0845 123 5564

ESTER Jesus Fellowship Church ....................0845 833 5601

IPLY CHURCHES AND GROUPS MEET ALL OVER THE UK UP AND FIND OUT WHATS GOING ON IN YOUR AREA!11/05/2009 14:57:2811/05/2009 14:57:28

www.jeswww.jes

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13-15.indd 1313-15.indd 13I AM committed to encouraging fresh expressions of Church and evangelism for the 21st century. So are many others. But the question is, what kind of disciple-ship are we bringing people into? We live in a society where shopping is a picture of life. We shop for identity, not just for things. We buy into beliefs. This gives us the capacity (typical of New Age religions) to pick and mix a world view, to take bits and pieces that we like and turn them into a way of living that will do for now. Young people in particular want a society where they can believe one thing on a Monday and another thing on a Thursday because theyre with another crowd. Personal choice has become our number one right, and it ranks higher than any concept of truth. Our free-dom to choose and shed our persona has come to mean

Consumerism is the chief rival to God in UK culture, says Anglican bishop, Graham Cray. As the focal point of our societys idolatry Christians have to address it.

consumer cultureus.org.ukus.org.ukllowing JeJesus Life Two/2009 Page 13

Continued overleaf

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13-15.indd 1413-15.indd 14Continued from previous page www.jesus.org.uk

dom itself. Years ago, you made sacri ces now for tter life in the future. Today its all now, and its all vidual how you can construct the person you t to be.ats what we, as Christians, are up against. Con-

erism is a world view that effectively lters Christ People arent unbelievers because theres a demon ng on their shoulder they dont believe because its evident to them that they dont need to. t why is consumerism so effective, and why do

rches in the West have such problems countering it? ieve it is because consumerism counterfeits Christian ituality. It evangelises and makes disciples. It offers se worship, a false hope and a false assurance (Ive berately used Christian language here).

vertising strategies link products with our per-l needs, desires and values. So when people feel ething is missing in their life, rather than look to , they look to getting something bigger or better. An ictive process happens, where people are made to happy, then quickly unhappy again until they are pted into further purchases. hristian spirituality has a godly dissatisfaction built it, the inner hunger that whispers There must ore! Consumerism mimics this restlessness of

earthly pilgrimage. It keeps us dissatis ed but

offers its own hope. Really, its a form of seduction, and Christian cultures nd it very hard to cope with. Theres even the phenomenon of this working the other way and turning religion into a consumer experience you shop from church to church for the best (temporary) buzz from God. Have you noticed, consumerism has no place for the poor? It used to be said that the fruits of a society were seen in how it treated its poor. Postmodern society structures itself around consumers, and the poor cant

It evangelises and makes disciples. It offers a false worship, a false hope and a false assurance.

www.jesus.org.uk

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13-15.ind13-15.indJesus Life Two/2009 Page 15w.jesus.org.uk

mpete. For the rst time in history, they have no nction; they are useless in a consumer world. The only way that consumerism can be effectively untered is by an alternative world view and an alter-

ative pattern of living, which shapes our character. We ave the resources in Jesus to engage with the world of

nsumerism and outclass it!The crucial issue is discipleship creating authentic llowers of Jesus. A large part of the church in the est is middle-class and consumerist. Youre never ing to counter this alone it has to be a corporate

ance. I suggest that we need long-term patterns of fe, perhaps even a Rule of life, which can make the

urch into a community that develops Christian aracter and the capacity for discernment as we swim consumer waters.What we need is not more from God but the grace to ke hold of what He has already given. He has already ven the church everything it needs to be a powerful unter-culture. We will be radicals again, re- nding our ots. We will be back into prayer, personal accountabil-

y, a corporate life, sacraments, scripture the lot.The Apostle Paul writes: I have learned, in whatever ate I am, to be content (Philippians 4:11). It is a arning process, but we have to get there, because it is is quality of contentment which cuts the vital nerve of

Ive always got to have more, on which consumerism relies. It wrests our relationship away from things and roots it back with God, whatever our circumstances. So my challenge to local churches is: how can you develop a pattern of life together that establishes godly contentment? I challenge us all to study Pauls letter to the Philip-pians as if it was (and it is) a manual on how to be an al-ternative Empire. In the middle of one system, we serve another. The rst Christians stood up and said Caesar is not Lord; we must do the same with consumerism. Only Jesus is Lord (2:9-11). He outclasses everything, and whatever else clamours for our attention must be counted as dung (3:3-10, KJV). Jesus was exalted because He emptied Himself the very opposite of I must have more. We, too, have to get into the mindset of humility and self-sacri ce (2:5-9). Only then can we embody to people around a different and better way, shining as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (2:15). It is this that will, at last, tear the blindfold from peoples eyes and offer them a choice, a way of escape into a new, more ful lling way of life. And it is in this way, I believe, that as churches we will once again live as the advance guard of the coming King, whose reign on the new earth will be full of His wonders. JL

Graham Cray is Anglican Bishop of Maidstone, UK, and chair of the youth movement, Soul Survivor. This article is taken, with permission, from a talk given in March 2008 at the inaugural Breathe Conference in London.

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d 15d 15 07/05/2009 14:49:0207/05/2009 14:49:02

Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 16

ULisDisgoovision of kingdom of God simplicity and equality.

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Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 16

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16.indd 1616.indd 16Its better to be serving God than stuck

HE PRESENT credit crunch has forced many people to

ink again about how they live nd what they spend and to -assess what they could do ithout and how to live more mply.More than 30 years ago, at the me time as God was leading

ur church to establish New

their order ready for them to collect. We try to supply the most cost-effective products we can (that is, the cheapest product that will adequately meet the need). And we aim to supply just one brand or quality of product where possible. The FDC ensures that across the church we are living at ree gmeem

ooDCT

rof foroy oaceer hndnconsuming the consumer a Pearson works in the Jesus Fellowships Food tribution Centre, which supplies food and other ds to members of the church. She explains its

gsuming the consumerngwww.jesus.org.uk

in Tesco

www.jesus.org.uk

JL

ation Christian Community, ave us the vision of living a

ple lifestyle and of breaking from the all-pervading con-er culture. As a result our

d Distribution Centre (or for short) came into being.

he aim of the FDC is to vide a relatively simple range od, non-food and clothing

ducts to meet the major-f needs within the church.

h community house places a kly order for whatever food ousehold items they need, then we pick and prepare

roughly the same level, thereby helping to retain real equality. Its all part of the justice of Gods kingdom that we want to express through Christian community. The FDC also helps the church to save money which can then be channelled towards supporting the churchs mission and many activities. Impor-tantly, we who work at the FDC see ourselves as servants of the church, helping to share the load. Many of our members lead busy lives and they appreci-ate being freed from having to

worry about numerous time-consuming shopping trips. Its better to be serving God than stuck in Tesco. And using the FDC frees people from the pressure that comes from the bombardment of advertising, continually insisting what you should be buying, eating or wearing. We, at the FDC, are now looking to the next 30 years to continue our mission!

11/05/2009 12:10:2211/05/2009 12:10:22

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But what is the reality behind the media hype? Be-yond growing public fear and the demonised epithet gangs who are these young people? One youth leader, who asked not to be named, gave Jesus Life a snapshot of his work with young people in Battersea: Our 13s group had been invited to play football in an estate two miles away. Only three went. One of them, Zac, complained on the way home that I shouldnt have taken him onto Otray territory. And

your road. How? You create fear, create Such conflict can spiral. Jervis addstum builds and builds. Gang fighting gtrol and becomes a situation where ev

I shouldnt havhim onto Otrayesus.org.uk

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al yOuTh?al yOuTh?al yOuTh?al yOuTh?ORE THAN 70 young faces stare out of the BBC webpage: UK teenagers knifed or shot in 2008.

dlines shout of feral youth and knife culture. er-city areas, hotchpotches of high-rise flats, mai-ettes and terraces, are portrayed as concrete laby-hs of death. Behind every corner lurks a potential ng murderer with the street-name Bonez from the od Set gang.

remember) they have an earning potential of 390,000 per year. Thats a lot of money if you are a 22-year-old young man with the bottle to hold the territory and a few friends around you. So you have a group of antisocial youths who now have a financial reason for violence. How do you protect your monopoly? You stop the person across the road with the same amount of friends from coming across

us Life takes a look at youth gangs and asks hat can reverse the spiral into violence?

ral yOuTh?Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 17

You stop the person across the road from coming across your road. How? You create fear, create conflict.

across the road from

road. How? You create fear, create conflict.road. How? You create fear, create conflict.

You stop the person across the road from coming across your road. How? You create

You stop the person across the road from coming across your road. How? You create

t I know that Mac would be there and he, although rmer friend, had badly beaten up one of their mates? y didnt want the hype. hey call it slipping: if you slip into the wrong area gs can go wrong.ike Jervis, Chief Executive of the Damilola Taylor

st (set up in the wake of Damilolas violent death in ember 2000), told Jesus Life how, typically, an area become the territory of a gang: Territories often e about as a result of drugs. Take a local housing te or deprived area. Lets say theres a large tower k housing 1,500 people and 150 of them are buy-

drugs, spending 50 a week on them. If a person trols that tower block (and its only one block

territory... a former friend had badly beaten up one of their mates. They didnt want the hype.

Continued overleaf

ss

Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 17

11/05/2009 12:13:13

Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 18Jesus Life Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 18Page 18Page 18

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17-19.indd 18t gang members just wants to protect their block, eir territory.All too often this paranoid sense of local loyalty cre-s what Jervis calls a wall of silence no-one will

eak out or give evidence to try and reverse the cycle of lence. Fear closes people in; they look after them-ves silence is seen as the best defence.

It may be that in the early days the wall of silence s designed to protect communities, says the Dami-a Taylor Trust website. Now, it is clear that criminal ments are working behind the wall in order to recruit d abuse our young people.Take Zac in Battersea. Described by his youth leader not really the gang type he is nonetheless curious; mething about gang culture lures him. Zac plays each week in a football team, and is always iling and polite to his youth leaders. But last year

was standing next to an older youth when he was ot from close range; it didnt result in too serious an ury, but is an indication of the kind of violence that is und on Londons streets.

And last autumn, Zac attended some street meet-s called by a local gang, aiming to rally support and

den the circle of commitment. Yellow bandanas were nded out to signify identity with the gang.The Government maintains that the situation is not t of control. A Home Office spokesperson told Jesus e, Gang crime in the UK is a localised problem, but ded, where it does occur it causes real problems police, individuals and communities. The gov-

ers on the street, showing the young people how attrac-tive it is to be on the street and how strong the bonding is in a gang. Imagine youre a boy from a single-parent family. When youre 15 or 16 and rude to your mum, the dis-cipline available to her is going to be very limited. You become the man of the house and youve got responsi-bilities. Sudden pressures are put on you youve got to deliver. But boys without positive male role-models havent been trained to be a man, havent been trained to go out and get a job and theyre still young. So they associate themselves in something through which they can find their own self-esteem. The pattern is oft-repeated. Shem is a Jamaican hair-dresser living in Wandsworth, South London. He told Jesus Life: I work in a barbers shop and over time have got to know many of the young people from the area. I know some who, when they were at school, joined a gang just to fit in with their mates and find an identity. As they got older, things got more serious as drug related crime and violence became part of their lifestyle.

So is positive role-modelling a key to change? And could this be where the Christian church has a role to play?

Some young Jesus Fellowship members in London

Gods not

Continued from overleaf

swww.jesus.org.ukwww.jesus.org.uk

ments Tackling Gangs Action Programme was tiated in September 2007 a coordinated national mpaign to put in place targeted enforcement along-e intervention and prevention activates in areas most ected by gang crime. So far some 3.5 million have en invested in these efforts.But is throwing money at the problem the answer? -one would deny that government-funded interven-n and prevention has a part to play. But what about ange at the grass roots?Mike Jervis speaks of how a lack of positive role-

dels is an important factor. There are negative lead-

patronising and nor should we pretend were the sorted ones helping out the screwed-up ones

www.jesus.org.uk

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17-19.indd 19God sees things very differently from the conclusions we can jump to: He sees the heart, the pain, the mess

king a start at reaching out to disaffected youth streets of the areas they live in mainly Acton mden. And Andy Gregory, a young leader in the ellowship, spoke to Jesus Life about his efforts to

out to young people in the Midlands. For him, its uch about grass-roots change: Im not pretend-

be an expert on todays postcode gang culture. I erested in what God wants to do with the crews I God sees things very differently from the conclu-

e can jump to: He sees the heart, the pain, the we tend to love those who love us and judge by e appearances.y is clear that any attempts to reach out to gangs ng people must be fostered through real relation-Gods not patronising and nor should we pre-ere the sorted ones helping out the screwed-es. others, Andy has been meeting groups of young on the streets of an estate in Northampton.

of the young people we meet are looking for the rs, he says. Well, we believe Jesus is the answer worlds needs. If Jesus cant do anything for then Jesus is irrelevant today. I dont believe that. want church to be irrelevant, full of religious without love, missing the point. We show love nditional acceptance. Thats what leads to real

rsion of lifestyle. seen this happen in reality: God changing the

nd softening the hearts of the hard lads and bad e meet. Obviously there are disappointments. But ent chosen to follow Jesus for an easy life.

Just because its a group doesnt mean its a gang. Just go out there and talk to young people as young people.

JL

people in a church will see the church as a bonding agent for them. And Jervis, like Andy Gregory, is keen to remind us that gang members are not monsters just young people: My advice to any church group wanting to get involved on the street is: get rid of the mindset of Im trying to talk to a gang. You dont know the gang. Anyway, just because its a group doesnt mean its a gang. Just go out there and talk to young people as young people. Acceptance goes a long way to break down barriers. Mike Jervis tells a disarming anecdote to illustrate this on a small scale: I remember seeing a gang blocking an entrance. Nobody could get by; they were standing there, smoking drugs. Then an old lady walked across, with 10 cans of coke and said Have a coke. Dont sit on that ladys wall shes frightened of you. Why dont you come and sit on my wall? A few days later that woman was walking down the road and the boys were pick-ing up her bags and walking down the road with her. Nothing could have happened to that woman from that moment on! The future for young people like Zac in Battersea is in the balance. Will we soon see him with his roll of cling film, portering drugs? asks his youth leader. Is he do-ing it already for a little change, or is there enough fear or sense of right to keep him as a spectator? No-one wants to see 70 more faces looking out of the death toll pages this year, or next. Its time for action and Christians can be at the grass roots where a difference can be made. As Andy Gregory put it: Gods working among these guys; it would be rude to ignore.Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 19us.org.uk Jesus Life Two/2009 Jesus Life us.org.uk Jesus Life

e Jervis agrees that grass-roots positive relation-nd role-modelling, such as those to be found in

urch are important wherever you are: young For a video on how the Jesus Fellowship is reaching youth on the streets visit: www.tr.im/kvKR

Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 19us.org.uk

11/05/2009 12:13:48

Cves for sur ng, so celibacy g in the waves of Gods

t choose celibacy because prospect of being single ildren; I chose celibacy red by a vision of God ht the celibacy surfboard aves of Gods kingdom.l village called Meriden. ing the heart of England. nument on the village e the very centre of the

in England that is furthest s what? They dont sell Meriden! Who would oard when there are no

iles south in the seaside they sell hundreds of

CC..

20.indd 20.indd THE KINGDOM of God is like a huge wave. Its full of power, movement and depth. Its exhilarating and refreshing. At times, perhaps, even threatening. Celibacy is like a surfboard that enables me to ride the kingdom waves more effectively. Jesus said that some would choose not to marry for the sake of Gods kingdom. The Bible says that those who are single are more able to get on board with what God is doing. Free from the responsibilities of marriage and children, they are more available to God and others. Celibacy multiplies opportuni-ties for kingdom activity, such as serving, evangelism and prayer. God called me to be celibate in October 2001. At rst I was really excited it was as though I was placing my whole future in the hands of a limitless God.

called Promise House. I was living with lots of committed Christians, including a number of celibates. Almost immediately, celibacy clicked! It made sense. This was the kingdom lifestyle that God had called me to. It was as though Id been carrying around a heavy, awkward surfboard for the last six months and I had nally arrived at the beach. Just as a surfboard only really has any pur-

pose if there are waonly carries meaninnew society. I didnI was excited by theand never having chbecause I was captuand His love. I bougbecause I saw the w I live near a smalIt prides itself as beThere is a small mogreen claiming to bcountry, the point from any sea. Guesmany surfboards inwant to buy a surfbwaves? A few hundred mtown of Newquay,

Free from the responsibilities of marriage Jesus

ShwherloneprayI coushorwish A fa Jes

20 20ELIBACY AND SURFINGEight years ago Andy Crisp made a commitment to stay single for Jesus. Here he explains why because celibacy is like surfing.

ELIBACYELIBACY..and Surfing..and Surfing Life Two/2009 Page 20 www.jesus.org.uk

ortly afterwards, I lived in a house e I spent a lot of time on my own. I felt

ly and at times depressed. Although I ed and had some deep times with God, ldnt help feeling like Id drawn the

t straw. Celibacy seemed pointless and I ed Id chosen marriage.ew months later, however, I moved into us Fellowship Christian community

surfboards. Its the surf capital of England. People look out to sea and think I want to ride those waves! If we want celibacy to be attractive to the next generation, we need to ensure that the waves of the new-creation culture are still strong. Show them the kingdom waves and many will buy the celibacy surfboard as well!

and children, celibates are more available to God and others. JL

11/05/2009 12:24:3811/05/2009 12:24:38

www.jesus.org.uk

TR

It was a powerful time. We would often have between 30 and 40 visitors: it wasnt long before we needed another community house in Birmingham!MJA BIRMINGHAM: VISION AND AIMS

Christian community to be strong and fruitful especially in training young men

A Jesus Centre in Birmingham within the next three years A fourth New Creation Christian Community house as part of the Jesus Centre

To strengthen leadership and train more leaders To plant from Birmingham to the Black Country and beyond!

www.jesus.org.uk

mJa Birmingham on the march

21-23.indd 21CUS ON:

The dinner was burnt but nobody cared!

Mick Haines tells the story of Jesus Fellowship Birmingham from its beginnings in the early 1980s to its vision in a new millennium.

Birmingham

JESUS ARMY outreach in Birmingham began in 1982. Wed already planted the Jesus Fellowship in Coven-try and Warwickshire by then, in response to a prophet-ic word. Though there was never a specific call of this kind to extend the Jesus Army into Birmingham, it grew out of our desire to reach city people with the gospel. There had already been some regular evangelism on the streets of Birmingham, particularly on Friday nights, when I first got involved. Id been leading the Jesus Fellowship in Warwickshire for three years. In 1982 a few key people who had started the small work in Bir-mingham pulled out; in August I came to Birmingham and regular evangelism followed. We started servant groups in the city small groups which aimed to meet with people in their homes and initiate church. Once we had met a few people, we started having friendship meals on Thursday evenings, seeking to join people together in Christian brotherhood. There was a powerful movement of God that year which re-sulted in the purchase of our first community house in Handsworth The Anchorage, in March 1983. We held meetings on Sunday mornings and evenings at Anchorage. There was a strong flow of the love of God among us. It was a powerful time. We would often have between 30 and 40 visitors: it wasnt long before we needed another community house in Birmingham! Cornerstone was the answer to that. We moved in, in 1984. Many of those who moved in became well-rooted IBES

FOJesus Life Two/2009 Page 21

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leaders. The movement was rolling on. In one of our meetings in 1985 the sense of the presence of God was so strong that the food burnt in the oven (nobody cared) and the meeting went on till

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midnight! But 1987 was a very difficult year. A lot of key people left community. We were really shaken. This was one of the hardest times we faced during the planting of mJa Birmingham and it took quite some time to recover But we did recover, slowly, and the work picked up. The next notable movement God initiated was in 1991 when a lot of Japanese brothers and sisters joined us at Anchorage. It snowballed, and at times there were about 50 visitors. A partner church in Japan through the Multiply Christian Network was the result. God was blessing us. Involvourlegethatof thof Ir Amillpartgen Ostrowillnesso cleadhouing futuAndfurtbey

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EN I joined Cornerstone in 1995, e was a good buzz around the e. The brothers section of the se was full and there were a few ng sisters around. It was a bal-ed and healthy scene. ut around 1999 we hit a down-. A few brothers left; Cornerstone ed to lose its life.

fter that things felt like they were ing downhill. Things got worse till nd a few fellow leaders, especially k, our main leader started to ome really desperate for a new ement to turn things around.

was a Tuesday evening in 2006. tered the Great Hall where we our weekly Agape, a fellow- meal for committed members. nd myself thinking, Unless ething changes well be extinct!

didnt know it then, but this the time when things were

about to change. In a meeting at Wolverhampton, I recalled the words of Noel, the Jesus Fellowships main apostolic leader: I dont want to be a part of some-thing that is not working. Something clicked in my heart and I renewed my faith for young brothers to join us and I wasnt the only one finding fresh faith at that time. A number of us shared a rekindled flame of vision for change. We prayed! And in 2007 Greg, Paul, Pete, Hamid and Sam came around: young men joining us with a vision for radical Christian movement. This was what wed prayed for! The movement still continues in 2009. Not only has the air changed at Cornerstone this fresh increase has had, and is still making, a great impact on the whole of mJa Birmingham.

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21-23.indd 22s Life Two/2009 Page 22

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2001 a couple of Iranian asylum-seekers got in-ed with the church. Theyd first met Marie, one of

members, who taught them English at the City Col-. More and more came until we had a congregation was almost half and half English and Iranian! Many em found true commitment and we still have a lot anian members today.nother huge encouragement since the turn of the ennium has been a fresh influx of young people, icularly young men with real vision to be a new eration of all that God has called the mJa to be. ur vision now? We want to establish an even nger base of Christian community in Birmingham: it always be true that the main source of our effective-s is in the strength of our community teams. Its also entral to our desire to train up young men for future ership. We want to purchase a fourth community se, to be part of a Jesus Centre in Birmingham. Hav-a Jesus Centre in Birmingham is a key part of our re: we aim to establish it within the next three years. beyond all that we want to extend the work still her, to plant a church in the Black Country and ond. Theres much to be done!

ck Haines is the senior leader of Jesus Fellowship rmingham and the directive leader of the Jesus llowships national apostolic team.

s Life Two/2009 Page 22

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TRIBES

rovided the push into new growth

Cornerstone is a large country house on the edge of Birmingham and a flagship for the New Creation Christian Community in that city. But three years ago it seemed to be emptying fast. Kevin Piper tells Jesus Life how faith turned it around.11/05/2009 14:34:59

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HathereapeoBROAD STREET is pretty much the centre of Birmingham City Centre and every Friday night the mJa can be found on Broad Street, talking with people about Jesus and praying with those who want us to.

Town, one of Birminghams most deprived areas. We are always very keen to wel-come new people to our church; theres plenty of inspiration and motivation towards evangelism ac-tion in mJa Birmingham!

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A00 people come on Sunday mornings ore than 100 people come on Sunday eveningsnce a month Sunday evening is more chilled nd caf style hree New Creation Christian Community houses ith nearly 40 people living in themrowing vision for a Jesus Centre in Birmingham y 2012oson from the band says: Sunday nights are reat. People are really close to one another, share heir hearts and there is always a buzz around.

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Simon Bullock leads Joshua Tree, Birminghams

est Jesus Fellowship istian community house.

UA TREE started as a household out a community house; a base r area of the city with potential rt things there. Our original

n was so that we would have a f young people and that is why alled it Joshua Tree, with Moses

household for youth to grow within. We were commissioned in 2000. A few brothers from Anchorage joined us and last year, some of us moved into a new community house. There are six people living there now. One of them, Sarah, says this about Joshua Tree: We sing a song which speaks of my home, the harbour of my soul; this is what community means to me. Its where I find acceptance, healing, brotherhood and grace. And another, Alex, said, It was hard at first, but having so many friends around who love me makes it so much

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Evangelism is close to the Jesus Fellowships heart.

mid Afshar tells of ongoing strategy for ching Birminghams ple for Jesus.

Evangelism in Birmingham has taken off: now, three other evange-lism bases have branched out from what we do at Broad Street. There is also outreach in Northfield every Friday night. The aim: Chavs, ASBOs and gang members for Jesus! (We love them.) Some Friday nights will also see evangelism taking place in Moseley with the aim of growing our community house there, Joshua Tree. Most Saturday afternoons we also have evangelistic activity in the Fruit Market in the City Centre. Be-yond this, we dream of being able to start a new evangelism team in New

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eneration successor in mind a easier. I have found a lot of healing.an businessmpse of the youth movement which king waves in Jesus Fellowship ingham.LY 2006 one mJa Birmingham leader, Farhad ahini, felt God prod him into starting a new cell

for young people. This led to a regular Birming-JA Youth event for teenagers, and another gath-or J-gen (those between 15 and 35) which takes

on some Sunday afternoons. id goes to JA Youth. He says: My vision for JA

is for us all to catch fire, evangelise, grow JA and then help the new ones to catch fire as well. an to show some of these oldies that JA Youth business! Sargeson comments on mJa Birminghams J ation: We have got a decent number and mix n Birmingham, but could do with more commit- My vision is to cause the J-gen to really see the

m and go deep together as the body of Christ. I s to be able to lead from the front, to inspire and

the whole of Jesus Fellowship Birmingham. In es together we are learning to worship, disciple

other, let go of our fears and prejudices. Not that heavy we want to have fun! But were serious being Gods generation.

BIRMINGHAM: FACTFILE

JLwing the oldies we n the streets of BirminghamJesus Life Two/2009 Page 23Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 23

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Some may have grown up in commbut all give up material and financiapossessions to be here. What we butogether is more valuable than any treasure.

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s are never too far away! To live means to put aside your own d even good intentions at times.

you to refocus and come back to g point Jesus. By embracing the

find His grace to continue. JL

For more on New Creation Christian Community visit www.newcreation.org.ukla for successful Christian

are 10 principles that

tal for health and fruitfulness.

OMMUNITY

.

.

.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

SHARED HEARTS: be truly joined together Share vision, be joined together through love for Jesus and nurture a shared desire to build His church. The sense of loyalty should run deep: one heart, one soul, but each member individually unique. Its true joy to know that the people around you are fighting for the same thing.

LEADERSHIP: help others hear Gods direction and nurture relationships You just have to get on and do the job. To lead is to serve, and it works out in many ways: whether speaking the word of God, doing the washing up, or spurring each other on, you need strong leadership that loves and builds.

SERVICE: the power of one person to bless everyone else Youll find youre quite a varied bunch with a diversity of spiritual gifts. From homemakers and cake bakers to out-front evangelists and networkers, everyone is needed to build community. Our love together works all this in unity to demonstrate Gods kingdom on earth.

CELIBATE CALL: dont just focus on the natural family Married couples, committed celibates, singles, children. All have their part to play in the expression of Gods family. Community is all about building Gods society of love. Celibates lead in being devoted to God above all else; families bring a sense of wider family and belonging.

GIVE SACRIFICIALLY: forsake all for the kingdom We give our everything for this cause.

unity, on what matters if youre going to build Christians together in community.

SYSTEMS: work out the practical nitty-gritty stuff

There are always things that need doing. Lots of friends means lots of cups to be washed, people to be transported, and general busyness, but we all get stuck in. Some people take on specific responsibilities, like the transport organiser for example.

DISTINCTIVE LIFESTYLE: go for the best, not the worlds standard

You have no TV! We often hear that. Its more fulfilling to focus on people and God rather than entertainment and pleasure. To live all out for God shows the world around us an alternative lifestyle, where love rules rather than self-preservation.

COMMITMENT: own the vision together through good times and bad

For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer. This is the bottom line. Whether things are going well or whether we feel we are wandering in the desert, we are committed to each other. When God has called you, you must work it out together.

LIFE AND FRIENDSHIP: let brotherhood attract people

People often comment on the atmosphere of love at our houses. Those coming from broken backgrounds, knowing many hurts and disappointments, find a real sense of acceptance and genuine care here. Love centered around Jesus is simply attractive it draws people in.

THE CROSS: learn to deny self live for Jesus and others

Its not all smooth sailing, the grumbles and groan

SYSTEMS: work out the practical nitty-gritty stuff11/05/2009 14:26:25

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rom Japan was brought to the Jesus e by a lady in Chinatown, to learn Eng-fterwards, no-one could ever nd out he lady was: An angel? we wondered.

r the keen to to learn Japan, she this for her er in touch there.

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An ESOL class at London Jesus Centre

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25-26.indd 225-26.indd 2HAT ARE SUS CENTRES?

aces where the love of sus is expressed daily worship, care and endship for every type of rson.

HAT DO THEY FFER?l sorts, including owers, friendship, a tening ear, IT classes and d. They also act as a teway to other services d agencies.

HO RUNS THEM?e Jesus Army Charitable st (JACT). Staff and

lunteers come from Jesus llowship Church.

HERE ARE THEY?ventry, Northampton d Central London. Plans e afoot for further Jesus ntres, in Sheffield (2010) d then Birmingham. entually Jesus Centres ll be found in other ces around the UK.

OW CAN I HELP?e always need money, old thes, food and lots more! eck out the website for tails.

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55EL like I am in prison, said our ylum seeker friend. ling into the UK can be a dif cult proc-trying to nd basic amenities and often ht to remain in an unfamiliar and often ndly environment. Economic migrants udents similarly struggle with language lties, getting suitable accommodation ost importantly, nding a friend.

New to UK project at London Jesus is providing practical help and sup-

Lin enjoyed her time with us ovemonth she stayed here. She was aslearn about Christianity as she wasEnglish. When she had to return toasked if we could nd a church likein Tokyo and we were able to put hwith Momoko, a Christian we knowAt London Jesus Centre, Sue Withers teaches English for Speakers of Other languages (ESOL) and leads a support group for people newly arrived in the UK.

ew to the UKJesus Life Two/2009 Page 25

Continued overleaf

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11/05/2009 14:58:3011/05/2009 14:58:30

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from Ecuador and Miguel from have become friends since they met Jesus Centre. They both attend con-tion classes to improve their spoken h and have particularly enjoyed g friends with people from different s.

n is here to support his family, because ungest brothers disability has caused f stress and hardship in the family. g the support of friends, as well as ith getting a job has meant a lot to

People here are approachable and My self-esteem is very good now se I started to work part time. When

I it whe

ear Celebration in Northampton, Mei rayed to accept Jesus into her life. She

aptised in February. Mei Ling volunteers in the Jesus

es tearoom and is taking strong steps rd as a Christian.

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Top: Ethel from Rwanda helps at an ESOL class.

Above: Students at another ESOL class.

Below: More students including Ivan and Miguel (bottom right)

25-26.indd 2625-26.indd 26Ethel was a teacher in her native Rwanda. She has been in the UK for ten years, and helps in the ESOL class as a classroom assistant to regain con dence in her teaching role.

Mei Ling comes from North East China and is here for a year to study English language and literature. Passing the Jesus Centre in November, she saw the sign advertising English classes. She started coming on Fridays to improve her spoken English, and appreciated the friendship and support: I found many things different from Chi-na. I didnt have much contact with people in England. When I came here I found my accommodation wasnt as good as it said on the internet. I was a stranger; it was so hard.

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lped me a lot.You helped me a lot. Since Mei Lings mother in China had became a Christian, Mei Ling had been in-terested in nding out more about Christi-anity. She had visited various churches, but not found home there. Over Christmas time, Mei Ling stayed in the Jesus Fellowships Christian commu-nity, based in the same building as the Jesus Centre. She describes an experience of God she had at New Year: We were praying to welcome the New Year. I closed my eyes to follow the prayers and I felt a light coming into my mind. I wanted to be a Christian.

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A leader, Steve, came over to me and said New Year, New Life. A few days later, at the big Jesus Fellowship JESUS CENTRESwww.jesuscentre.org.uk

here it was very dif cult because I understand. I had a fear of speaking h but now I say no more fear. JL

11/05/2009 14:58:4611/05/2009 14:58:46

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CHILDRENS laughter and the clatter of running feet rang around the playground; football, tag, youre it! Teachers are in pairs, keeping an eye out for trouble. But when trouble came they failed to see it. Joseph stood in the corner, by the wall, with a few oth-ers. Two boys ran up and violently shoved Joseph against the wall. They didnt let go. His friends watched as they pinned Joseph against the wall then start to yell and cheer.

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con dent, plucky nature; it reminded him of the bullies. Getting abuse hurled at him by other boys in his year was the avour of Josephs daily life. Over time, isolation, rejec-tion and anger crept in. Joel lay in the hospital bed; the car accident now felt just like a bad dream. Coming to the UK from Portugal with his mum may not have been a good idea after all. A few years later, Joel was diagnosed with severe ADHD (Attention De cit Hyperactivity Disorder) caused, it was believed, by the long-term after-effects of injections hed been given in the hospital. ADHD took Joels social life into a down-ward spiral. At school he became a victim of bullying. I remember a group of kids at my school chased me and I ran to a fence, threw my bag over and tried to climb it, I was really scared. They caught me, dragged me down and started hitting me. I was crying and yelling at them to

Jake Clark is a lively young mover-and-shaker in the Jesus Fellowship in Norwich. He tells Jesus Life the story of Joseph, Joel, and Brandon, three of his friends whove found life in the brotherhood there.

rhood

www.jesus

27-28.indd 2727-28.indd 27 Joseph remembers it vividly: Two guys, who ubully me a lot, grabbed me, pinning me against tThey got loads of people to punch me. Some of thmeant to be my friends. Weve got im! Who wants a free punch? Anyofree punch? The crowds chanting seemed to caof Joes friends and they started to yell and cheeSucked in, they left Joseph on his own. Joseph was the quiet kid who sat on his own. P.org.uk.org.ukpower of herhood

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it was his lack of con dence that made him a target. It instilled in Joseph a lasting fear of almost anyone with a

get off. Unlike introverted Joseph, Joel knew that his ADHD

Continued overleaf

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Jesus Life Two/2009 Page 27

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27-28.indd 2827-28.indd 28nt he would sometimes go far and say the wrong thing. is what got him into trouble other lads and he felt power-

do anything about it. ng to t in was not easy.el and his mum, Christine, are committed Christians. When

istine met someone at work lived in the Jesus Fellowships

istian community house in wich, Saving Faith, Christine ed; she encouraged Joel to e and see what it was like. el, outwardly extrovert (due ly to his ADHD), but inwardly cure, found friendship and ac-ance at Saving Faith. He also d Joseph. sephs family had been friends with people at Saving

h for some time. Joseph started going there after he hed school. He got involved with their youth group starting showing up more and more regularly, nd-healing and friends, like Joel, who had been through ilar things. Joel was loud and outgoing just the kind erson Joseph had learned to fear but he, too, had suf-d from bullying.s well as Joel and Joseph, many other young people e going round to Saving Faith. One of them was

don. randon is one of the boys who used to bully Joel at ol.

e had decided to tag along to Saving Faith with his

around (not sts). If you had been sitting there, in the warm atmosphere of friendship, you would never have known that these three lads would probably never have spoken to each other before unless it was in argument, fear and aggression. Theyre still friends, and nding more of Jesus together to this day. The world can be a cold place. It turns peo-ple against each other, makes our culture tribal

and splintered. Think of the youth culture labels: Chav, Indie, Goth and so on. And it can be worse: Pikey... Paki. Its about separation and division. How many times do we make assumptions about people when we walk down the street? See a young person wearing tracksuit bottoms and a top with their hood pulled up what do you think? Keep your distance? Sepa-ration and division. Jesus sacri ced Himself on the cross for reconciliation. God with us and us with each other. Jesus died so that lads like Joseph, Joel and Brandon could share a brother-hood bond that obliterates all the separation and division. And yet and this is the scary thing people like these three lads wont just suddenly come together, unless

See a young person wearing tracksuit bottoms and a top with their hood pulled up - what do you think? Keep your distance?

VContinued from overleaf FrieNDStogethers Life Two/2009 Page 28 www.jesus.org.uk

her who had some friends there. It was 7 oclock in evening. Dozens of conversations were buzzing in the ked dining room at Saving Faith. One was taking e at the far corner on one of the tables:ey Joel, you ok? Joel, this is Brandon.eah, I know who he is... He used to bully me in ol.

ut by the end of the evening Brandon, Joseph and Joel e in full ow. Laughter and jokes were being thrown

someone makes sacri ces to bring them together. The sacri ce of Jesus wont reach them unless Christians show that they are ready and willing to give them time and believe in them. Like in Jesus story of the Good Samaritan, we Christians must show that we are different from the world and its sad ways. We have what the whole world cant offer and were ready to sacri ce to share it with people who need it. No matter who they are. JL

s Life Two/2009 Page 28 www.jesus.org.uk

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