SHOOTING up the M1, excitement builds as we see other Jesus Army buses and cars heading north. We're on this journey together: one goal, one aim, one vision.

"I can hear the sound of a rising generation, not afraid of love or dreaming of the future."

The words from the song ring through my mind as we enter the hall. There's a sense of excitement. Something big is gonna happen today! People bustle, talk and share laughs - and then we begin.

There is a call to Christian Community among us and it's ringing out today.

The message is coming to us through song, through video, through prophetic talk and demonstration: "We are apart from this world's way, living an alternative lifestyle, stepping out for the cause of Christ, shining bright in a world of darkness, living out love in a world full of hate.

"What are we willing to do? How far are we willing to go for this cause? We are one body, one church, one people from many nations - choosing God's way together."

We lift our hearts in worship to God and the Spirit moves upon us, brooding above us, preparing our hearts for the task in hand.

Soon it's time for tea, time to rest... for some maybe - the youth of the church go marching off into the darkness of Sheffield to demonstrate for Jesus.

Out of the wind and rain, here comes a tribe, shining bright! We dance and sing through the streets, unaware of the cold rain. We are the rebellion! Jesus is the great rebel: He stood against this world's selfishness, went against society's expectations. He did the unthinkable so that we could be free: free from hate, free from unforgiveness, free from lies, free from death.

Dancing along, we pray for strangers, showing people the love of Jesus, shining true hope among the false light of the Xmas advertising.

We return to the hall, still full of the Spirit's life. At one point in the evening, a blue ribbon - blue for the Holy Spirit who makes us live "on earth as it is in heaven" - is threaded round the whole hall. The invitation is out: all who want to take hold of the challenge of Christian Community are to grasp the ribbon. To grasp the call.

We "make a joyful noise unto the Lord", praising Him with all we have to praise, loving Him with all we have to love.

When the evening comes to a close, hot tired faces start disappearing off into the night once again. It's time to go and carry on the cause in our everyday lives, with the strength of God behind us and the power of the cross above us.

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