Four members of the Jesus Fellowship from different countries share why they left their homeland to join the vision of a radical church – and how they are keeping it fresh in their hearts.

I found brotherhood, the ‘highest command of love’. At first I felt unclean: this love was showing me my sin, but was also winning my heart.

My friends and family in Holland tried to persuade me not to join the church. But I knew I heard the Shepherd’s voice and had to obey.

Living and working in the church, I often feel my need for longsuffering – to keep on loving, even when it is difficult. I wouldn’t want to live any other way; I found life outside of God's kingdom so empty.

When I first became a Christian, I had a revelation about coming into the family of God. I felt once or twice a week was not what God intended.

Community living opened my eyes to the family of God being a daily living experience. Here was a chance to give more, to pour my life into serving my brothers and sisters. It’s a place where we lay down our lives for one another.

I knew I had to let go of life in South Africa, but I saw something better. This was ‘God to the max’, the Body of Christ united; moving together, rejoicing together, crying together, in love with Jesus: I wanted it.

I often wondered what it meant to ‘seek first the kingdom of God’. When I met the Jesus Fellowship I saw the beauty of sacrifice, the power of lives laid down for Jesus' sake. I saw people’s genuine commitment to each other in brotherhood community.

For the first time, I felt safe to share my heart. I belonged to a new family where the poor and the rich were welcomed. I left all that was dear to me to grab hold of the kingdom. The vision keeps strong in my heart as I serve the brotherhood and see the church grow through me.

I felt touched by the love people had for one another. I saw a people living out church 24/7, not just on Sundays. The oneness of brotherhood told me this is a place where God dwells with His people.

And we do exciting stuff; we don't just sit around watching telly! We’re active every day building a ‘new creation’ society. I love sharing my life with people of all ages and backgrounds.

I felt God calling me to give up everything I’d known before in Norway. It wasn’t easy, but it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s not always the big things that cost the most, but the daily small sacrifi ces that we make for Jesus and His church. That’s how I keep it alive in my heart – living radically for Jesus with my friends.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
(Matthew 13:45-46)