The Jesus People

THE JESUS PEOPLE

 Index

In 1970, the year after I left school, my dad enrolled me in Art College for the first time. It was the height of the hippie era, and like I’ve said, drugs flowed like milk and honey. The Art College, in particular, became a popular hangout for these hippies. After six months, I left college. I wasn't strong enough for that environment.
One fond memory I have is from a year later. I was living in Johannesburg and I visited an intriguing place known as the Invisible Church. I can't recall where I first heard about it, but my curiosity prompted me to seek it out. At that time, I didn't have a car, but I met a girl who did. She was part of a very strict church, and her father was a priest there.
 
One Sunday night, she sneaked out. We got into her car to head for Hillbrow, the nightclub capital of Johannesburg. We found the address, but there was no church in sight. "Oh wait! It's called the Invisible Church, right?"
 
We walked down a dark alley and discovered a small door where a few young people congregated outside. We made our way in and down the stairs into a cellar. Inside, it was dark, illuminated only by a coloured light. We could see a carpet on the floor. We could just make out the silhouettes of some people on large cushions.
As our eyes adjusted to the darkness, I noticed the source of the music. A girl was strumming her guitar. She sang a slightly modified version of Carole King's "You've Got a Friend." I can hardly remember much else from that night. Except, the Holy Spirit's overwhelming presence.
 
When we left, we had to walk quite a distance up a steep hill to reach my friend's car. Yet, we felt so light from God's presence that we sprinted up the hill like champions. It was a glorious feeling.
 
I wanted to return to that place, but my friend's dad forbade her from going back. As a result, I never visited again, but that place had an enduring impact on my life. I had no idea that, in time, I'd connect deeply with this invisible church. I had tasted something good. It changed my view of church forever.

 

 

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