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Jesus Army tributes to founder

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Published Date: 21 May 2009
Noel Stanton, founder of the evangelical Northamptonshire group, the Jesus Army, has died at the age of 82.
Mr Stanton had been suffering from an undisclosed illness for some months and handed the leadership of the organisation over to successor Mick Haines earlier this year because of his declining health.

The Jesus Fellowship Church was founded in Bugbrooke after Mr Stanton became pastor at the village Baptist church, and spread across Northamptonshire and the country.

The sect, commonly known as the Jesus Army, is based at New Creation Farm, Nether Heyford, one of the group's communities. There are currently about 3,500 members in 24 congregations across the UK.

John Campbell, director of communications for the Jesus Army, said: "Noel's energy and devotion have been an inspiration to many over the years. He will be sadly missed, but he has left a legacy of faith and commitment that will carry on.

"What he would most want to be remembered for are the many who have been helped to find hope and stability through faith in Jesus and the activities of the Jesus Army – not least through the Jesus centres around the UK that were one of his final initiatives."

Mr Stanton was unmarried and lived within the community. A spokesman said he lived "simply", in the same manner as those he sought to lead, and lived his life dedicated to Jesus Christ as a committed celibate.

Mr Stanton became pastor at Bugbrooke in 1957 and ran the village church on traditional principles until 1969 when he had what he claimed was an intense spiritual experience.

Writing of the experience, he said: "It was so intoxicating, so exhilarating, and so intense that I felt I was just not going to live any more. I became filled with the intensity of God.

"This went on for hours and hours. It was a tremendous experience of life and fullness from which I didn't come down for a long time, and this was the changing point in my life."

On the Jesus Army website forum, Mr Stanton's followers paid tribute to him.

One said: "He was a legend and a man of apostolic vision. May he hear 'Good and faithful servant' and be an inspiration to us all."

Funeral details have not been confirmed.

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  • Last Updated: 21 May 2009 8:22 AM
  • Source: Northampton Chron & Echo
  • Location: Northampton
 
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Pual Corum,

21/05/2009 08:51:07
How on earth can Stanton be described as "founder" of this religious sect when it was Jesus Christ who founded all Christian belief!
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Normaljames,

Coventry 21/05/2009 12:38:10
Noel Stanton was an inspiring leader. One of the things I particularly valued about him was his unwavering commitment to those that few others would believe in. He was determined to see some of 'the worst' becoming the best that they could be.
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sciencefunteacher,

nottingham 21/05/2009 13:16:12
Noel Stanton was one of the most humble men I have had the privileged to meet, yet he contained an amazing power to love, inspire and make a difference for those without hope or did not have a voice. He did not hold onto this power but rather encouraged all those around him to fly and move into their potential within the love of God. This produced miracles in many lives including my own. Without the love this man had for God and his people I would not be who and where I am today as a mother, wife and as someone in one of the caring professions. Even though I do not belong to this church I hold them all in my prayers and thank God that people like Noel are prepared to take risks to make a difference for those that many would ignore or walk by.
4

,

21/05/2009 15:59:53
Comment Reported Unsuitable By User
5

penaltychargenotice,

Manchester 21/05/2009 22:07:30
Noel was a loyal and genuine man who had a huge impact on my life. He was 100% real and unpretentious. I always felt appreciated and loved by him and this did not change when I left the fellowship some time ago.

Noel loved all kinds of people, because he could. For this I will always remember him with the highest esteem.
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proclaim,

22/05/2009 11:31:36
Pual Corum, perhaps you need a dictionary:

found·er 2 (foun'd?r)
n. One who establishes something or formulates the basis for something: the founder of a university; the founders of a new nation.

Without a doubt, Noel was the founder of a church that is committed to God and has impacted the lives of thousands of people.

What a man. Words cannot explain how much we will miss him but he is where he wanted to be and few deserve it more.
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HamidConqueror,

Birmingham 22/05/2009 11:53:36
I always saw Noel as an inspiration. What he has built; this "Jesus Army" is beautiful in God's eyes and it is a privilege for me (and many others of us) to be apart of it. I am more than happy to have known and seen such a soldier in my life time and hope to follow his foot-steps of loyalty and faithfulness to God and His people!
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Martz,

Daventry 22/05/2009 13:08:02
I met Noel about 19 years ago when I stayed with the Jesus Army for a short time. He was a genuine, loyal, decent and honest man. He gave his life to the service of others. He was truly a man of God and an exceptional person. I am honoured to have known him.
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researched and informed,

24/05/2009 23:45:36
I have nothing but fond memories of Noel he was a humble and gentle man. I shared many a conversation with him in my 5 years with the fellowship. In the years since I left the church he continued to show an honest and heartfelt love and friendship.
I remember fondly his sense of humour. I found in life that people rarely practice what they preach but Noel was one of the few. If being a Christian is to be a reflection of God's love then Noel was a man who radiated that love unconditionally.

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?
Who may stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.

He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.

Psalm 24.
In my memories
Paul Champion


10

Dee Chastity,

Leicester 25/05/2009 13:57:04
Noel was truly a modern day saint and will be missed terribly, but what a legacy he has passed on. It is now up to us all to utilize his vision with that same passion and enthusiasm and to take the JA forward as he would have wanted. Let us take heart in the fact that he can rest in peace, knowing that he has changed many lives and been the catalyst for many great things here on earth. He has not only transformed hearts, but transformed lives. He has given so many a spiritual home who otherwise would still be searching. I never met Noel and yet he had such a profound effect on my life through leading me to a spiritual home with the lovely fellowship here in Leicester.
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