28 years ago on July 28th, Christian musician Keith Green went home to be with the Lord. He was only 28 years old. Tonight at 7:30 p.m. (EST) Last Days Ministries will present a free live web event remembering Keith. Tune in tonight at www.keithgeen.com for this free event hosted by Melody Green, John Dawson and Loren & Darlene Cunningham.

Keith Green 28|28|28 (Video length: 3:36)

Video includes live performance clips of “Soften Your Heart” and “My Eyes are Dry.”

Related posts:
    • New Keith Green Live CD/DVD
    • New Keith Green Music Coming

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Christian musician, Dana Key, died yesterday (June 6, 2010) from a ruptured blood clot (CT). He was 56 years old. Dana Key was the guitarist and main vocalist for DeGarmo & Key, an early Christian rock band that Dana formed with keyboardist Ed DeGarmo. More recently Dana was senior pastor for TLC Community Church in Memphis, TN where he and Ed grew up.

I first saw Degarmo & Key back in 1979. They were performing in a local Jr. High School. I had never heard of them before, but went with a friend to check them out. What a concert! They had the two albums pictured above for sale, and I purchased them both during intermission. Later albums didn’t grab me as much, but I always loved Dana’s bold guitar playing, his clear witness for Christ, and his gritty, authentic voice.

(Here’s the first track from Degarmo & Key’s first album, This Time Thru.)
“Emmanuel”

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Click “►” button to play | Length: 3:08

So many of those early Christian musicans have now gone on to be with the Lord: Keith Green, Mark Heard, Larry Norman, Tom Howard, and now Dana Key as well. These musicians all had a positive impact on my growth as a young Christian. I appreciate their ministry, and I still enjoy their music after all these years, too!

Related posts:
    • Tom Howard Passes Away (1950-2010)
    • Larry Norman Passes Away (1947-2008)

Christian musician, Tom Howard, passed away yesterday (January 29, 2010). He was hiking with his wife at Edwin Warner Park in Nashville when he had a heart attack and could not be revived. He was 59 years old. Tom was a great pianist, composer, arranger, singer and songwriter. I first heard his music back in 1977 with his View from the Bridge project released through Larry Norman on Solid Rock Records. Here are two of my favorite songs from View from the Bridge. Enjoy, and please keep Tom’s family and friends in your prayers.

“One More Reason”

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Click “►” button to play | Length: 5:20

“All Through the Day”

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Click “►” button to play | Length: 4:16

Update: Obituary notice from The Tennessean on February 1, 2010

Thomas L. “Tom” Howard
HOWARD, Thomas L. “Tom”: Composer, Arranger, Producer, and Musician. Born February 23, 1950. Died January 29, 2010. Survived by his wife, Dori; two children, Katie and Joseph and sister, Susann (John) Anderson. Memorial Service 2 p.m. Wednesday, the 3rd day of February at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 4800 Belmont Park Terrace, Nashville, TN 37215. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Bartholomew’s. MARSHALL DONNELLY COMBS, (615) 327-1111.

Related links:

• Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 3rd, 2:00PM; St. Bartholomew’s Church, 4800 Belmont Park Terrace, Nashville TN 3721
• Facebook Group: In Memory of Tom Howard, Musician, Arranger
• Tom Howard: From Jesus music pioneer to behind-the-scenes virtuoso (great article from November, 2008 by Mike Rimmer of Cross Rhythms)
• Tom Howard Cross Rhythms Artist Profile
• Goodbye, Friend (Franklin Springs Family Media)
• Remembering Tom Howard, by John Duncan (Ligonier Ministries)

Missiologist Dr. Ralph Winter has died at age 84 after a long battle with cancer. Winter founded the U.S. Center for World Mission and revolutionized world missions in the late twentieth century with the concept of unreached people groups. Winter leaves behind his wife Barbara, four daughters, and fourteen grandchildren. Click here to read John Piper’s personal tribute to Winter.

You do not evaluate a risk by the probability of success but by the worthiness of the goal. – Dr. Ralph D. Winter

From the Big Picture: Seven Years Since — Looking Back and Forward on 9/11

This is an artist’s rendering provided by the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. It shows an aerial view of the proposed memorial quadrant. The museum unveiled the design Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, for the entrance pavilion, top center, and repeated hopes that a new construction schedule at ground zero would allow the memorial to open by the attacks’ 10th anniversary. (AP Photo/National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Squared Design Lab)

Related post: 9/11 – Words of Remembrance

Former White House press secretary Tony Snow died today of colon cancer at age 53. Last summer in an article for Christianity Today, Snow gave testimony of his Christian faith and spoke of the unexpected blessings of cancer.

The moment you enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death, things change. You discover that Christianity is not something doughy, passive, pious, and soft. Faith may be the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But it also draws you into a world shorn of fearful caution. The life of belief teems with thrills, boldness, danger, shocks, reversals, triumphs, and epiphanies …

We get repeated chances to learn that life is not about us—that we acquire purpose and satisfaction by sharing in God’s love for others. Sickness gets us partway there. It reminds us of our limitations and dependence. But it also gives us a chance to serve the healthy …

I sat by my best friend’s bedside a few years ago as a wasting cancer took him away … His gift was to remind everyone around him that even though God doesn’t promise us tomorrow, he does promise us eternity …

What is man that Thou art mindful of him? We don’t know much, but we know this: No matter where we are, no matter what we do, no matter how bleak or frightening our prospects, each and every one of us, each and every day, lies in the same safe and impregnable place—in the hollow of God’s hand.

Snow is survived by his wife, Jill Ellen Walker, whom he married in 1987; their son, Robbie; and daughters, Kendall and Kristi.

Update:  Here is a detailed account of the service by Jim Houser.

Here is a news video clip from the funeral service for Steven Curtis Chapman’s daughter, Maria, who was killed in an accident last week. Please continue to keep the Chapman family in prayer.

(Video length: 1:59)

HT: Monday Morning Insight

See related posts:

• Steven Curtis Chapman on Good Morning America
• Steven Curtis Chapman’s Daughter Killed

Here is the video montage that was shown at Larry’s memorial service. Most of these images have never been seen before. (Click below to see the video.)

(more…)

Updated with photos and video: There was a public memorial ceremony for Larry at 10:00 am today (March 1, 2008) at The Church on the Hill, 2707 Maranatha Ct., Turner, Oregon, just south of Salem. Here are some photos. (Notice the plain, pine casket as Larry requested.) Here is a brief description of the service. And here is a link to the video montage that was shown at the service.

What a gathering! Perhaps 500 (?) of us poured into a church in Salem this morning to pay our respects to Larry. As we entered we were handed ‘circus programs’ (instead of a boring pamphlet) that read: Larry Norman Presents: A Going Away Party.

It was a gathering of friends, family and fans alike. As people caught up with one another organ music filled the air. Then, all of a sudden: SCREEEEEEETCH! It was the sound of a record player needle ripping across vinyl.

    “I ain’t knocking the hymns,
    Just give me a song that has a beat.
    I ain’t knocking the hymns,
    Just give me a song that moves my feet.
    I don’t like none of those funeral marches
    I ain’t dead yet!”

What followed was a wonderful montage of music, photographs, and videos of Larry throughout his life. Friends and family spoke and there were a few performances. After it was all over we ate hot dogs, popcorn and Cracker Jacks! A party. Just like Larry wanted.

What can I say? Sounds like Larry!

(Note: Here is another description of the service.)

Related posts:

• Larry Norman Funeral Video Montage
• Larry Norman on NPR
• Some Larry Norman Videos
• My Tribute Song to Larry Norman
• Larry Norman Sings Goodbye Farewell
• Larry Norman Passes Away (1947-2008)
• Larry Norman Concert in New York City (1)
• Larry Norman Concert in New York City (2)

“Song for a Small Circle of Friends” (rewrite)

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Click “►” button to play | Length: 3:35
Click here to download the MP3.

One of my heroes died today. It is hard to put into words the impact Larry Norman’s music and ministry had on my life. All I know is that through his music and witness, I grew to love Jesus more and desired to serve God better. That’s not a bad legacy to pass on to another person.

Music has always been an important part of my life, and no musician has had a greater influence on me than Larry. I remember long hours as a teenager blasting his music at full volume on the stereo, just enjoying the energy of the music and the depth of the lyrics. (Thanks Mom and Dad for understanding!) When I worked landscaping during summers in college, I used to play Larry’s blues album, “Something New Under the Son,” while driving to work early each morning. It always put a smile on my face and a lift in my step.

Larry’s music helped me to develop a Christian world view long before I ever heard the term. Larry didn’t just write “Christian” songs. He wrote about everything. He wrote about God, love, current events, relationships, politics, the environment, and more. He did not feel compelled to write specifically about Jesus in every song, nor was he ever afraid to mention the name of Jesus in concert or in song. He understood that all of life belonged to God and wrote accordingly. His influence on me is even apparent in the tagline and general style of my blog: “Thoughts on God and life from a Christian perspective.” When I started to blog, I didn’t want to write just about specifically “Christian” topics. Jesus Christ is Lord of all, and I wanted to write about all of life under God’s care. (Note: Larry also introduced me to the writings of Francis Schaeffer, which continued to shape my thinking and Christian walk in profound ways.)

Larry was an honest songwriter and performer. He wrote and talked about the joys of life as well as the sorrows and disappointments. He had a heart for the disadvantaged and poor, and a sincere desire to share Christ others. He also had a wickedly sharp sense of humor. There are few people who have made me laugh so hard over the years as Larry with his music and at his concerts.

Five years ago I had the opportunity to record a song for a tribute CD for Larry. It is a re-write of a song Larry wrote called “Small Circle of Friends.” In the original version, Larry mentions the names of various musical friends and influences in his life. So in my version, I wrote the song back to Larry, thanking him for his influence in my life. Although the CD was never released, I know Larry at least got to hear the song, and that was more important to me anyways. When I saw Larry in concert last summer in New York, I mentioned the song to him, and told him, “I hope you didn’t mind!” and he just laughed.

So here is my tribute song to Larry. God bless you, Larry, and thank you for your ministry in my life. It is so good to know that you are free from pain, free from sorrow, safe in the arms of your Heavenly Father – “a better life begins.”

“Song for a Small Circle of Friends”
  – Original words and music by Larry Norman; Revised lyrics by Ray Fowler
  – Recorded and performed by Ray Fowler in March of 2003

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Click “►” button to play | Length: 3:35
Click here to download the MP3.

Well my life is filled with songs,
But I just could not get along without my friends.
And I’m happy now but when this good life ends,
I know a better life begins.

And love to you, dear Larry
With your guitar full volume on your amp.
You’re so crazy, but you know it,
And we love you as we all crawl toward the lamp.

With Jon Linn on guitar,
And Randy singing harmony,
Your brother Charles plays everything,
Your music means so much to me.

Dear brother, watch your fears all hide
And disappear while love inside keeps growing.
You’re older but less colder than the jokes and folks
You spent your childhood snowing.

And Jesus died for all your friends,
But even better yet he lives again.
And if this song does not make sense to you,
I hope his Spirit slips on through,
He loves you.

He loves you. He loves you.
And if these words do not appeal to you,
I hope his Spirit slips on through,
You know he loves you.

Related posts:

• Larry Norman Funeral Video Montage
• Larry Norman’s Funeral/Memorial Service
• Larry Norman on NPR
• Some Larry Norman Videos
• Larry Norman Sings Goodbye Farewell
• Larry Norman Passes Away (1947-2008)
• Larry Norman Concert in New York City (1)
• Larry Norman Concert in New York City (2)

Memorial Service Update: Click here for photos and a description of Larry’s funeral/memorial service. The service was held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 1st at The Church on the Hill, 2707 Maranatha Ct., Turner, Oregon, just south of Salem. Here is a mapquest link. For more information, contact Charles Norman at charles@slackertone.com
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Christian musician Larry Norman passed away at 2:45 this morning. Larry was a huge influence on me as a young Christian, and I am grateful for his life and ministry. Please keep his family in your prayers.

Here is the message from Larry’s brother, Charles, at Solid Rock Records:

MESSAGE FROM SOLID ROCK:

Hello everybody.

Our friend and my wonderful brother Larry passed away at 2:45 Sunday morning. Kristin and I were with him, holding his hands and sitting in bed with him when his heart finally slowed to a stop. We spent this past week laughing, singing, and praying with him, and all the while he had us taking notes on new song ideas and instructions on how to continue his ministry and art …

Yesterday afternoon he knew he was going to go home to God very soon and he dictated the following message to you while his friend Allen Fleming typed these words into Larry’s computer:

I feel like a prize in a box of cracker jacks with God’s hand reaching down to pick me up. I have been under medical care for months. My wounds are getting bigger. I have trouble breathing. I am ready to fly home.

My brother Charles is right, I won’t be here much longer. I can’t do anything about it. My heart is too weak. I want to say goodbye to everyone. In the past you have generously supported me with prayer and finance and we will probably still need financial help.

My plan is to be buried in a simple pine box with some flowers inside. But still it will be costly because of funeral arrangement, transportation to the gravesite, entombment, coordination, legal papers etc. However money is not really what I need, I want to say I love you.

I’d like to push back the darkness with my bravest effort. There will be a funeral posted here on the website, in case some of you want to attend. We are not sure of the date when I will die. Goodbye, farewell, we will meet again.

    Goodbye, farewell, we’ll meet again
    Somewhere beyond the sky.
    I pray that you will stay with God
    Goodbye, my friends, goodbye.

Larry

Thank you to all of you who were so nice to my brother over the years. Kristin and I will post funeral information in the next day or two. Right now we’re not able to function very well, but the whole family is here … our mother Margaret, our sisters Nancy and Kristy, Mike Norman and his new wife Tiffany, and Silver.

We miss him beyond words. Thank you for everything.

Peace to you all in Christ,

Charles Norman

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Feel free to share your memories of Larry in the comments.

Related posts:

• Larry Norman Funeral Video Montage
• Larry Norman’s Funeral/Memorial Service
• Larry Norman on NPR
• Some Larry Norman Videos
• My Tribute Song to Larry Norman
• Larry Norman Sings Goodbye Farewell
• Larry Norman Concert in New York City (1)
• Larry Norman Concert in New York City (2)

September 11th Remembrance Ceremony
Town of Agawam, MA
September 11, 2007; 9:45 a.m.

I was honored today to bring the Words of Remembrance for our town’s September 11th Remembrance Ceremony. We met in front of the Memorial Towers at the Agawam Fire Department. There was a light but steady rain. The American Legion Post 185 presented the colors complete with rifle salute. Local pastors led in prayer. Candles were lit, wreaths placed, songs sung. The Fire Department made a presentation while a trumpet played taps. Here is what I shared:

9/11/2007 – Words of Remembrance
Dr. Rev. Raymond E. Fowler

Six years ago today the people of our nation were attacked without warning or provocation. It was a Tuesday morning, just like today. Many of us were just arriving at work. Others were in our homes or at our schools. On the west coast some people were just waking up from a night’s sleep. But through the medium of television, together we watched the horrific events we now know as 9/11 unfold before our very eyes. In the weeks to follow we would continue to watch and mourn and grieve together as a nation.

We all remember the details and events of 9/11. For many of us, just a mention of the day’s name or perhaps an image of one of the planes can still catch us off guard and stir up the same disturbing mixture of anger, shock, fear and outrage we all experienced on that first day. There are those times when we probably wish that we did not remember, and yet we know that we cannot ignore this or somehow put it away on the shelf. We lost too much on 9/11 simply to let go and move on.

And so we have gathered here today in order to remember.

We remember first of all the lives of those innocent people who died. The terrorists who planned and carried out the attacks had no right to take these lives. We remember the passengers and flight crews on the planes. We remember the workers and children in the towers. We remember the people in the Pentagon. We remember wives separated from husbands, children separated from parents, loved ones separated from family and friends.

We also remember those people who willingly sacrificed their own lives in order to save the lives of others. We remember the firefighters, policemen and first responders. We remember the medical workers and emergency personnel. We remember those who bravely entered the devil’s cloud of dust and debris and did not return to their homes and loved ones that night. We are inspired by their courage, stunned by their sacrifice and challenged by their example. They have rightly earned the title of “heroes.”

And then today we also remember those who continue to serve our country, both here and in foreign lands, to protect us from further attacks. We remember those who serve in the various armed forces of our nation. We remember our veterans. We remember those who serve in government. We remember those who serve the public as policemen, firefighters, paramedics and in various other capacities. We are grateful to all of you who risk your lives in order to protect our country and preserve our freedom.

Innocent lives lost, willing lives sacrificed, determined lives continuing to fight on for freedom – these are the reasons we have gathered here today. These are the reasons we choose to remember 9/11.