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radioThese are reader comments for the article 'Charles McPheeters: Drug addict turned Jesus music pioneer'
Reader Comments
Posted by Bob Long in Austin, Texas @ 01:49 on Apr 28 2012
I did not know Charles well, but loved his influence and ministry during my 2 years at Christ For The Nations from 76-78!!! What a legacy he leaves!!
I did not know Charles well, but loved his influence and ministry during my 2 years at Christ For The Nations from 76-78!!! What a legacy he leaves!!
Posted by Scott Hinkle in Red Bank,NJ @ 00:44 on Mar 11 2012
Reading thru this again, I can honestly say I would not be alive today...42 years later had Charles not lead me to Jesus in a root beer stand parking lot. I played in a band with him, lived with he & Judy and was a Timothy to him as Paul. The legacy left to me was a passion to settle for nothing less then declaring Christ to a lost and dying world! I am immeasurably & eternally grateful for the life of Charles McPheeters...had it not been for him I would have died and gone to hell.
Reading thru this again, I can honestly say I would not be alive today...42 years later had Charles not lead me to Jesus in a root beer stand parking lot. I played in a band with him, lived with he & Judy and was a Timothy to him as Paul. The legacy left to me was a passion to settle for nothing less then declaring Christ to a lost and dying world! I am immeasurably & eternally grateful for the life of Charles McPheeters...had it not been for him I would have died and gone to hell.
Reply by chuck malott in littleton colorado @ 16:48 on Dec 12 2013
Scott, there is a Holy Ghost Repair reunion in Denver to honor Charles I believe 12/12/13 @ 6pm at the Sanctuary Church. Love to see you....Chuck
Scott, there is a Holy Ghost Repair reunion in Denver to honor Charles I believe 12/12/13 @ 6pm at the Sanctuary Church. Love to see you....Chuck
Posted by Scott Huebl in Grand Rapids, MI @ 04:23 on Mar 10 2012
Well, I, too, was a beneficiary of the youth ministry spawned in the Seventies by the Holy Ghost through Charles' ministry at Redeemer Temple and the Paraclete street ministry in Denver. Inspired by the likes of Charles McPheeters and the Christian music scene growing in Denver in the early Seventies I joined with a handful of others in a band called Friends. We gave several concerts at the Friday night youth services at Redeemer, Saturday nights at the Paraclete and eventually through out the mid West. God is faithful and my wife, Linda (Wishard) Naranjo-Huebl, and I have been singing for Jesus ever since. I also had the privilege of playing with John Carlson in the late Seventies, Crimson in the Eighties, and Stirrings at rescue missions for the last ten years. I am eternally grateful to Jesus for Charles and the leadership at Redeemer Temple for reaching out to the youth of the Jesus People movement. Jeremiah 31:3 - The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."
Well, I, too, was a beneficiary of the youth ministry spawned in the Seventies by the Holy Ghost through Charles' ministry at Redeemer Temple and the Paraclete street ministry in Denver. Inspired by the likes of Charles McPheeters and the Christian music scene growing in Denver in the early Seventies I joined with a handful of others in a band called Friends. We gave several concerts at the Friday night youth services at Redeemer, Saturday nights at the Paraclete and eventually through out the mid West. God is faithful and my wife, Linda (Wishard) Naranjo-Huebl, and I have been singing for Jesus ever since. I also had the privilege of playing with John Carlson in the late Seventies, Crimson in the Eighties, and Stirrings at rescue missions for the last ten years. I am eternally grateful to Jesus for Charles and the leadership at Redeemer Temple for reaching out to the youth of the Jesus People movement. Jeremiah 31:3 - The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."
Posted by Larry Mc Donald in Wesley chapel, Florida @ 07:08 on Jan 27 2012
What a joy and privilege to have known and befriended my Christian Brother, Charles MC Pheeters! I look forward to seeing him in Glory, he was a true, redeemed soul, who loved Jesus, with all of his being. I'm originally from Atlantic, Iowa, a small community of around 7,000 people. Back in 1969, I had just gotten home from work, and turned the TV on, to catch the days news. We got all of the Omaha, Nebraska stations, and a story came on, about a young Guy who was giving concerts at High Schools around the Omaha area.. As I listened to thyme story, I was blessed, and then there was a knock on my door. The Guy standing there, was the same Guy I had just seen on Tv...Charles MC Pheeters? He asked if I was Larry MC Donald...I told him that I was, and he said that he had been to our High School, and gave a concert! He said he had talked to some of the student there, and they told him about me...That I was telling them about Jesus, etc. I invited Charles in, and we went to my bedroom (in the basement land Charles prayed with me, we had a wonderful time in the Lord, as he played his guitar and sang some of his songs, that he had written. Over the years, Charles would pop into my place of. Work, and we would visit and share what the Lord was doing in our lives...He called me once, and told me his friend (Barry MC Guire) was giving a concerned in Omaha, so I went and got to meet and fellowship with Barry, which was a real blessing to me. One time when Charles came through town, he brought Judy with him, as they had married, and were headed to Denver.
I Was saddened, when I head of his cancer and death...the Lord must have needed him in heaven, but I sure missed him and was grateful to have been able to fellowship wig him....in my later years, I moved to Florida, and called Arthur Blessit, who lived in Ft. MYERS, and we talked about Charles and the impact he had n so many lives...Phillipians 1:2-11. Maranatha. Larry MC Donald
What a joy and privilege to have known and befriended my Christian Brother, Charles MC Pheeters! I look forward to seeing him in Glory, he was a true, redeemed soul, who loved Jesus, with all of his being. I'm originally from Atlantic, Iowa, a small community of around 7,000 people. Back in 1969, I had just gotten home from work, and turned the TV on, to catch the days news. We got all of the Omaha, Nebraska stations, and a story came on, about a young Guy who was giving concerts at High Schools around the Omaha area.. As I listened to thyme story, I was blessed, and then there was a knock on my door. The Guy standing there, was the same Guy I had just seen on Tv...Charles MC Pheeters? He asked if I was Larry MC Donald...I told him that I was, and he said that he had been to our High School, and gave a concert! He said he had talked to some of the student there, and they told him about me...That I was telling them about Jesus, etc. I invited Charles in, and we went to my bedroom (in the basement land Charles prayed with me, we had a wonderful time in the Lord, as he played his guitar and sang some of his songs, that he had written. Over the years, Charles would pop into my place of. Work, and we would visit and share what the Lord was doing in our lives...He called me once, and told me his friend (Barry MC Guire) was giving a concerned in Omaha, so I went and got to meet and fellowship with Barry, which was a real blessing to me. One time when Charles came through town, he brought Judy with him, as they had married, and were headed to Denver.
I Was saddened, when I head of his cancer and death...the Lord must have needed him in heaven, but I sure missed him and was grateful to have been able to fellowship wig him....in my later years, I moved to Florida, and called Arthur Blessit, who lived in Ft. MYERS, and we talked about Charles and the impact he had n so many lives...Phillipians 1:2-11. Maranatha. Larry MC Donald
Posted by Redd Riley in Chaing Rai, Thailand @ 22:13 on Sep 2 2011
I became a close friend of Charles and Judy in the early seventies in Denver. Charles and Judy were the only true Christians I have ever known. Charles always tried hard to influence me to have a relationship with God. I tried back then mainly because Of his positive influence but mainly put on an unsincere act. After I left Dallas in 1974 I moved to Thailand and have been there ever since. I recently came to Phoenix to attend my Father's funeral. After all these years Charles has always been fresh on my mind eventhough, I'm not a christian and never truly have been. It has always been my desire to look him up if I ever returned to the U.S. again. Ten minutes ago was the first time I learned he had already passed away. He was a good man and sincere about everything he believed in. I will always remember him as a good friend who was always there for me when I needed him.
AjThank you Charles and Judy
I became a close friend of Charles and Judy in the early seventies in Denver. Charles and Judy were the only true Christians I have ever known. Charles always tried hard to influence me to have a relationship with God. I tried back then mainly because Of his positive influence but mainly put on an unsincere act. After I left Dallas in 1974 I moved to Thailand and have been there ever since. I recently came to Phoenix to attend my Father's funeral. After all these years Charles has always been fresh on my mind eventhough, I'm not a christian and never truly have been. It has always been my desire to look him up if I ever returned to the U.S. again. Ten minutes ago was the first time I learned he had already passed away. He was a good man and sincere about everything he believed in. I will always remember him as a good friend who was always there for me when I needed him.
AjThank you Charles and Judy
Posted by Rich Taylor in Arvada, CO. @ 09:31 on Aug 25 2011
Hi Michael,
Your story and the comments from others really touched my heart and I hope to encourage you. I was a teenager in 1974 when I got involved at Redeemer Temple friday night concerts. I remember the incredible passion for Jesus that your Dad shared. It was during those times that God really became so real to me. We had the priveledge of witnessing at the Paraclete, and HGRS. It was a great beginning to this walk of faith. That began 38 years ago for me, and much of what we heard at that time was about how great God is and how faithful He would be in our lives if we would continue to serve Him. I can now say by my own life testimony that "YES, through it all, the good & bad, He is faithful, To Him be all the glory forever, we look forward to a great reunion "soon and very soon". P.S. I've been blessed with raising 11 children, now have 14 grandchildren, (some are or have been in full time ministry). P.S.S. My real father was removed from my life when I was 5. I had no direct contact with him for many years, I missed him greatly. When I first received the Lord in my life @ 8 I began to pray for his salvation. We reconnected when I was in my 20's but he refused to hear the gospel. Through God's divine workings, he called several years ago to say "he finally got what we have", he has dedicated his life to Jesus, and has confessed Him as Lord. Praise God. So I impart to you young brother, continue to live for Jesus, let the Holy Spirit make each day more real than the day before regarding your relationship with Him,let Him lead you always, and the special relationship you will have with your Heavenly Father will guide you all the days of your life and there will be a reunion in heaven with those that went on before us that will be awesome. I look forward to meeting you some day. I'll close with a phrase your Dad would say when we would part "I'll see you here or there, or in the air"
Hi Michael,
Your story and the comments from others really touched my heart and I hope to encourage you. I was a teenager in 1974 when I got involved at Redeemer Temple friday night concerts. I remember the incredible passion for Jesus that your Dad shared. It was during those times that God really became so real to me. We had the priveledge of witnessing at the Paraclete, and HGRS. It was a great beginning to this walk of faith. That began 38 years ago for me, and much of what we heard at that time was about how great God is and how faithful He would be in our lives if we would continue to serve Him. I can now say by my own life testimony that "YES, through it all, the good & bad, He is faithful, To Him be all the glory forever, we look forward to a great reunion "soon and very soon". P.S. I've been blessed with raising 11 children, now have 14 grandchildren, (some are or have been in full time ministry). P.S.S. My real father was removed from my life when I was 5. I had no direct contact with him for many years, I missed him greatly. When I first received the Lord in my life @ 8 I began to pray for his salvation. We reconnected when I was in my 20's but he refused to hear the gospel. Through God's divine workings, he called several years ago to say "he finally got what we have", he has dedicated his life to Jesus, and has confessed Him as Lord. Praise God. So I impart to you young brother, continue to live for Jesus, let the Holy Spirit make each day more real than the day before regarding your relationship with Him,let Him lead you always, and the special relationship you will have with your Heavenly Father will guide you all the days of your life and there will be a reunion in heaven with those that went on before us that will be awesome. I look forward to meeting you some day. I'll close with a phrase your Dad would say when we would part "I'll see you here or there, or in the air"
Posted by Shari(Powell)Malott in Centennial, co @ 14:56 on Aug 7 2011
I was one of those young Jesus Freaks in the early 70's and Charles was my youth pastor at Redeemer Temple in Denver. We would go to the Holy Ghost Repair Service to serve sandwiches to people who would come to listen to the music or go talk about Jesus out on the street-Charles would pray with us before sending us out 2 by 2.
I invited Charles to speak in my high school civics class @ Hinkley HS where the topic was about drug use and he told his whole testimony and Jesus salvation message. He wore blue jeans, a white collared shirt and his classic jean jacket with Jesus patches sewn all over it.
He was funny, and entertaining but always spoke the gospel with power and conviction and I remember many powerful sermons spoken by Charles on those crazy jam- packed friday night services at Redeemer. I Thank God for Charles being a part of my early growing years as a christian.
I was one of those young Jesus Freaks in the early 70's and Charles was my youth pastor at Redeemer Temple in Denver. We would go to the Holy Ghost Repair Service to serve sandwiches to people who would come to listen to the music or go talk about Jesus out on the street-Charles would pray with us before sending us out 2 by 2.
I invited Charles to speak in my high school civics class @ Hinkley HS where the topic was about drug use and he told his whole testimony and Jesus salvation message. He wore blue jeans, a white collared shirt and his classic jean jacket with Jesus patches sewn all over it.
He was funny, and entertaining but always spoke the gospel with power and conviction and I remember many powerful sermons spoken by Charles on those crazy jam- packed friday night services at Redeemer. I Thank God for Charles being a part of my early growing years as a christian.
Posted by Michael McPheeters in Dallas, TX @ 05:23 on Jul 19 2011
Thank you all for the kind words about my father. It is an honor to hear what an impact he had on many peoples lives! It was haunting reading some of his testimony in this article, as I myself ended up on the cold streets strung out on drugs. All my life, Ive been told, "you look like your dad; you sound like your dad; you are your dad." I was so young when he passed he had become like this mythological creature to me. Looking back I was mad at God for taking him, and this "rebellious streak" eventually became a path of destruction. I spent a long time in a dark season trying to find who I was through women, drugs, music, money & crime. But you see, as much as Satan had a hold on me, Jesus never let go of me. And man was that the worst part. Yes the drugs and the life messed me up physically, mentally and spiritually; but what really messed me up the most, is that I had tasted of Gods genuine goodness in my life. It was utter torture! Because I knew better. I knew I was called to a higher life than the high life. So began the search for that calling. It has taken awhile with lots of tears & prayers that have not gone in vein. I am now attending Christ for the Nations and am finding my new identity in Christ, for nothing else matters. I would love to be in contact with any friends of my dads, so I can get to know him through the people he loved so dearly. Yours in the Journey-
Thank you all for the kind words about my father. It is an honor to hear what an impact he had on many peoples lives! It was haunting reading some of his testimony in this article, as I myself ended up on the cold streets strung out on drugs. All my life, Ive been told, "you look like your dad; you sound like your dad; you are your dad." I was so young when he passed he had become like this mythological creature to me. Looking back I was mad at God for taking him, and this "rebellious streak" eventually became a path of destruction. I spent a long time in a dark season trying to find who I was through women, drugs, music, money & crime. But you see, as much as Satan had a hold on me, Jesus never let go of me. And man was that the worst part. Yes the drugs and the life messed me up physically, mentally and spiritually; but what really messed me up the most, is that I had tasted of Gods genuine goodness in my life. It was utter torture! Because I knew better. I knew I was called to a higher life than the high life. So began the search for that calling. It has taken awhile with lots of tears & prayers that have not gone in vein. I am now attending Christ for the Nations and am finding my new identity in Christ, for nothing else matters. I would love to be in contact with any friends of my dads, so I can get to know him through the people he loved so dearly. Yours in the Journey-
Reply by Larry Mc Donald in Zephyrhills, Florida @ 03:23 on Nov 10 2012
Dear Michael: Am often taken to your fathers web page, just to remember what a good friend he was, and the precious fellowship we had together, back in the 60's. The Holy Spirit really knitted our hearts together, and I felt I had known him all my life. I feel that the Lord would have me share with you, that knowing Charles, he would have thought the world of you, loved you, and am sure would have missed being there for you in your younger years... I know he is looking down on you, and I know the Lord has directed your steps...even though you struggled in the flesh, as it seems, most of us have done. Thank the Lord for his Grace and Love... You can be proud of your Dad, Michael...He had so much fire and desire to serve our Lord and to fulfill the Great Commission...as I'm sure he wants you to embrace... I feel so blessed to have known and to have counted him as my brother in the Lord....a real special time in my life, that has helped me along my life's walk.... Have been through alot in my life (kind of a Job experience, especially the past 15 years) but the Lord has sustained me through all of that, and I Praise Him for that, as I'm sure you do as well....Just remember Michael, Jesus is our Father, and He will never leave us or forsake us and we'll all be together with Him one day....God Bless You, and Keep You Always...Larry Mc Donald
Dear Michael: Am often taken to your fathers web page, just to remember what a good friend he was, and the precious fellowship we had together, back in the 60's. The Holy Spirit really knitted our hearts together, and I felt I had known him all my life. I feel that the Lord would have me share with you, that knowing Charles, he would have thought the world of you, loved you, and am sure would have missed being there for you in your younger years... I know he is looking down on you, and I know the Lord has directed your steps...even though you struggled in the flesh, as it seems, most of us have done. Thank the Lord for his Grace and Love... You can be proud of your Dad, Michael...He had so much fire and desire to serve our Lord and to fulfill the Great Commission...as I'm sure he wants you to embrace... I feel so blessed to have known and to have counted him as my brother in the Lord....a real special time in my life, that has helped me along my life's walk.... Have been through alot in my life (kind of a Job experience, especially the past 15 years) but the Lord has sustained me through all of that, and I Praise Him for that, as I'm sure you do as well....Just remember Michael, Jesus is our Father, and He will never leave us or forsake us and we'll all be together with Him one day....God Bless You, and Keep You Always...Larry Mc Donald
Reply by Pam Clark in Washington State @ 06:26 on Aug 19 2011
Hi Michael,
I knew your parents when they had the Holy Ghost Repair Service and Paraclete book store & coffee house in Denver. My older sister, Lynda, led me to the Lord outside of the bookstore. Then we went in and everybody cheered. From then on I started volunteering on the weekends making the food and drink and witnessing to the people on the streets to bring them into the coffeehouse.
I will never forget your dad who was a great preacher and singer in the coffeehouse where the Christians and street people gathered together sitting on the carpeted floor listened to your dad.
At one time my sister and I had no place to stay so your parents let us stay with them. That was when your sister, Melissa, was just a baby. They asked us to baby sit her and when it came to changing her diapers, neither my sister nor I had any experience doing that and you should have seen what they looked like! ha!
Your dad was the most animated, talented person I had ever met. Yes, you do look just like him. I have not seen any recent pictures of you but when you young you were his image. I can imagine the pressure you must have felt if you were always getting compared to your dad who you had never met. But, some day you will meet! I can't wait to see him again, too! For a while I worked in the bookstore as your dad's secretary and would type his dictated letters and that was fun. His personality was one that attracted people and he just made life fun! I give all the glory to our Lord Jesus Christ because without Christ your dad would not have even been alive to bless us all those years and bring many to Christ!!!
I was so happy to see what you had written. I was hoping you or your mom might have a Facebook page but I could not find one.
Anyway, tell your mom I said hello! She would remember Pam & Jeff Clark. I have lost contact with her through the years. It would be nice to get her email address or Facebook.
In Christ's love,
Pam
Hi Michael,
I knew your parents when they had the Holy Ghost Repair Service and Paraclete book store & coffee house in Denver. My older sister, Lynda, led me to the Lord outside of the bookstore. Then we went in and everybody cheered. From then on I started volunteering on the weekends making the food and drink and witnessing to the people on the streets to bring them into the coffeehouse.
I will never forget your dad who was a great preacher and singer in the coffeehouse where the Christians and street people gathered together sitting on the carpeted floor listened to your dad.
At one time my sister and I had no place to stay so your parents let us stay with them. That was when your sister, Melissa, was just a baby. They asked us to baby sit her and when it came to changing her diapers, neither my sister nor I had any experience doing that and you should have seen what they looked like! ha!
Your dad was the most animated, talented person I had ever met. Yes, you do look just like him. I have not seen any recent pictures of you but when you young you were his image. I can imagine the pressure you must have felt if you were always getting compared to your dad who you had never met. But, some day you will meet! I can't wait to see him again, too! For a while I worked in the bookstore as your dad's secretary and would type his dictated letters and that was fun. His personality was one that attracted people and he just made life fun! I give all the glory to our Lord Jesus Christ because without Christ your dad would not have even been alive to bless us all those years and bring many to Christ!!!
I was so happy to see what you had written. I was hoping you or your mom might have a Facebook page but I could not find one.
Anyway, tell your mom I said hello! She would remember Pam & Jeff Clark. I have lost contact with her through the years. It would be nice to get her email address or Facebook.
In Christ's love,
Pam
Reply by Jim Seregow in Kikland WA @ 22:57 on Aug 12 2011
Hi Michael, I was so glad to read your story of God's love and mercy in your life. I met your dad in CA just after he came to know Jesus and we ministered together on the streets of Berkeley. He was an absolute inspiration to me and after I graduated from college, my wife and I started the campus ministry called CAMPUS ACTION at the University of Michigan.
Your dad and I stayed in touch and we did things together in Michigan and when I pastored in CA, I would have you dad come to our church to speak and sing. Once, I asked him to sing Greasy Truth on Sunday morning. He said, "Are you sure?" I said yes. It was awesome.
I would love to speak with you sometime. God bless you my friend. Stay radical for Jesus!
Jim
Hi Michael, I was so glad to read your story of God's love and mercy in your life. I met your dad in CA just after he came to know Jesus and we ministered together on the streets of Berkeley. He was an absolute inspiration to me and after I graduated from college, my wife and I started the campus ministry called CAMPUS ACTION at the University of Michigan.
Your dad and I stayed in touch and we did things together in Michigan and when I pastored in CA, I would have you dad come to our church to speak and sing. Once, I asked him to sing Greasy Truth on Sunday morning. He said, "Are you sure?" I said yes. It was awesome.
I would love to speak with you sometime. God bless you my friend. Stay radical for Jesus!
Jim
Posted by Linda Garrison in Denver, CO @ 21:37 on Jun 16 2011
Thank you for remembering our brother Charles. I was one of those Jesus freaks who had the privilege of serving alongside Charles and Judy at the Holy Ghost Repair Service in Denver waaaay back in the day. We put out a street newspaper called The End Times, among many other things. I still think of Charles as my spiritual dad.
Thank you for remembering our brother Charles. I was one of those Jesus freaks who had the privilege of serving alongside Charles and Judy at the Holy Ghost Repair Service in Denver waaaay back in the day. We put out a street newspaper called The End Times, among many other things. I still think of Charles as my spiritual dad.
The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.
My wife Dot and I heard Charles McPheeters preach one time in 1981 at our church in Dallas, TX. We quickly quit our jobs, sold our house and packed our 3 small daughters and headed to Hollywood, CA to work alongside Charles and Judy McPheeters in The Holy Ghost Repair service. Our lives were revolutionized.
Charles McPheeters witnessed to stop signs just for practice. If you were going to hang around him and Judy, you had to be really saved or stay away from them, cause they lived a radical Jesus lifestyle.
We spent one year working for The Holy Ghost Repair Service under Charles' amazing anointing and mentoring. He was the instrument God used to save prostitutes, punk rockers, gang members, runaways and the lost and forgotten on the streets of Hollywood.
When Charles was in the hospital battling cancer In July 1982, 24 hours before going home to be with Jesus, I was sitting with him in his hospital room. Although slipping in and out of consciousness, he sat up in bed and boldly declared, "Jesus is coming soon... but God we need revival." Then he laid back down to sleep.
I slipped out of his hospital room, knelt on my knees in the hallway and cried and repented before the Lord. Whatever Charles McPheeters had, whatever Jesus he knew and served so boldly, I wanted it.
I led worship and sang at Charle's graveside. I played his guitar and wore his shirts for about the next year when I sang and preached on the streets. No one else ever like him.
Dot and I linked arms with Judy and continued to serve and minister through The Holy Ghost repair Service. Judy and her husband Ron have continued to shake the earth for Jesus from Hollywood, the epicenter of the world. Thank you Jesus for these beautiful friends and co-laborers in His harvest. We love you Charles.
Bobby V Chance
Hollywood, CA