Tribute to Keith Green and How His Life Changed Mine

It was the seventies.

I was young and naive.

There were three days of concerts in the open air of the Rocky Mountains and I wanted to go. I didn’t really know much about the concerts. I just knew I wanted to be there.

I prayed. I figured if God wanted me to go, something would work out. I left it at that, and didn’t think any more about it, till the day got closer and it didn’t look like I’d be going.

But, the day the concerts were to begin my tax refund came in the mail. With that, I could go to the concerts.

I happened to run into some friends on their way to the concerts who said I could ride with them if I wanted. So, I packed a few things, grabbed my sleeping bag, pup tent, and hopped in the already packed van.

I was so excited. I loved music. There were a few names and groups I’d heard of who were going to be there, but I was a new believer – and didn’t know much about Christian music.

I knew heaven had to be like this Jesus Rocky Mountain event. Wonderful, contemporary Christian music, under a blue sky canopy by day, and a star covered night in the mountains – what could be better? Hundreds of people worshipping, listening to music with a message. It was a turning point in my Christian walk.

People like The Archers, a young girl just starting out named Amy Grant played her guitar in the rain. Reva (Dottie Rambo’s daughter), were a few who were there. They were all great. They shared and were a blessing.

 But, there was one young man who played the piano. While he sang there was a rainbow behind the stage, and to this day, I get goosebumps when I think about it. Keith Green sang and ministered with a heavenly backdrop, in a way that changed my life forever.

It’s hard to express the impact Keith Green had on my life. His music was a gift, but it was also heartfelt,  powerful, and rang with a timeless life message. He shared the Gospel with simplicity, and a heart hungry to serve.

When I ministered, I shared some of his songs. I followed his and his wife's ministry. They published Last Days Ministries Magazine with articles that challenged and encouraged believers in Christ to love, and live in Christ so others could see Him.

Then, July 28, 1982, he and two of his children - Josiah (three years old) and Bethany (two years old) along with nine others, were killed in a plane crash.
It was heartbreaking.

Today Keith Green’s ministry  continues with his wife Melody, who has gone through some tough times, and she continues to serve Jesus. Keith's music lives on, with the message that is alive and still changes lives. 

I've been thinking today.....

It's been thirty years - it seems like forever, and yet just like yesterday.

I'm going forward in life, but, funny as it seems, I feel like it's come full circle. I'm back in the place where prayer, repentance, and seeking His face is utmost. I'm not near perfect, but Jesus inside is. It's about Him.

I see that young girl I was, sitting on the ground in the Rocky Mountains with hundreds of others, her long hair whipping in the wind, looking up to the heavens, blessed beyond measure because of the reality of Almighty God listening to Keith Green sing,"O Lord You're Beautiful."

It may be thirty years later, but,  I'm still that girl - looking up to the heavens singing, "Oh Lord, You're Beautiful."

One day, Keith, we'll all sing and praise our Lord together in heaven, but till then, like you prayed in this song, my prayer continues to be, "Make My Life A  Prayer For You."