Without question, God chose to use Pastor Chuck Smith as the cue ball of the Jesus Movement of the 60's & 70's.
I came to saving grace in Jesus Christ in 1971, at a tumultuous and demonic time in our nation's history, which included psychedelic drugs, Charles Manson, Woodstock and more.. The Bible says, "where sin abounds, grace much more abounds (Romans 5:20)." It sure does!
As national revival impacting millions swept across America, I got caught in that tsunami of God's Power and Love, along with my pastor Mike McIntosh, local pastors (and the fathers of Switchfoot stars) Mark Foreman and Chuck Butler, as well as the worship leaders who became the parents of Phil and Evan Wickham. My, how time flies.
God chose to use Pastor Chuck, as the flashpoint of this revival as hippies came through his church doors by the hundreds. Instead of turning them away, he welcomed all of these disenfranchised and hurting young people - as Jesus would. Today, Pastor Chuck begins eternal life, enjoying the One which he served so faithfully. Last Sunday Chuck preached his last sermon from a wheelchair. 86 years old, feeble and weak. Well, he sure doesn't need that wheelchair today, as Pastor Chuck begins enjoying his eternal reward.
He earned it, and a generation of us are eternally grateful!
One day, those who embrace the Christ that he loved, will join him. But until then...we're due for another NATIONAL REVIVAL. Through prayer, boldness, and a faithful walk with our Lord...let's be a part of it.
Pastor Shawn
