"If if sing, let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs.
If I weep let it be as a man, who is longing for his home"
This page is dedicated to the memory of Richard Mullins who, carrying out his mission, died in a road accident September 19, 1997. I knew Rich when we were college students in the late 70's and was the drummer in his first band. I was only in the group for the first year, but in that time, I got to know a truly remarkable person who I knew would turn the world upside down wherever he touched it. Here are links to some friend's pages that can express the deep feelings we share much better than I can.
"If I stand let me stand on the promise that You will pull me through,
And if I can't let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You,
If I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs,
but if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home."
Message Archives
"Another hour deeper in the night
Another mile farther down the road
A man can drive as hard as he can drive
And never get as far as his heart was meant to go
But sometimes when you look up in the sky
You think we might be closer than we know...But I will reach the other side
Please don't let me have to wait too long"
Going anywhere with Rich driving was truly an adventure. Not only wondering where you would end up, but suffering through tricks on his passengers such as keeping his speed going into an intersection, pretending he didn't see the red light, knowing the light was timed to change right before he got there! If you've never seen a car full of nervous people...
The joy he expressed when he got his first recorder. And how quick he picked up any instrument. One week a beginner, the next week making beautiful music.
The moth and the rust will eventually claim
"Lord help me be what You want me to be
Going down to the midnight "Dollar Flicks" at an old theater in
downtown Cincinnati. Then spending what was left of the night on the
couch in an apartment which was nearly bare. Rich never had many
worldly goods. But what he left behind were treasures beyond measure.
His witness will shine in our hearts for many years to come.
'Cause being Yours is all that I want
Everything I took as my treasure
But in You I have riches this world can't corrupt"
And this is why a man as holy as He
"See the Teacher sitting on a mountain
Playing music with Rich was an incredible experience. So much
creativity and talent in one man. He certainly found his niche.
His ears were tuned to God's leading. He loved life and lived it to
the fullest. Maybe that very exuberance contributed to his early
departure, but if he hadn't lived more cautiously, it wouldn't have
been our Rich.
And see Him walking along the shore
His friends and disciples are gathering around Him
Never spake a man like this before
Had to die alone on Calvary
Cause it was the only way, we could ever see
The heaven in His eyes"
"And there's One True Love in this world of lies
I remember we went to see a movie called "Brother Sun, Sister
Moon". This was an old scratchy movie about a man that at the time I
knew nothing about named St. Francis of Assisi. That simple man, maybe
even a "simpleton" who left all worldly goods behind became one of
Rich's role model. As St. Francis kept that simple goal in front of
him, so Rich Mullins never forgot that simple goal, love God with all
your heart and love your neighbor above yourself.
And out of all the beauty I've found
I find there's only One True Love
And there's One true love"
Rich loved the legend of the young Prince Arthur, humble and strong, kind and generous, not even knowing he was a child of the King yet destined for the throne. I think we found out that the musical "Camelot" was based on "The Once and Future King" and read the book. I've recommended that book to many since then and recommend it to you.
"When I leave I want to go out like Elijah
I think back to the shock of hearing Keith Green's name over the
radio that morning so long ago. First disbelief, then shock and grief,
then the healing comes. And the resolve to more fully follow
ourselves. Selah.
With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire
And when I look back on the stars
Well, it'll be like a candlelight in Central Park
And it won't break my heart to say goodbye"
Richard Mullins was our Audie Murphie, our Nelson Mandela, our William Wallace. He challenged us to far greater depths that we imagined possible and was our inspiration. Yet, realizing the incredible talent he had been given, he never pointed to himself, but went to extreme measures to keep the focus on Jesus. And Rich did more than that, he led by example. As we mourn his passing and celebrate our loss, let us keep that in mind, that Rich never wanted "fans" but disciples. Yet never wanting to take the place of the great "Teacher" but only to point us *to* the great Teacher.
"Could be a celebration
Rich never wanted to get too settled. We've all gasped at something
he said to shock us out of our complecency. He knew we couldn't afford
to get too comfortable with this world.
Or it could be a hurt
That makes your soul awaken
In the echoes of what you heard
'Cause when your faith get shaken
Sometimes your heart gets stirred"
And I really may just grow up and be like You someday"
"And did they tell You stories 'bout the saints of old?
Rich, we'll miss you. Thanks for everything. You've been a friend to
us all. Give Peter, Paul, Keith, Francis and the rest of the "Saints
of old that have gone on before" a high five for us. And pray for us
still down here. Our stories about *your* faith will help keep us
strong!
Stories about their faith?
They say stories like that make a boy grow bold
Stories like that make a man walk straight
Please keep Marshall "Mitch" McVicker (who was also in the accident) and Rich's family and many friends in your prayers.
visits since 03/22/97.
Copyright © 1997; Designed and maintained by Jon Hagee
My thanks to Joe Pearson
and Webpub for providing this Web site.