I KNEW ,when I first heard Keith preach the message that burned in his heart about missions and the lost…that there was no other way to live for Christ. It was at a Memorial Concert in Fla. shortly after Keith went home to be with Jesus that I heard the message. And from that concert , I was introduced to “full-time ministry” and all that being “sold out” meant. If Keith hadn’t been willing to give and sacrifice, then there would of been no Last Days Ministries.
My heart still burns for Christ and His passion 20 something years later, and some of my dearest friends and comrades in the fight are serving on the frontlines in the mission field, carrying the message and life surrendered, like the one they knew in the life of Keith.
Someday we will meet ,
Karen T.
I loved Keith’s music – the messages were so powerful and straight from his sold-out heart. I still remember where I was the day the news reported his plane crash. On my couch in my house in Ventura. I immediately put on one of his records and played “Draw Me”. To me that expressed his heart: that the Lord would take him home before he would ever dishonor His Name in any way.
Draw me, oh, draw me, please draw me, my Jesus.
Into your presence, where I cannot lie.
My soul is so thirsty, I cannot endure it.
And if I can’t get closer, I surely will die.
Take me, oh take me, please take me, my Jesus.
Quickly, before I forget that I’m lost.
For so many times, my mind has deceived me,
That I really don’t have to carry the cross.
I still have a stack of tracts from Last Days Ministries. Keith, Melody and crew distilled some pretty hot topics into small spaces!
Thank you for taking time to put together this website in his memory.
I remember when I first heard Keith’s music in the early 80’s. I was blown away with how the anointing of God’s Spirit jumped from the “vinyl” into my heart. The album “No Compromise” caused me to question the depth of my devotion to Christ. Then, when I saw some of Keith’s teaching videos that were made available by LDM for “whatever you could afford” changed my life and my understanding of what a commitment to Christ looked like. First, I could not believe when, as a poor struggling young person with a family, I could get training material for free if neccesary. Second, the content of Keith’s teaching was always 100% meat. We used to gather teenagers in our living room. I would stay up til the wee hours of the morning listening to Keith’s music and the teens and I would be weeping like baby before our God. It was an unpresedented time of cleansing.
I so appreciate having this outlet. Thanks Wayne.
Keith’s “So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt” album was unlike anything I’d ever heard before. The powerful lyrics became my prayers, and provided a way for me to communicate with God when I couldn’t find words within myself. Keith’s soul-stirring, urgent, honest words stirred me, challenged me, and changed me. Even today, song lyrics from Keith will come flooding back to my mind at unexpected moments. “How can they live without Jesus? How can they live without God’s love? How can they feel so at home down here when there’s so much more up above? Throwing away the things that matter, they hold on to things that don’t…..” And Keith’s lyrics still convict. Thank you, Keith, for giving your all to Him, and encouraging me, and so many others, to do the same without compromise, no turning back.
When my husband (who was a minister) died, the first year, as they say, is the most difficult. I had a very loving family, a job I love, and a great church to worship with friends and family, but when you get home, and you have that space of time to fill, it can be sooooooo hard. I often filled that space of time that first year with Keith’s music. His music was the most meaningful to me, because it always ended with me worshipping God, and being thankful for the life my husband and I had had serving God together. The time since my husband’s death has also been very good, because God has given me so much joy in serving Him.
Not only did Keith’s ministry and music have a profound impact on me those many years ago, the impact continues…
Recently when God called me to write a unique book designed to motivate Christians back to the Heart of God and to hear to Voice of God in order to reach our lost world, I found myself ‘digging out’ the old albums that meant so much to me back when I first began to understand the importance of ‘love your neighbor as yourself’. Keith’s ‘Jesus Commands Us To Go’ has been playing over and over in my home lately as I pray and write – My theme song for this season is still timely and inspirational, and also wonderfully nostalgic.
We got involved with Missions as a direct result of going to a Keith Green Memorial Concert. We got the last two seats in an auditorium filled to capacity in Lansing Michigan. We were so challenged by his heart and zeal for the lost and as a result we went to LDM and did a DTS in 1984. Our lives have never been the same! We spent 13 years in full time missions because of Keith’s mesage and heart for the mission field. We cherish our time at Last Days Ministries and the “LDM Family”. Even today we are still challenged as we listen to Keith’s music – it takes us back to the basics of the Gospel message.
Our family was part of Ben Israel Ministries from 1976 to 1985. We lived in the northern woods of Minnestoa. Ben Israel was also a community of believers and my husband, Shelly, was one of the leaders with Arthur Katz.
Keith and Melony, who was pregnant with her last child at the time, came to visit the community, and Keith was to speak at the family camp at Camp Dominion, across the road from the farm where we lived.
I met Keith Green in Inger Katz’s kitchen while I was doing her dishes. I remember her saying, “Junesy, I want you to meet Keith Green.” I honestly did not know who Keith was at that time. I had never heard his music, or his name before that day.
Other than Basilea Schlink, I had never met anyone like Keith. It was as though he wasn’t there, he was such a gentle soul. I realize now that Jesus had given me the eyes to Keith as He saw him. Keith belonged completely to the Lord, Keith had given his all to Jesus.
When Keith Green played the piano and sang for the youth meeting at Camp Dominion, it was as though FIRE surrounded him. An electricity filled the lodge, and we were all touched by the power of God as his praised and worshiped the Lord. Shelly and I along with our children have never forgotten that evening.
I had a dream about Keith while he was visiting: People were talking about Keith Green, judging his heart and motives. In the dream I saw Keith’s heart; it was tender and pure. Everything Keith did was for the Glory of God. Keith was a pure soul in the dream; and I knew Jesus wanted me to know that so I would not be one to wrongly judge Keith Green’s heart.
I had the opportunity to be with Keith again in Art’s home, and I shared the dream with him.
A few months later he was taken home to be with the Lord, with two of his children.
Lord, bless Melony Green and her daughters. Let them rejoice in their spirit to know that they will be with Keith again, and with the children.
I first heard Keith during the 1978-79 school year in the dorms at Concordia Portland college. My wife of now 27 yrs, Robin, and I listened to his albums almost every day while we studied. He was an inspiration to us. His music has had more of an impact on us than any other worship or anything else that college had to offer. I am now in a worship band and attribute the way I play to Jesus because of Keith’s love for Christ and his ministry.
In 1980/81? shortly after we were married Robin and I took a downs syndrome man to a free Keith Green concert in San Diego. He was from a jewish background, and had been institutionalized most of his life. He didn’t use very many words, but understood many things. After the concert as I told him about Jesus the messiah, he didnt talk but cried. I know that Richard Goldberg will be in heaven.
I have lead many children to Christ using Keiths music as a witnessing tool during the times I was a teacher, and a Youth Pastor. Even though I was teaching in a christian school few of the students at first had or expressed a saving faith. Keith unknowingly helped them come to a saving faith through his minisrty, even after his death. (I still have an almost complete file of the Last Days News Letters from that time).
I went to many of his concerts and only talked to him one very breif moment, It was insignificant to the vast way he had impated me and the lives around me. It wasn’t about Keith, Keith was about JESUS!
As a new baby Christian I was deeply impacted by Keith’s music and heart for God. I was very frightened of dying, having been threatened to be killed by both of my parents and cursed with threats of dying of cancer by my mother. As I listened to Keith sing, I was stunned by the longing I heard in his voice, music, to be with the Lord….almost like he was pining to get to Heaven. This changed my life and thinking…I had been so frightened of DEATH, that I couldn’t see past the process of dying to what is on the other side. His longing to be there opened my eyes…I knew as I listened to him, in my newborn faith, that Heaven is a real place and I began to be less fearful. His trust in the Lord was so communicated through his music that I “caught” it, and sought it for myself. When I heard he’d died in a plane crash, I remember thinking “God heard his desperate cry to be there with him, and he’s at home with His Lord, His work here on earth complete….thank you Lord for Keith’s life and for demonstrating your reality through his ministry, to me”. You who knew and served with him are blessed indeed. He’s one I look forward to meeting & thanking for authentically living out his faith while he had the time here, and for being a light to a new believer just beginning to come out of darkness.
One my favorite memories of Keith during my time at Last Days (1981?) is when I had to confess to him that I had done something wrong. He gave me a big bear hug and told me I was forgiven.
I was on staff at Last Days when Keith died in the plane crash. I remember that upon hearing the the news, my knees started to buckle under me and I cried out to God, what are doing! What is going to happen to all the dreams he (Kieth) had for this place! I am starting to see a part of the answer where I work… Saddleback Church. We are sending ordinary people out into the mission field, we have well trained lay counseling that we provide for free. We have a huge benevolence ministry.
It’s not just at Saddleback Church… Keith influenced so many people with his passion to sell out to God. I remember that when he died the verse that was quoted again and again… “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 24:12. There are people all over the world serving Christ, bearing fruit, because of Keith.
This is a Joyful and unexpected p.s. to my posting on Nov.3 about Keith’s ministry and music and their impact on my new faith years ago. As I typed that, I was wishing I had some of his music. All those years ago, we didn’t have a stero so didn’t purchase any records. Last week I mentioned to my son that I regretted not having any of Keith’s music. Yesterday he stopped by with 4 C.D’s of Keith’s music, which I’m listening to with a smile and great joy as I post this message. Keith is still impacting me! I’d forgotten how uplifting and happy his music is! So I thank God for Keith again today and for the technology which enables his voice to live on though now he’s singing in the Heavenly choir on the other side.
I started listening to Keith Green’s music with I was in middle school (1979). It was a crucial time in my life. I was making decisions that would effect my future. Keith’s music moved me to the Lord. I loved singing every word out loud, as loud as I could. I could hear his heart calling out to God as mine did while I sang. I was in eleventh grade when the news flash came on the TV about his crash. I remember being in my room and I cried. I cried my heart out. I remember my dad coming into my room to find out what was wrong and I asked my father, Why? Why did he have to die when he was making such a difference in this world. And my daddy told me that God was so pleased with Keith’s work on earth, that He wanted Keith by His side to be one of His singing angels in heaven.
I had just about given up on Christianity when I receive the “No Compromise” album for my 17th birthday. I knew right then and there I would have to go to Last Days Mininstries and meet Keith. Needless to say I credit Keith and his ministry for keeping me on God’s path. I thank God for the people he puts in your path at the right times. Keith was definitely one of those people. My life has certainly been blessed and I will never regret a day of my Last Days experience. Grateful for the past but looking forward to be with our Savior forever!
I was very little when Keith died, but I was turned on to Last Days Ministries in college in the early 90’s. Someone who worked for the Baptist home mission board was able to give me a discount on your book, “No Compromise”. Honestly, I read this book in ONE night and it impacted me in such a miraculous way. I was introduced to his music, and I have listened to it ever since. 17 years has passed and the best thing about this is that I am now married to a man who has followed Keith’s ministry for many years and also listenes to the music. I praise the Lord for Keith’s passion and I praise God for Melanie as well You have definitely impacted my life. I will never be the same.
Growing up as a child i did not have many positive male role models until of course my Mother gave her heart to the LORD, not long after she disposed of her secular music she purchased some of Keiths music i would have been at least eight, i loved it i looked to him like a Dad, a father i never had, his music brought comfort and joy to me as a child but what i did not know was the powerful seeds he was sowing in me through his music until i reached my thirties. This year for christmas my husband brought two cds the best of Keith Green i was over joyed and it brought me to tears as it had been twenty five years since i had listened to his music(my mother had backslidden) i had wanted to get these for years but never had the opptunity to, two weeks after that i was given Melody Greens book “No Comprimise” by a friend church,wow i had no idea what an impact he had on my life until i listened to his music again and from reading his story. My belief system on church and how we should love GOD and others was identical even what i would like to do in ministry and house christians in need. I was amazed and glorified the LORD in what a blessing he was to my life even though his life was cut tragically short that could not stop his powerful message or the prophecy on his life he was one of LORD’s expressions of love thankyou LORD may you bless and keep his family and ministry always.
love and blessings Hayley Haig
The thing that amazed me about Keith was,if He really believed God wanted him to do something;he would do it,whatever the cost.I truly believe his willingness to do this was a main reason The Holy Spirit was able to empower Keith like He did.A heart truly yielded to God,even with our imperfections,is an avenue through which He can move in our lives,and others.I for one can’t wait until I see Keith again.His life is still an impact in mine,and others.’Grace by which I stand’ is the most moving still in my life.it never ceases to touch me.
Blessings,
1Cor.15:58 Chuck
Dear Sirs: I would like to thankyou from the bottom of my heart for your music that has carried me through my life. As a adopted only child, losing my Dad at 16, then disobeying Mom’s rules, marrying a Divorcee 19 yrs older, 10 un-happy yrs following. After losing everything, finally being free and divorced, making another mistake, & disobeying my Mom again, marrying a Anthiest. 15 unhappy yrs, again losing everything, my beautiful Mom helped me move back to Victoria and get myself set up. Never once did she say “I told you so!”. There had been a boy at Nanoose Pentecostal Camp I’d met the summer before Dad died, who had sent me a necklace. As I was running around with the first loser ‘husband’, I thought that I’d better stick with him, as the young man at camp, probably wouldn’t ever want me. May Mom died the summer of 2003, and remarkably, had worn that necklace all those years. So many many times, I had thought of that boy at camp. Then winter of 2003, I unbelievably found him! He was a customer at the Safeway where I worked. Our lives had been remakably almost identical, with marriages, type of people, divorces and always thinking of each other. We married April 17th, 2004! He was a bit ill even then, and our Reverend after marrying us, said “Get this Boy to the hospital, Now!”. His health progressively, slowly became worse. And I lost my beautiful ‘Gary’ April 14th, 2007. I had NEVER known this feeling of real love, never. I had NEVER been treated so unbelieveably like a Princess. Never been loved the way he loved me. And I have never known such grief, dispair and sorrow as since he passed on. I have always hung on to my faith, even though I’ve been a blithering idiot and screwed up my life. Your husbands music was always there, but NOW it really is a trememdous blessing and strength. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart! May GOD Bless you and keep you safe & secure!
Sincerely yours, in Christ alone,
Sheila j Gibbs
402-720 Vancouver St.,
Victoria, B.C. V8V 3V3 Canada
ps “Your Love Broke Through” & “When I Hear the Praises” both mine & Gary’s favourites !!
The Lord used Keith in my young Christian life through his music–you couldn’t not be challenged to go deeper listening to the lyrics–and through his Last Days Newsletters. I still have some of them. I think the editions dealing with Catholicism were most helpful for me as a former Catholic. He defined for me in carefully chosen words the differences between my new life as a believer and my old life in the Catholic church, where I was spiritually dead. I know he took a lot of flack for even bringing up the things that separate us, especially in the days of the Catholic charismatic renewal, but he was right in that there were very definite reasons to explore the cause of the Catholic persecution of protestant believers thru the ages. The Last Days Newsletters also enabled me to grown in many ways. The issue about Christian dating was one I was able to share with my mother-in-law, who after a divorce was contemplating dating non-Christians. I think it impacted her choice to take the pain she was feeling straight to the Lord, instead of to the world. I miss him, and wonder what he would think of the state of Christendom today. I look forward to seeing him again in heaven!
I was 19 in 1979 when I turned my life over to the Lord. Living in the Midwest, we had not been turned on to the early “Jesus music” very much….some of the newer music was not very readily accepted in our churches. My cousin brought over a bunch of LP’s and tapes, Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill, etc. Among his collection was “For Him Who Has Ears To Hear” and “No Compromise”. I was astounded and grateful at the same for this music, and each artist left his own mark on me, but the one whose lyrics consistently impacted me was Keith.
He had such a unique way of taking the Gospel message and saying it in a new way. So honest….complex and simple at the same time. I remember at the time shuddering when I heard him sing “I wanna die….and let You live….Your Life in me….so I might live.” He helped me to realize the Lord’s sacrifice for us….and brought a seriousness to what it means to live for Christ. Much of “Songs For The Shepherd” shook me in the core of my soul. I was discipled by the messages in the Last Days Newsletter…..it is easy for me to say that the work of Keith Green helped to shape my life.–Mark Hendricks, Indiana
I got my first Keith Green album (“No Compromise”) on my twelfth birthday, July 27, 1982 — the day before Keith died in the plane crash. He had just been to my home town (Peoria, Ill.) a few months before for a concert. My uncle invited my family, but my parents declined to go. I was never asked separately if I wanted to go. I sure wish I had been!
Over the next several years, I ended up getting all of Keith’s albums and songbooks. I play piano, and I love playing Keith’s songs. I also subscribed to the Last Days Newsletters. They would often have ads for Last Days’ Intensive Christian Training School, which was started by Keith shortly before he died. Well, I decided to go, and I went in October of 1988, the same year I graduated from high school. I ended up being a “one-termer.” I thought about going back, but didn’t feel called to join the ministry. However, some of my fondest memories are from the time I spent there. It was truly intense.
(Incidentally, one of my favorite teaching times there was when Wayne Dillard spoke on “Walking in Truth.” I still have the cassette tape of that. His words were very wise and helpful to me in my Christian walk.)
Many people at LDM had stories to tell about Keith. I heard the story from more than one person about him shaving half his beard off and walking around the property. I also heard that he microwaved a tarantula (who knows if that’s true?). One of the saddest things was walking down the runway which was still there, but abandoned, of course. Like many have said, we’ll never have our “why” questions answered this side of heaven.
I often wonder what the Christian music “industry” would be like today if Keith were still alive.
Thanks for providing this site; it’s fun to read all the stories and memories.
Hi there,
I just finished “No Compromise” as few minutes ago. I have been a believer for 4 and 1/2 years. My boyfriend, now husband introduced me to Keith’s music when we met in 2003. I always loved it, although I didn’t know Keith’s story yet. It is so different from anything I have ever heard before and still is. You just know he was a man of his word, a man who practiced what he preached. Although he died before I was born, his story has stirred me in such a powerful way.
I am excited afresh to seek the Lord and find His calling for my life, and then fulfill it!! Looking at Keith as an example, it’s amazing to see what God can do through a life laid down for Him, a life wanting to do His will. I know I am not perfect, but each day the Lord helps me and guides me along the path He has chosen for my life. “No Compromise” encourages me to quit playing games with God and get serious about Him and His kingdom. Not in my strength, but His. What a glorious God we serve!
I learned about Keith thanks to my pastor who often mentioned him in sermons. One day I was in one of my favorite thrift stores and found a Keith Green cassette tape which I bought but did not listen to for months. When I finally did check it out, “Rushing Wind” blew my mind and the “Scripture Song Medley” made me cry happy tears at hearing my favorite childhood worship songs from day camp chapel being sung so joyously by this amazing, talented man of God. Needless to say I have read the book and have many of his songs in my media player, even got the songbooks for Christmas…my husband hunted ‘em down as they were hard to find. Now I have a bit of a music ministry of my own – joined an amazing metal band last year – and will always consider him a great, great influence on my walk as a believer. No compromise, indeed – so help me Lord!
I begin to listen to Keith Green after reading his life story in No Compromise back in 1994. I went on to visit with Leonard Ravenhill in Lindale, Texas before his death in November 1994. I had a great time of prayer in Lindale and visited Keith’s grave as well as Last Days Ministries. The Lord used Keith and LDM to put a fire in my heart for Jesus and a hunger for revival. Since those days I am now married and seeking to raise my boys to hunger for Jesus as Keith, Leonard, and the saints of old have shown us.
I was a junior in college at Ohio Univ 1980 – 1982. One of my Christian friends, Paula, had some Keith Green albums and knew I would love them. She shared them with me, and I had to get my own copies. I had “No Compromise”, “For Him Who Has Ears” and “So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt.” Since I loved to sing, I even got soundtrack cassettes so I could share with others Keith’s great message. I also got Last Days newletters and sent for tracts to pass out to others. I had no idea Leonard Ravenhill was still alive back then. I assumed he was an older man that Keith was trying to still promote his beliefs and teachings.
Besides his music, I remember a tract and a poster that tremendously impacted me. There was a poster I received from LDM of people drowning and Christians on an island with some helping. It contained a lot of different scenes of some helping, some not and it would always convict me when I looked at any part of it. The tract I remember most is the one of how the Nobel Prize committee recognized some man’s efforts to prove The Bible was from GOD by assigning all the letters – numbers and how it proved that only GOD could do that for all the different authors in all of the Bible. I still share that with people I meet today! I was even going to come down and join Melody in her Pro-Life efforts since I was adopted but my mother could have aborted me instead. I wish I had gone but for a young girl like me that was too scary to just leave everyone I knew and join your ministry.
I know from Art Katz, that Keith Green was a good friend with the Ben Israel ministry (so was Ravenhill…) and he preached often at the Prophetic School in Minnesota.
I was very, very young when Keith Green’s music was out, since I was born in ‘73. My parents raised me on his music. I remember well when he died. I was about 9. My parents and I heard it on the radio that evening, and we held hands and cried. That was a very sad day for us, and I’m sure for many others. When he went to be with Jesus, we knew the world needed more of what he had inside him. But it was just a brush of God’s love, that He wants us all to have in us. Keith has been sorely missed ever since. I’ll never forget that day as long as I live.
After reading No Compromise the chapters on the “revival” I knew that this was a model of what a true revival looks like. These being the last of the last days the Holy Spirit has used the testimony of those chapters as a litmus test for me (and of course 2 Chron 7:14) as to what a true revival/ move of the Holy Spirit looks like
I was 16 and it was 1983, I had recently been born again at a high school retreat that my brother had dragged me to and I was making a break from my music collection (AC/DC, Van Halen, Def Leppard…) when I found Keith’s Songs for the Shepherd album. I will never forget listening to “When I hear the praises start” and crying, sensing how real God was (is) and praising him for the use of music in my new life. Thank you Keith for stating, “I do not believe that any kind of music is “evil” in itself. I mean, that there are no such things as rhythms or chord structures or melody lines that were born in hell.” .. this confirmed in my heart the true liberty that I found in Jesus. Look forward to meeting you one day. Jesus is definitely Lord of All.
I became a Christain in 1994 in Australia after leaving New Zealand. I had never heard of Keith Green before that but somebody gave me a couple of his tapes. I remember how much I listened to them. I never had the radio on, just tapes, and most of the time it was Keith. His music impacted my life and walk with God in such an amazing way. I am so greatful I had Keiths music to listen to. He taught me so much about the love of God and His love for us. I still listen to him today and the music brings me back to that special place with my Lord. It brings me back to that child-like place of purity and innocence. The way that God see’s me.
Thankyou Keith
Kieth I heard about in 1980 station in Korea . A friend had let me stay in his place and told me to set his key under his mat when I left cause he was going out of town , this guy was White I,m black and he just trusted and loved me .The point is Kieth’s love and the way he used God’s word was pure to me as the action as the guy letting me use his room no reservation just pure love and faith in God .
When Kieth passed a way I was immature and said to my self satan took a saint home early.
Now I know that’s not true cause satan can,t do any thing with out God’s permission .So all things do work for the good who is called for God purpose … I,m still not sold out but I know it can hapen . Will see Keith in Heaven ,,……
I submitted to follow the Lord at the end of 1981. Even before that, I had been exposed to Keith’s music (“Ears” and “No Compromise”) by my best friend, Rick. We’d get in his truck and slap the cassette in, and drive down the roads in the small town we lived in at the time. Almost without attributing to the impact of Keith’s lyrics, we found ourselves “talking about Jesus” with a depth I didn’t possess at the time. Rick and Keith focused me on the decision I needed to make; to surrended my life into Jesus’ hands. And, I’ve never regretted it for a moment.
The first fall after I got saved, my brother and I drove a small bus for students from our town to travel to a local college. There were 4-8 of them each day. And, each day, we slapped in a Keith cassette for our captive little audience. We had a lot of good discussions about the Lord, using Keith as an entre.
It amazes me… I’ve been a Christian for over 26 years… and, whenever I come into a deeper place in Christ, I slap in my Keith CDs, and I find out that God had already taken Keith to that place in the bare 7+ years that he was saved. (Insert humiliating head shake here.) Yet, I realize that there is still tomorrow to serve my Lord Jesus, and there will alway be deeper to go, “until that final day”.
My wife and I are reading through “No Compromise” together, right now. We finished the ORU revival chapter last night. He was a better man than I. I remarked to my wife, “If I’d been there, I’d of told them what for!” She shook her head, as if to say, “I know you would.” Not a very prophetic response from her! Again, in just 7 years, Keith was wise enough to hold his tongue and exhibit the grace of God, in a situation that greived all who wanted to see Him move mightily. Keith continues to live by example, even after a quarter century in heaven. I continue to stive for the holiness that is in His presence, and Keith’s music and witness continues to be important along my pathway towards total submission. His was a truly fantastic life.
I was In the Air Force between 78-82 Stationed in all places “Rome, N.Y.” When I ran into a track that was published by L.D.M. that spoke of the great revival with Finney. I was so “HOOKED” That every where I went I prayed through the streets of Rome, N.Y. even Utica, N.Y. too this day I remember how I bought everything from L.D.M. stacks and stacks of tracks for the “Lighthouse coffee house” over in downtown Rome,N.Y. we would just let people walk in and take as many as they want.
We would put the speakers out side the street and play Keith Green albums along with 2nd chapter of acts and Barry Mc Guiarres and people would stop and listen and walk in for afew minutes, we were Radically Saved and we were not ashamed to share our faith, To The point of going to Bars and just be there in the midst of all the world and share the Gospel.
We would get Prayed up while listening to Keith Green before going out in the streets and minister and minister we did un ashamed and prayed for everything from a headache to a dead puppy that some one brought in (at least I did).
It was an awesome Time In My Life because This is where I Got “HIT WITH THE HOLY GHOST” I DID ALOT OF MISTAKES BUT HERE I AM 50 YEARS OLD AND STILL WALKING WITH JESUS.
Thank You helping me remember the Faithfulness Of my Jesus Keeping me all these years.
God Bless.
My wife and I attended the first memorial concert for Keith that Melody put on with Loren Cunningham in Norfolk, Virginia. Keith was trusting God to raise up 100,000, sold out missionaries. At the end of the memorial the was an altar call for those believers who felt the Spirit of God calling them into the mission field. My wife and I both went forward. Just 4 years later and after much preparation, we moved to Ethiopia, Africa and lived there during the famine as missionaries. Upon our return home, I entered into a ministry that prepared people to go into the mission field. Since that time, I’ve helped lead or have helped sent out, dozens of full-time missionaries and hundreds of short-term missions. Thanks to the clarion call that went out that day, we’ve seen a bountiful harvest. I thank God for Keith and his soul inspiring music that still ministers today. May God continue to send out more as the fruit of that call is still being borne.
“How can I put into words how Keith inspired, encouraged or even rebuked me..”
I think we all have asked this as we try to encapsulate what Keith meant and did in our lives to show us a real, knowable, tangible, AND expectant God…
My story is your story I’m sure in that respect. I first heard Keith in 1993/94 as a very lost unbleiever when some believing aquaintences of mine started to shower me with Keith Green, Phil Keaggy and Larry Norman music – knowing that as a Beatles fan I may appreciate the ‘older’ music (though I was only 20 years old!) enough for Jesus to ’slip on through’.
Well – no one could have expected what happened next from a guy like me, heavily steeped in the sex, drugs & rock and roll lifestyle. (Keith would like this) There were no alter calls, no ’sinners prayer’, no nothing. Jesus had been drawing me and with his perfect timing and at my lowest depths of despair (& with Keith’s anointed rendition of the Easter Song providing the soundtrack), I – alone in my little beach flat in White Rock BC Canada – was convicted to repentence, and to living faith in Jesus. Even in those little booklets from the ’silver and gold’ Keith Green collection there was enough back story on Keith that I really identified with.
Finding out Keith had already gone to be with Jesus was a shock to me. I knew nothing really of christianity except beaufont hairdo’s and smiling hucksters in expensive suits on television.
Keith was an older brother, a discipler, and a concerned friend to me through his music. Thanks for your obedience Keith – where would so many of us be if you hadn’t first listened, and then in turn told others.
God bless you deeply, Melody – I hope my rendition of ‘Easter Song’ brings you joy.
I love Keith’s music-it is still as powerful today as it ever was. I first found out about Keith Green was when I saw his album in a Christian bookstore.The cover showed him holding a lamb around his neck like a shepherd- that picture has always made me think about how Jesus cares for us. By the time I discovered his music He was already enjoying the face of our LORD
I am one of the millions who have been impacted with the life, ministry and music of Keith Green. Although the Philippines is pretty far from where Keith and family during the ‘80, it must be known that hundred of thousands have been truly blessed with their ministry. I came to know Keith at the age of 15 (1992) upon an actual tape that was played on a “karaoke” (music player). The song I can still remember: “Rushing Wind.” Unlike any other at that time, Keith’s song was like a dagger that hit my heart. The tape did not have lyrics along with it so I needed to closely listen to it. And when I got every bit of the lyrics, I was humbled by the commitment and passion of the man. That was my introduction to Keith Green and I think will not stop being inspired by him until we meet.
Keith has been a constant force that would challenge my commitment and how I live my life for God as a person and a pastor (also through his inspiration).
Unfortunately here in the Philippines, almost all of Keith’s album is not available. And hopefully through this site concerned people will learn about it and market KG’s album, books and teachings in the Philippines “again.”
For a fact it has been more than a decade that I would want to have a copy of the book “No Compromise” and I still haven’t got it. hehehe… I had an oppurtunity to get his latest album in memory of him the “Keith Green Ultimate Collection” with DVD when I was in Hong Kong and ohhhh, it is now a treasured posession I constantly share with the youth.
I only desire that many will discover his music once again especially in this generation that they may know how it is to live for JESUS 100%. For the record, I could not remember exactly how many times I cried listening to KG and even through the testimonies on this site.
How I wish some of you could help us get a copy of his live concerts, teachings, and other LDM materials… coz we were born a bit late and a bit far but with lots of desire to be fed by God through the inspiring life of Keith Green. Our email is righteousgen@yahoo.com. Kudos to the guys who made this in memoriam to KG.
I started getting serious about God when I was 17, back in 1977. Keith’s records were instrumental in encouraging a serious pursuit of God and his ways. I once had all his albums and still know his songs by heart when I hear them on a tape or such places as youtube.
I have recently been listening to some of his stuff, remembering; asking myself where the fire has gone that “once burned bright and clear.” I am asking God tonight as I write this to rekindle that fire. I want to be more concerned about the things of God than about my life and needs.
I wish there were more Christian musicians today like Keith, who never sold out his gift to commercialism. He was radical, first century christianity. I want to be that, like I once was. If anyone reading this knows how to pray for that, please pray that for me.
In an age where preachers and church seem inward looking and self indulging, Keith Greens songs brought more Spiritual insight and reality of the Gospel to me than church. He reminded me constantly that it was not all about me, but rather all about what our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ achieved on the cross at cavlnary. Jesus remains the answer today, no matter the question. It was the Master that gave His life and offers us all life thanks to His sacrifice. Now Unto Him that Loved us and washed us from sin in His own blood, be glory. Amen
In an age where preachers and church seem inward looking and self indulging, Keith Greens songs brought more Spiritual insight and reality of the Gospel to me than church. He reminded me constantly that it was not all about me, but rather all about what our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ achieved on the cross at calvary. Jesus remains the answer today, no matter the question. It was the Master that gave His life and offers us all life thanks to His sacrifice. Now Unto Him that Loved us and washed us from sin in His own blood, be glory. Amen
I got saved about 9 months after keith died, but ‘back to egypt’ was the first christian album i ever listened to many,many hours i spent in my basement room weeping and worshiping God listen to his music. It has profoundly affected me. I was thrilled recently to be able (thanks to technology) to be able to see some video footage of him on youtube. I am blessed
I first heard Keith Green’s music in August of 1985. I was at a Christian College Retreat in Glorietta, New Mexico and one of my roommates during the retreat played Keith’s music all the time. I remember the song “Grace By Which I Stand”, being so transforming for me. That music really helped make the whole experience an incredible time for me. Later the next
year, when I was traveling in a performing group called “Up With People”, I purchased a tape of Keith Green to take with me on the road. And Keith’s music…well, it simply helps in your daily walk with Jesus. It is open and real and honest and praising and filled with the spirit and…! I could go on, but everyone on this web page knows the power in his music. Thank You, Keith for your commitment to Jesus, which saturates every note and word you ever played. What an incredible legacy you left for your family and the world. Many years after you have left this planet and gone on to heaven…everyone is still remembering you and what you stood for! What an Honor! Thank you for your inspiration and dedication that showed the world (and myself) what a life is like when someone truely lives for Jesus!
When I got saved, nearly 25 years ago, there did not seem to be much Christian music I could relate to. I wondered if I could ever fit in with other believers because we seemed so different. Then I heard some of Keith’s music and realized that there were other people my age and Christian musicians who understood how I felt. It was like coming home!
I started hearing Keith’s message from an early age in the late 70’s. As a pre-teen, I was looking forward to attending one of Keith’s events… it was never meant to be. I was at home in Houston, TX when I heard the news of his death, along with two of his children and the others, on our local Christian radio station, KSBJ. My heart sank. I was devestated. Along with so many others in the world of CCM at the time, I cried… a deep sadness… which soon turned into a deep-seeded mandate to carry on his dream… his mission. I set my heart on completing a Discipleship Training School with Youth With A Mission. I had already been traveling around and singing/ministering in churches and youth groups since Keith’s death, but I knew that God had been calling me to GO. So I went. It began a season of writing new worship tunes and leading worship in new and fresh ways that I had never even believed possible. Today, I’m still writing worship tunes and leading worship whenever I get the chance… Keith’s life and boldness has been one of the biggest influences on my life. I will never… be the same again… I will never return… I’ve closed the door… I will walk the path… And I’ll run the race… and I… will never… be the same again.
I was driving in my car and turn the radio on and Keith Green was singing a song about how Jesus died for him. I was a young christian, not even a year old. I cried and cried while I was driving and my love for the Lord was over whelming. I went out and bought his records. I was going through a very hard time in my life and Jesus helped me with the songs Keith wrote.
That was 29 years ago, shortly after I was saved Keith went home to be with the Lord and I was broken hearted like so many people because his life was cut short here on earth….
Thank you Keith, for your love pointing the way to Jesus.
Was introduced to Keith’s music via a friend many years ago, I have always enjoyed it and found it compelling, confronting powerful stuff. Now I’ve managed to get a copy of ‘no compromise’. The ministry is still touching my life deeply… oh by the way I live in Australia…. thank you guys for the music and putting pen to paper to illustrate God’s effect in you life
I was saved in 82. Keith Green was the music God used to help me grow in my Christian faith.
Every song had and still has such a deep and personal touch. I remember as a teen ordering Keith Green cassettes and sending whatever money I could send and getting the cassettes in the mail. Now, they’re CD’s. I still have my cassettes somewhere. What a ministry! Sending out those cassettes. I remember giving one to a high school friend who didn’t know Jesus. He was into music. I don’t know if he ever did get saved, but, he said the music was “cool”. I remember when Keith Green died. I worked at a Christian camp and everyone was crying. I couldn’t believe when I found out why they were crying. It made me want to hear his music even more. What a message he left behind. I think he became more popular after his death. And his message is the same today as it was 25 years ago. God doesn’t change. His truths don’t change.
Last night I was listening to a Christian station on cable TV. A Keith Green song came on. “You love the world and you’re avoiding me”. When he sings the verse….”My word sits there, upon your desk, but you love your books and magazines the best, you prefer the light of your TV, you love the world, but you’re avoiding me”. Ouch. I was convicted about not reading my bible as I should. See! His music is still relevant. Thanks to our Great Lord for blessing our lives with Keith Green and his ministry.
Many years ago, my 2 teenage sons came home from a Keith Green concert in Austin so excited and insisting that I had to listen to this amazing man play the piano. (I am a pianist). They told me that although his music was “rock”, if I let myself, I would really like it. We eventually began receiving his newsletters, and I donated money occasionally to Last Days. I still believe that he had more courage than any other Christian leader I have ever known of. He is the only one who had the courage to tell it like it is. I wish more people had listened to him. I wore out the cassette tapes of his music, because I loved them so much. I bought music books and played and sang his and Melody’s songs. We gathered up used clothing once and drove up there to give it to Last Days for Mexico. One day, we were driving from our home in Marble Falls, TX, in the hill country, to Letournou University, in East Texas, to visit my oldest son, Scott, by then a student there, when I heard a Keith Green song on the radio. After it finished, the announcer said, “That was by the late Keith Green”. I was shocked and horrified and thought it must be a mistake. But it turned out that he had just been killed in the plane wreck a short distance from where we were. For years, when I heard that song, I began to cry. What an impact he made, for such a young man. I loved that he was sold out to Jesus and not afraid to urge the rest of us to also be completely sold out to Him.
When I became a new believer (in 1978), Keith’s music and ministry were my theological foundation. I could never get enough of his teachings. They were always to the point and specific to whatever I was dealing with at the time. His songs were always down to earth and challenged me in my walk and experience. The day he “went home” I remember driving to work that morning and having to pull over to the side of the road because I could not believe what I was hearing. I totally lost it and was overwhelmed with the burden of praying for Melody and her young family. I continued to receive the Last Days newsletters and in 1986 -87 had the awesome privilege of being part of DTS at Last Day Ministries for 6 months.
Thirty years later I have the privilege of sharing who Keith was and his music with my own children (who are now young adults).
Hi Jim & Nicki!! thanks for loving me and sharing your family and time with me.
I was born 4 months after Keith Green and the children were taken to be with the Lord. But, my parents raised me and my brother and sister on his music and teachings. My brother even named his son after Keith’s son, Josiah! Keith Green’s music has been the most influencial force in my life with the exception of the Lord Jesus. It comforts me, motivates me and keeps me going! I only wish I could’ve had the chance to meet him, although I know I will meet him one day and thank him and the Lord for the beautiful and wonderful gift he brought to the world. I love the intensity in his singing, you can hear his heart in all his songs!
I was supposed to be at the last days ranch the week he died, but a last minute change by the LDM staff prevented my trip. I was always awed about the providence of God in that, because as a guest, I would have been in the way in the chaos of it. He was a symbol of how Christians were to be–sadly back then he was on the forefront of Christian music, real and raw and life-changing.
It seems Christian music generally has lost much of its focus until recently–there have been so many casualties of artists and fans that faded into a shallow, sound-driven, popularity driven music and life. I am encouraged by more of the worship music, but not all of it. Some of it is the new popular genre and still gets driven by airplay and success in numbers.
I miss the person I was when I was first experiencing the Keith Green music–perhaps being younger made life simpler, but I am sure that by God’s grace all can and will be regained as I am so sick of the shallow pursuits of life.
I was at the age of 15 when I first heard his songs from my Christian brother. I really like his songs… even if I really do not yet the lyrics on it because its in English. When I started to attend a Christian church, that was the time I started to like even more his songs. His songs influenced me a lot. Now, I am a soull snacher. tnx God for him
I met Keith after one of his concerts in Atlanta in 1981. A junior in college and a new Christian, I was feeling restless about my studies and the time they were taking away from my desire to learn more about my faith. I expressed this, as well as a question re. baptism in the Holdy Spirit. He spoke at length (roughly 10 minutes) with me, one-on-one, while many others waited around to meet him. Largely as a result of his concert and our talk, I decided to take a year off from school to attend discipleship training with a ministry just down the road from Last Days Ministries. I also picked the piano back up, having stopped playing for years, and devoted my playing to worship music.
As a private pilot (hobby only), I was shocked and angered at the gross negligence of the pilot when I heard the report of KG’s death. However, that accident reminded me that, no matter how much we keep our eyes on Him, the laws of physics still apply. Blessings to Melody and all the others who continue the LDM work.
My husband and I were in our 20’s at the time of Keiths death. His was our favorite music. My husband died in 1980. He was a pastor. I wrote to Melody though we had never met or communicated previously. I wanted to connect with someone from my own age group, a young widow, minister’s wife and mother. I knew she understood the pain of the loss of the husband of my youth. She wrote back the sweetest letter. I didn’t expect that. I think I still have the letter in a box of memories from those days. She reached out and it really touched me. Keith’s music ministered to me on so many levels then and continues today. The message and the music he brought; timeless. I own the full collection. It’s an honor to remember the ministry of this family. It has stood the test of time, hasn’t it?
Keith, through the message of his music helped me through my teen years. I would often be found in my bedroom, with the music turned up loud, singing one of his songs. He was one musicial that my parents totally approved of. Keith helped me see Jesus and how important it was to totally trust Him for everything. I look forward to one day singing praises to our Lord with Keith and other believers who have gone ahead.
My church group had loaded up the van to attend the Jesus Rocky Mountain weekend concert that Keith was playing and because I had been so impacted by his music I wanted to go. The problem was at the time I was only 9 years old. My Mom told me I was too young and she didn’t want me to go alone. My older brother was going under the supervision of the church youth pastor and that was ok but I was too young.
I remember thinking there is nothing that will keep me from going to see Keith. So I pretended to help load the luggage into the van and the last thing I loaded into the van was myself. I climbed into the back when no one was looking and hid under all the sleeping bags. I stayed under there until we stopped for gas. The only reason I got out was to go to the bathroom. The youth pastor saw me and flew into a panic. He called my parents and they were worried sick looking for me. We were too far along to turn back so my Dad said to go ahead and he would deal with me upon my return.
I did see Keith in concert and it was just as I thought, life changing. I remember him sitting under the piano as God moved through the crowd. I have never been the same. God called me to follow after Him that day. I am 40 years old now and a worship leader at my church and I always wish I could call Keith for advice but I know he would probably refer me to his Source anyway. I’m so glad I went to see Him in concert – because if I had not stowed away in the church van – I never would have been able to hear him sing live. That concert is one of my most cherished memories. I never got to meet Keith but I miss him very much anyway. Someday we will worship God together again!
My memories of Keith Green go way back in time to late 1980, when I gave my life to Christ. I heard him on Christian radio and I knew his music was different. I loved it-I loved his message. He was sold out to God, committed and dedicated to God. On days when I was down, his music and message would pick me back up again. He was where I wanted to be and needed to be as a Christian. I looked up to him as a brother and leader in the Lord, just as I looked up to my pastor . I was greatly influenced as a young Christian by his music, message, and life. I remember (will never forget) the day he went home to be wth the Lord. The announcement came over the radio as I was driving my car. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing…That was a sad day for many people, but such a happy day for him. Still today, it is to me like he never left this world, because you see his music is so timeless and still so alive. His message has remained strong in my life for all these years. When I need strength or direction or it seemed I have lost my direction, I still listen to Keith and remember how powerful his timeless message really really is. I have read all his books and next to my bible I love his book called “A Cry In the Wilderness.” This is a book featuring his 12 most powerful messages (sermons). The sermons are gripping and timeless as well and this book was written after his death. I call this book, written by Keith, my 2nd bible. I have read the book many many times and personalized it over the years with marginal comments, pictures, etc. As Christians we all need someone that we can relate to and learn from in this world. Yes, we need the holy spirit, but faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The Lord uses people in our lives to make us stronger and bring us closer to him. Keith has been that person in my life that has drawn me closer to the Cross of Christ. Someday I will see him and I will be able to tell him how God used his music and message to help me get through so many days! Thank you Jesus for Keith and Melody!
I remember hearing Keith Green for the very first time as a very young believer in 1985. The track was ‘Dust to Dust’ and the album was ‘Jesus Commands us to Go’. I will never forget how that album touched me so deeply and gave me strength and encouragement at a time when I had many doubts about my faith. There was nothing fake or contrived about the way Keith expressed his relationship with God, he was the real deal! As a piano player, his style influenced me immensely and much of my current technique has its roots in Keith’s music. Over twenty years later I still find myself in tears whenever I listen to ‘I want to be more like Jesus’, I don’t think any other artist has ever had such an impact on me the way Keith Green has. I thank God for all he achieved in such a short time here on earth, to me he will always be an inspiration.
I was introduced to Keith while serving at a powerful FM radio station in southern California, when I had an opportunity to play his first recording released by Sparrow Records. Our listening audience went wild. That was nearly three decades ago. His enthusiasm for serving the Lord was contagious. I also vividly recall the morning when I began the live news feed at our radio station in FL and heard the announcement of the plane crash and the identities of all the passengers, including Keith and pilot Don Burmeister. While I was saddened by the loss experienced by Melody and others, I was comforted by the fact that all had crossed over to the other side into the loving arms of their Heavenly Father. At the invitation of Jerry Bryant, I had the pleasure of visiting the Green’s at their Woodland Hills home in the late 70’s. I’m eager for another visit when we all get togehter in our Heavenly Home. ~Richard Allan Q95FM
I Became a Christian in 1977 at the age of 21.I remember walking into a Christian book store in 1978 just looking for some music that i might like,i grew up on rock music.So i was browsing through the albums when all of a sudden there it was No Compromise by Keith Green. Iwas sold by the cover of the album what a image it was like god was telling me this will help you in your walk with the lord .When i got it home i put it on the turntable and was blown away by the vocals but most of all the honesty and truth and conviction of the lyrics when i heard the song My Eyes Are Dry i fell to my knees it was like that song was meant for me i began to pray and there was such a renewal in my life . The next day i went back to the bookstore and bought For him who has ears to hear.What a special person Keith was i started receiving his Last Days Newsletters they were food for my soul. I never got to meet Keith in person but through the Spirit we were connected When Keith passed away in the plane crash i felt that a part of myself died that very day . I love and miss him dearly but one day will meet him .My only son was born in 1988 and named him after Keith Thanks Your Love Broke Through
I was saved May 5, 1974 in Southern California during the Jesus Movement. This was before Keith’s debut FOR HIM…was released, but he played a lot of concerts in the Thousand Oaks area where I lived.
He and Melody had recently formed the Last Days Community in Woodland Hills and at his concerts, he would invite people to join if they had nowhere to go or at least attend the Bible studies. I was in high school at the time but would drive to the Friday night potlucks and got to know Keith and Melody because they LOVED that my Mom would send me along with a nice, home cooked meal to share with everyone.
It was at this time that Keith was becoming a “Jesus Star” and I asked him to play at my high school (Agoura High) during a student’s choice assembly day. All the different campus clubs had events and I was president of the Maranatha! Club and thought it would be cool for Keith to come and play.
A couple nights after I asked him, my Dad called me to the phone and said, “It’s Keith Green.” He had no idea who it was but for me, it was as if Elton John had called me! Keith agreed to come and a couple weeks later at the assembly, I set up enough chairs for about 50 people and I think 12 of us sat down when Keith began to play. I put the speakers outside of the building so his music would draw a crowd. He started with “You Put This Love In My Heart” and a song or two later, I turned around…and 200 people had packed the building! (I remember I counted!)
He was funny and was able to talk about Jesus but nt have an altar call but I remember it was all very “real” and the Holy Spirit honored his heart. He played “hard and loud” on that school piano and when the 45 minute concert was over, many kids left but a small crowd gathered around and he once again honored whatever “school laws” there were that he couldn’t really preach and I thought that was so great!
That was a big memory for me, as was the time he finished recording NO COMPROMISE. He had a “surprise” for us that Friday night–a test pressing of the LP! So I’m pleased to say that I was among the first people to hear the final album! (I remember “You!”–the first song on side 2–skipped!) That remains my favorite album because of that experience–hearing it early–and “Soften Your Heart” was a favorite.
Also, the cover of that album has an interesting story. Keith was a little “tired” of being the “Jesus Star” and I think tired of Christians being so “into him” when he wanted them into Him. And the first album had his face taking up the entire cover so he didn’t want his face on the NO COMPROMISE LP. I know the folks at Sparrow were not happy over this–they wanted their “star” and his name front and center. But Keith stood his ground and insisted he NOT appear on the album cover and he wanted his name small. They finally “compromised’ — ha!– and he allowed an inset photo of him inside the gatefold. I remember him telling this story before the LP came out but Melody doesn’t but it sounds like Keith…so I post it here.
They invited me to join the Woodland Hills group (I remember you, Wayne) because there were so many people coming and going. Many joined out of need (homeless and suddenly saved) while others joined because of the “Jesus Star” thing and many came and went, fell away, whatever. I guess I was “stable” — and Mom’s dinners!–but I was still in high school, lived nearby in Westlake Village/Thousand Oaks, and planned on going to college.
They eventually moved to Texas and one day, I got the phone call about Keith’s death. It was really the “end of an era” — Jesus Movement, et al — and I wasn’t able to listen to his music for several years. Then the Internet came along and people started posting what an “on fire saint he was” and so forth.
But he was also struggling as we all do, and much of “on fire” nature was a struggle he had with the law vs grace and anger at what he felt others should be doing. That Law vs Grace
struggle was a challenge for those who lived with him and those who loved him. His magnificent song “Grace By Which I Stand” shows the peace he was coming to with the Lord and that issue.
So much has changed since the 1970s/80s and there is so much anger/politics in the Body of Christ that I wonder what Keith would be doing today. I sense he would not be doing any CCM anymore, but he might be focused on worship music, but not praise choruses–just private time with he and the Lord. He was trying to divest himself of the whole CCM thing and find a purity (“pure religion” as it says in James) and I think he would be off somewhere with Melody and his children, following Jesus but without a crowd of onlookers.
My all-time favorite lines by Keith:
“Oh Lord, forgive the times
I’ve tried to read You mind.
For you said, If I’d be still
Then I would hear Your voice.”
When I wrote on this site last May, it was mostly about the past. But, I now have to say that Keith’s music is more important, more central to my faith and growth than at any time in my life. The reason for this is that I’m really trying to submit to the Lord in ways that I hadn’t allowed Him to touch. And, I’m in my upper 40’s.
My life – from the perspective of what I believed it would be when I got saved – has been a disappointment. This has nothing to do with my marriage or family. I just thought that I would be a lot deeper as a Christian than I have been; that I would be an example of what it would be like to be radically saved. And, for reasons of my own making, that hasn’t been the case.
With my wife’s help, I am really trying to discover a greater depth to my walk in Christ. This has taken me to places in Him that I’ve never been. I’ve read Keith’s biography (and Charles Finney’s), I’ve cut down on the silly, shallow excuses for CCM, or “praise” music that I listen to. I pretty much just play my extensive collection of Kieth’s CDs.
The point to this is that, after over 26 years, I’ve never found a Christian artist who has displayed Kieth’s level of no compromise commitment. And, since that’s what I want in my own life, that’s what I’m allowing into my ear gate. I’m not saying that there’s no other “deep” music out there. It’s probable that there is. I just don’t know of it. (In fact, anyone who wants to nominate another artist for a No Compromise Award, please make a suggestion. They’re all probably on Youtube)
I want to reach that place in Christ, where Jesus can tell me “well done”, and my kids can say, “My dad was a REAL Christian”. Keith’s kids can say that. And I’ve got a lot of work to do at it, so I’ll sign off, now.
Keith was a pioneer in Christian music, and I love so MANY of his songs. More importantly, he prophetically called us all to repent, then GO to share Christ with the unsaved. One of my favorites is from his album, Make My Life a Prayer to You, the last cut, A Message From Keith, where he challenged us to be more involved and more effective in sharing Jesus. I was struck to the heart when I first heard that he, along with some of his children and friends, had been lost. It reminded me of his commitment in his song, Pledge My Head to Heaven. It was truly a great loss to the Church — but the Lord called him home, in His timing and plan, even when we don’t understand it. I’m sure he had a joyous welcome from the Lord he served so diligently. Lord bless you, Melody, and all your children, for your faithfulness and for continuing his ministry in truly spiritual songs, and in standing against the slaughter of the preborn. May the Lord continue to comfort and strengthen you.
I had been saved not even 2 years when I first heard about Keith Green and after hearing people speak about him I wanted to find out who he was and what he said. His words from his songs had a sharpness to them that at first I wasn’t sure if I liked it. I eventually decided that I did like the things that he said and read a track from him one day called, “Why you should go to the mission field”. I did go shortly thereafter but was wisely counseled by my mentors to wait because I wasn’t ready for the field yet as new believer. Keith’s music became and remains my favorite Christian music of all time. About 8 years after I was saved, I went as a long term worker without a mission board and with $500 in my pocket trusting the Lord to provide for me as Keith had pointed out, “He’ll take care of the rest”. God did take care of the rest and as I already knew, I never went without a meal or a place to sleep as I spread the good news of Jesus Christ there. By the first three months there together with some new Albanian believers that I had started training in sharing Jesus, we had already started the first church in the existance of the town Skrapari, Albania. I got married to one of the young believers from that town and we came back to Albania to work for 5 more years after my first year there. We have been serving the Lord in Global ministries for over 12 years now. As I read about the unknown things about Keith, I’m amazed at the similiarities of his habits and mine. But there are some things about Keith that no one seems to be able to come close to duplicating in his music, passion, focus and conviction of the H.S. through music. I want to love Jesus as Keith Loved Jesus. I want to touch people in a small way like he did. I want to be close to my father like Keith was. I cry sometimes when I think that Keith was taken from us. I imagine sometimes what he would be doing and the kind of impact he would still be having if he were alive today. I’ve heard some say that he had more impact through his death then he could have had by living. That may have been true but I wonder sometimes if we didn’t suffer a greater loss than the loss of Keith and his children when they died. I would love to have met Keith and am thrilled when I talk to someone who met him and I want to find out everything he had said. I know that there are others who have been impacted like me by Keith because I have met them. Thank you Lord for my brother Keith and the privelage to be in his family and that I’ll one day by your grace be able to eat with him at your table.
I just read his “Catholic Chronicles” for the first time tonight and realized that Keith was STILL growing up. Just like he grew out of his teen idol stage, his hippy stage, his early Christian stage, it would have been great if he lived long enough to grow out of his (typical) misunderstanding of the Catholic faith stage. Publishing such a shallow and typical outsiders view of the Catholic faith only shows that EVERYONE has room to grow in understanding while still in the flesh. All too soon he was gone before having the chance to grow further. Like most of his early life, his writing the Catholic Chronicles would have been reversed in time .
Be careful what you write, most of it will look awfully stupid in 25 years…
I was an Elton John freak back in the late 70’s. He was a great inspiration to me musically since I was trying to develop my talent to play the piano and sing. I couldn’t tell you the particular woman in our church, but I remember her coming up to me and saying, hey…if you like Elton John, then you will like this guy. She proceeds to hand me a cassette of Keith Green. I shrugged it and politely accepted her gift.
I ended up listening to the tape and was initially blown away by his piano playing. It just so happened he sang in my key as well. I will also note, when I start getting into a particular group or musician I get pretty focused. It wasn’t long before the cassette was well worn.
Then, the Youth Minister said that Keith was coming to Tulsa and performing a number of nights at Oral Roberts University. I will tell you that every night the presence of the Lord grew greater and greater. The annointing was intense and God was moving greatly.
I remember the last meeting I went to at ORU there was an incredible time of repentance. There were people all over the auditorium on their knees repenting of sin. Then Keith asked if there were anyone that would like to publically repent of their sins. People started lining up and confessed their sins and acknowledge their repentive attitude. Each time people would burst into applause and glorify God.
Then a young college student came up and identified himself as part of the student government (can remember what part) and confessed homosexuality. Again, open reception of his repentance, but then one of the Deans, Buskirk, came out and said they meetings were concluded and explained that there are certain sins that should not be confessed in public and ended the meetings.
I have mixed feelngs about that night. I felt that God moved till Buskirk stopped the meetings. It was at that moment, not before, you could definitely feel that Holy Spirit being quenched. I understand the reasoning and the attitude of the era on that topic. Also, I understand the reason they encourage individuals to confess privately some things.
Keith quietly and respectfully packed up and I never heard anything else of there involvement in Tulsa. I have always wondered what happened to that kid that confessed such a personal sin and the impact that night had on his life. Maybe part of the reason I choose to post this story here…Maybe he or someone that knows him will post the rest of the story.
I remember being touched by Keith’s music when I was in college. I only have the “Ears” album. I would play it over and over especially the Easter song. I remember when his plane crashed with two of his children. I felt very badly for his family, but knew he and his children were with the Lord. As I am looking forward to the Easter celebration in a day and a half, I am reminded of what joy that Keith brought to his listeners. As I am grieving the lost of my sister and only sibling and my father, I am reminded of His Resurrection when I listen to the joy in the Easter song.
Thank you all for sharing your stories and memories. What a passionate child of God. Would we all have a part of that passion in our lives.
Peace to all.
“He is Risen”
He is Risen,indeed!
I encountered the songs of Keith Green as a college freshmen, when I joined a youth group in the University of the Philippines Los Banos in 1991. I have loved his songs ever since…..Those college years allowed God to move in our group in a very special way thru Keith’s music. Hands down it was the most radical Christian organization in the university. We used to go classroom to classroom sharing the gospel after each class. Sharing to total strangers who we see at the back of the university library and meeting together from Monday to Friday for Worship at 5:30 in the morning. Numerous bible study groups were formed with passion and a sense of urgency to reach out the souls. We dare not be Asleep in the Light as Keith’s song blares out. The conviction of God to share his gospel and live a life devoted to Christ was so strong we had the song “Make my life a prayer to to you” as sort like the group’s foundational anthem or song in beginning. This move of God was so incredible that the youth group became the biggest student organization in the university by 1995 (at one time we had more than 500 students as committed members) and spun of numerous professional and community groups that carried the same fire, first to the rest of Laguna province and much later to different parts of the country. I’m writing this today and it’s already April 2009. I already have two daughters working for the largest real estate company in the country as a sales development trainer. My brethren in that group have become ministers, lawyers, doctors, missionaries, accountants based in different parts of the world. All of us still sing Keith Green’s songs today as poignant and as wonderful as the first time we sang them in our dorms and in the campus……Thank you so much to God and Keith Green for the life changing music that never fails to bring us back to real Christianity!
In 2002 I had a crisis of faith that my youth pastor helped me through. When i finally got back on track with the Lord, my youth pastor gave me a book to read. It was called No Compromise. He briefly told me who Keith Green was and that I reminded him a little bit of Keith. In my immaturity, i tossed the book and never read it.
Two years later, running hard after God, on the other side of the country, a pastor who’s church i was preaching in, approached me one day and said, “You know who you remind me of? Keith Green.” I immediately thought back to my youth pastor, and thought who is this Keith Green guy i keep hearing about, this is weird.” So i read the book.
Long story short, It changed my life. It gave me courage, hope, definition and purpose to why i was living and how to walk that out. I don’t know where i would be if i hadn’t read that book!
When my son was going through his rebellion and turning from anything to do with God, he would make “smart” remarks about christian programs. Keith’s programs and music held his atttention without any remarks. He soon turned back to God and today he pastors his own church and uses Keiths music to reach teenagers.
I was heading a girls teenage group at the time and had a hard time getting them to work as a unit….until they heard Keith’s back to egypt. They put together a skit acting out the song…all on their own.
I look foreward to meeting keith and telling him how he ministered through my family and friends!
I have been inspired since seeing Keith in concert in Little Rock in (i think) 1981. I was living in a tin-roof shotgun house with no heat or air and barely electricity. Our home had holes in the walls that went all the way through to the outside and since we lived in dense bottom land the mosquitos tormented us mercilessly night and day. My parents were abusive, I was forced to stand in the center aisle of the school bus by the other kids because I was poor (and later because I proclaimed Christ and carried my Bible to school.) My sister and I were so unpopular the bus driver made us walk to the next bus stop a mile from our house even though he had to pass our house to get to the other stop. Many times I sat in my parents room and held my father’s gun to my head wishing I could summon the courage to pull the trigger. If it hadn’t been for the compassion shown to me by my youth pastor and by people I encountered at the concert who were kind and gave my sisters and I more than the usual one record that they offered for whatever you could afford and for the comfort given to me daily by the wonderfully anointed music coming from those records I might be in hell right now. I could never have thanked Keith enough for his example. But I thank God that He inspired Keith to inspire me. I have recently been called into ministering through music and I will be brushing up on my old Keith Green songs on piano. A very nice couple is donating a piano for this purpose. I don’t think I am the only one doing this right now. There seems to be a wave of interest in this and other Christian music right now. Let’s all take advantage of this to the glory of God. Thanks and God bless you for posting this site.
I was not a Christian when Keith Green died. After I was born again in 1988 I became aware of his ministry and his tragic death. He truly was an evangelist! The interesting thing is that just recently (summer 2009) the Lord has been ministering to me and my husband through his music which is so focused on the Lord and on the lost and the love of God for both. I also want to say that Keith Green was right on target when he wrote the Catholic Chronicles. The writings were born from a love for truth and a love for lost souls. They are biblically sound. I write this as someone who was a Roman Catholic for almost 40 Years before truly being saved. Love and truth were in those chronicles. In this day of gross apostasy don’t let anyone tell you differently my dear brethren in Christ. These are heaven and hell issues and must be carefully considered.
Keith turned me on to Christian music and all the PEACE I have received over the years. I probably saved my life. May God Bless his family. Love in Christ, Dennis
In 1978 or 1979 my wife dragged me off to a Keith Green concert in San Diego. I did not want to go. I thought most Christian musicians were just a bunch of wanna-be’s…people who could not make it in the real music industry and therefore had to settle for the “Christian” market. I remember sitting up in the balcony and Keith came out…sat at the piano and played “Until your Love Broke Through.” I will NEVER forget that moment. I turned to my wife and said…”This is from another world.” I was forever changed at that moment. I am a worship leader and song writer. I owe much to his ministry. My youngest son is named Daniel Keith. When I read the autobiography “No Compromise” and read how he told Melanie that if he died and she had a boy (she was pregnant) to name him Daniel Keith…I called my wife and said…we are naming him Daniel Keith. We sent a birth announcment to Melanie and she sent us a note telling us that story.
Dear everyone,
he did have an impact on my life, I am australian. I became a christian the same year he did.
and I didn’t know there was chrisitan music until I heard his.
It is no compromise attitude thats impacting and you get a strong sense of Jesus with his music.
God bless Donna
This is the year 5770, a new year, Rosh Hashana. I awoke this morning and ask the Lord to show me what He wanted me to do.
I am from the Pocono area of Pennsylvania, a young pastor listened to Kieth Green, I didn’t know there was such a thing as Contemporary Christian Music. That was well over 25 years ago, I am now 48. The Lord is My Shepherd has been as still is one of my favorite songs. I am on the worship team at Chirstian International, I was in an advanced song writing class with Dean Mitchum on the 17th, when the question was posed, “What is your favorite song”? The Lord is my Shepherd by Kieth Green was my answer.
I feel the Lord wants me to write songs. My roots are with Kieth Green, and my present is with Bishop Hamon ( I attend Christian International), the CI Team, Chuck Pierce, Cindy Jacobs, Martha Lucia……..WOW, prayed at 6am, and answered by 8am. Well I better get to work! So much to do, so little time, redeeming the time! Thank you for this post, and thank you for asking. Blessings. Laura Faith
what a privilege to share our hearts for the precious brother and all his life meant to us.
i was a young Christian and keith’s music meant everything to me. i feel like much of what i learned about walking with Jesus, holding back nothing, was imparted to me by his life and ministry. His music stirred my heart deeply. i remember listening to “your love broke through” over and over and over…the words and beautiful melody going deep within me. weeping that i could somehow know a God like our God. his deeply challenging songs brought conviction. his tracts adjusted me, never hard to receive. i always wanted to somehow thank him. i remember hearing of his death, and was shattered, unbelieving that it could actually happen. i remember thinking how God must be planning something great in heaven for keith to be a part of! (not sure of my theology at the time, but it helped my grieving heart.) thank you for doing this…
WOW! What memories!!!WE had the privilege to see Keith at Jesus West Coast in Santa Rosa, CA. My husband and I and 3 young children camped there several years in a row, and just soaked in God. Keith touched our hearts forever with Keith’s down to earth talks and songs. Now all these years later, we are serving the Lord. I lead worship every Wed. night in our adult group, and love learning new praise and worship songs all the time even being a senior citizen for sometime now!!!God is so good, and Keith and his children must be having a blast with Jesus all this time!!!!
I was 40 years old in 1980 when i was born again .And listened to Kieth’s songs they
made an impact on my walk with the Lord.He was such a gifted young man who loved
God so much.I still have some albums.I know he is still missed by family .friends & many
fans.He was a blessing.
I loved Keith Green’s music when I first heard it in 1978. It was fresh and beautiful and “in your face” all at the same time. His passion for God came through so clearly. And his passion for God seemed to generate a frustration with the Christians or the Church (A frustratin I shared until it was directed at me.)
I saw him in concert a few years later in the Midwest. I didn’t enjoy it. Not because the music wasn’t great – it was. But because my heart wasn’t turned toward God at that time. I considered myself to be a Christian but I was also sexually involved with my girlfriend and didn’t want to change that. God was using Keith to challenge me to live completely for Christ and I didn’t like it. I walked away from that concert telling myself that I was OK and Keith Green was just a little over the top.
A couple of years later God opened my eyes to my sin, my need for Him and to His grace. I am inspired by Keith’s passion for God and his willingness to be misunderstood for the sake of Jesus. How much easier would it have been to simply tell people what they wanted to hear?
Today the music Keith made known to the world speaks even more clearly to me than it did 30 years ago. Still calling me to live a life that is sold out to Jesus.
Thanks for the opportunity to remember God’s patience and the legacy of a faith-filled man.
When I was in my late teens, and before Keith passed, his music and his Last Days Ministry magazines and newsletters fed my deep desire to know and follow Christ with all of my heart. His music and his writings were genuine and fed the soul rather than the ego. I remember the day I heard his plane had crashed. I cried and wondered why God would take someone so young who was ministering to so many young hearts and minds. I knew there would probably not be another Christian artist like him ever, or at least not for a long time-and there never has been any Christian artist who has touched my heart and soul as he did.
When Keith passed away, I thought; “There goes a man uncompromising in dedication and belief that God is the I Am, and His word is to be taken in the same uncompromising way! I will always love his two songs that show both sides of his personality; “To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice”, and “So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?”. I pray his life inspires others to lead.
It was the mid 70’s I believe and a converted theater in San Diego CA that housed Calvary Chapel when I first heard Keith Green’s ministry and music. I was a “baby Christian” at the time and came from a Jewish background. I distinctly remember noticing that Keith was barefoot on stage and playing the piano as he sang. I got so caught up in his beautiful words and music and just knew I was where I was supposed to be at that moment in time. It is something that will remain in my heart until I too am with the Lord. Hopefully I will also once again enjoy the presence of this wonderful, soulful, spiritual man who gave so much while he was on this earth.
I first heard Keith in the Akron, OH area in the late 70’s when he played in local high school auditoriums. The lyrics that poured from Father’s heart through Keith’s impacted this teenager, causing some pretty radical commitments on my part! Winkie Pratney was also a part of that impact at the Cathedral of Tomorrow. Later, while in Bible college, I married in May, 1982, just a few weeks before Keith’s graduation from this life. Each year (now 27) when my wife and I celebrate our marriage and the Kingdom impact that Father has through us, we think of those who were used to guide and influence us. We still play the vinyl that serves as an anchor to a Jesus Who loves so much. . .while His Church loves so little. It presses us toward further Kingdom advancement amongst those wounded servants of His, as well as the subcultures that are generationally away from Him. Thank You, Father, for Your amazing tapestry of network–to the glory of Jesus!
I first met Keith in 1981 shortly before the plane crash. It was one of his last concerts he played it was at the Livestock Events center in Reno, NV. At that time I had idolized Keith
and the Lord Jesus was convicting me of this. So, I had the perfect opportunity to ask his
forgiveness. The concert was packed as usual and the TV stations showed up to film him.
He immediately told them to “pack up and leave” and that “this isn’t about Keith Green; it’s
about Jesus Christ and if you want to stay and listen that’s fine but if you want to film me
then you need to leave”. It was an amazing event. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing
and was awestruck by what I was witnessing. They rolled up their cables and left the Events
Center upset. Jesus won again – Praise the Lord. After the concert Keith was witnessing to
a bunch of people near the front of the stage. I thought to myself there is no way I’m even
going to be able to get near him and I said “Lord, if you let get his attention I’ll ask forgiveness and apologize. He said to Melody, “hey Mel we gotta go” I said to him very quickly Keith can I please talk to you he was begging me saying “brother, I gotta go” and I said please I need to talk to you it’s really, really important. With that he came up to me and I intruduced myself on the stage and I admitted everything to him how I idolized him and thought he was so awesome. He lovingly rebuked me and said, “brother, you can’t do that; that’s sinning against the Lord, that is wickedness, you need to repent” I said look at you your famous and everything (I was very naive). With this he floored me and said “look at me
I have a white T-shirt on; jeans with holes in the knees does this look like someone to idolize?” Then he said, “brother let’s pray” With that he prayed that the Lord Jesus would forgive me and would cleanse me from my sins and show me how to walk with him on a daily basis. I told him Keith I really love you in the Lord and he said “I love you in the Lord but you need to keep your priorities straight” With that we hugged and I cried real hard. He said God loves you take care I gotta go God bless you Rob. Six months later he was dead. I was floored at his death but realized that the Lord Jesus gave me the only opportunity to apologize and I took Him up on it. Praise the Lord. My soul was freed.
said “none of this matters, Rob
I was 22 when I got saved in 1981. Keith’s music IMMEDIATELY gripped me. All of it. No Compromise, So You Want To Go Back To Egypt, You Can Run to the End of the Highway, and ALL of it. I had no car stereo, so I had a little boom box I put in the back seat of the car and used batteries like mad. I would cry and it would lift me to live like Jesus wanted me to live that day. I would be convicted, better said. If no other music could bring me to God, Keith’s could. I still to this day say that there has been no other Christian musician to influence not only the industry, but the WORLD the way Keith’s music did.
Not to mention his publications, missions, etc. I was stirred to get involved with missions when I was at a concert Keith did in Long Beach in early 1982. I received the publications and I am not a huge reader, but I devoured the Last Days Newsletter. I still quote him all the time.
There are too many things in this world in certain categories to have a favorite. My son asks me what my favorite meal is, what my favorite flower is, what my favorite cookie is, my favorite classic rock band, etc. One thing I can say about favorites, is that KEITH GREEN was my, I mean, IS my favorite Christian musician. His songs were like sermons. His sermons could be written to music. His sermons WERE newsletter articles. His songs inspired us to love God and our neighbor. He inspired missionaries to get out of their neighborhood and go to someone else’s, even if it was 4000 miles away.
Nobody still to this day can hold a candle to Keith. Nobody. His conviction, his passion, his music, his love, his intensity, his focus, his inspiration, nothing can compare and nobody will ever. It’s not to say that I don’t want someone else to come carry the torch…I DO! Come on, raise up, next Generation! Bring someone out of nowhere, Holy Spirit, who will set this world on fire again.
When he died, it was only about 10 months after I was introduced to his music. I wept and wept. I was not a fan so much as a disciple. I understood then and now that it’s time to go to work. We all have a purpose on this earth and we have to go to work. Let the love overflow. We are the workers that are being sent forth in to the harvest.
It’s hard to believe, but he put out the newsletter, the tracts, probably 4 albums and traveled the world from the time he was 19 and got saved and 28 when he died. Or was it 27? He worked incredibly hard at fulfilling God’s call.
We have been without him for 27 years and we MUST let the Lord use us! Who else is going to bring the message of God’s love?
Just wanted to share with you a 14 year journey of a short film I filmed/edited/produced
“The Prodigal Son” it is a short film along with Keith Greens song “The Prodigal Son Suite” The DVD is currently being sent out to many places and given away to where the LORD is leading me to get it out. Go to http://deanbauman.com to read more about the story. Thank you for posting this site and for allowing me to share my story.
I still have some of the Last Days Ministries newsletters. My ex-husband and I actually visited the ranch after Keith died. I had been corresponding with Don Burmeister’s wife and wanted to meet her. My ex-husband introduced me to Keith’s music and LOVED it because of his passion for what he believed and the scorching lyrics. I just watched the video produced by Melody. I had a lump in my throat the whole time, and to this day I feel extremely sad about Keith, his family, and his friends’ deaths. I will always remember what I was doing when I heard. I wish that Melody would write a book about her grief journey. I am sure she misses him to this day. I know she was only able to bear it because of God, what a huge loss for her.
Thanks to all of you for keeping Keith’s memory alive and for Melody for all that she’s done.
Right after Keith died 1000’s of people wrote letters and called, saying, ‘it’s as if I KNEW Keith’ and the truth is if you listened to his music and connected with his message, then YOU did know Keith. You might have heard that saying, ‘he wore his heart on his sleeve’ but Keith was a person who wore his soul on his sleeve. When he crossed the finish line, he was definitely in a full run and had no plans for an early graduation. I’ve often wondered, “Lord, why did Keith preach such a challenging message only to get called out of the classroom early”? My husband and I were very close to Keith, and there’s a picture of him doing our wedding ceremony in the “No Compromise” book. I miss him! One thing I’m certain of, that he’s still leading worship and who knows, maybe even giving altar calls.
I first heard the music of Keith Green in 1983. The first song that touched my spirit was Until that Final Day. Melody and Keith’s music was so very instrumental in the LORD saving me from religion and into relationship with Jesus. Now 26 years later and having been blessed beyond description by so many anointed and gifted singers and their songs of worship and praise unto the LORD, in my opinion there is no one nor group that quite compares with what the Almighty poured through the uncompromising life of Keith Green. Though very prolific in his short amount of time on earth, we all get to spend an eternity with Keith and so many others worshiping our Savior in songs of praise and adoration forever. I’m sure it’s been said before but it is worth repeating….just imagine the songs Keith must be banging out on that heavenly piano now and forever in glory!!!
I saw Keith Green in Hartville, Ohio, in 1977, when he had first released his debut album. (This was the last album to show any humor, by the way). He traveled in a little RV and stayed at a Red Roof Inn in Canton because it was inexpensive. I appreciated his consistency in living frugally and playing a good piano, but he was intimidating. In fact, he was a bit obnoxious in his zeal. During his alter call at the Friendly Gesture Coffee House, he demanded that four people who raised their hands come down to the front of the room. When they didn’t, he threatened to escort them down personally to accept Christ. They finally caved to social pressure but I’ve wondered over the years how sincere their commitment was. There’s a difference between sincerely seeking and merely being bullied into a public display of accepting Christ. During intermission, he stepped outside the coffee house and chatted with very few people because the rest of us found him to be unapproachable. He seemed to have the whole universe figured out and he was rather arrogant about sharing his insights in a ticked-off kind of way. In all, I was turned off to his overpowering personality and I didn’t really care for his “in-your-face” public persona. Keith had a lot of growing up to do yet in 1977. I will say, however, that he was a very good musician and that he played a very good acoustic piano.
Hello,
I first came in contact with Kieth’s music long after he had departed this life. His music causes me to see how really faithless I have been, yet I have served my church on 3 occasions as elder. Until Kieths music said things to my heart that I had never considered I thought I was one of Jesus “mighty men”. In truth I am anything but, and Kieths music says those things to my heart. I thank God for Him and Melody every day. Blessings to each of you,
Tom
PS, I.m over 70 years old.
I am 22 and never got to meet Keith Green. But I read his Bio, No Compromise. I was never the same. I learned more of what it means to follow Jesus from the pages of that book than almost anything else in life this far. God touched my heart and made passionate to follow Him despite the cost. I thank God for what He has done through Keith’s life.
I remember hearing about the death of Keith Green, but I didn’t know anything about him. I did hear that he was a Christain Singer. Several years later my brother bought a two CD set of Keith’s music. I was in the Air Force at the time, and I lived in the military dorms. People would literally knock on my door to ask me the name of the artist that I was playing. It was amazing. One guy actually asked if he could sit in my room to listen to the music. We didn’t talk. He just sat there and listened to every word.
I met my future wife a few months later and Keith’s music was one of the first things we discussed. She had never heard of Keith, so I played “No One Believes In Me Anymore.” She is a piano player, so she was immediately blown away by his talent. Keith remained a big part of our dating life since his was about the only music that we listened to on our dates. There are so many great songs.
Keith’s music always lifts up Christ as the true focus of our worship. Keith wasn’t interested in becoming famous. I believe that the worship of Jesus was the heartbeat of Keith Green.
Keith’s music has always gotten through to me. He has a way, even now, of revealing God’s heart and His call in our lives.
“Rushing Wind” is sort of a theme song in my life, and I am so grateful that he shared in his talent, and continues to. I am constantly amazed at his heart for people and God.
I wonder what Keith would have done when faced with what happened to CCM, and the church-at-large. Over the last 30 years the Church in America has grown more shallow and crass in it’s life-style, and it’s expression of Christian beliefs. There is a self-centered spirit that permeates much singing and preaching. Functionally, America has no Church, today. By that, I mean that there is no mass of Christ-followers who have sold all they have to follow Jesus. There is just a powerless shell, that the world mocks and chuckles at.
I suspect that Keith would have had some serious counsel for the purveyors of the silliness that passes for revival, and for biblical preaching. (There are still some faithful men and women, but they aren’t the mass-popular ones.)
Father God, where are your prophets, in our day?! Send us your rain, Oh Lord! Send us your porphets!
I had just got out of prison here in Texas and I was living in a Christian half-way house (1977). We head of an outdoor Christian music festival being held in Lufkin, Texas. So we packed up and went. One of the evenings Keith was performing. He begin to play and I was amazed. At one point he begin to tell us about the healing power of the Lord. He said that as he would continue to play that God would show up and heal people. He begin to play and sure enough, people in the audience begin to get healed. I now look back on that concert now and know God took me there to amaze me with his glory.
i think it’s cool that he was jewish. also, he was a staunch “be saved or go to hell” artist in his early days, but later became much more, i guess reserved in his approach. at any rate, he was an awesome artist whose faith carried his life.
I first learne of Keith Green through a girlfriend who’s sister was taken in by the Green family and cared for her during a most difficult time in her life. I was moved beyond words by his music and his ministry. Shortly thereafter, we were to see him in person in San Pedro, California where he would be welcoming the mercy ship Anastasis.
He died just before the event in 1982 and Melody Green attended in his place. She looked so very tired but maintained a strong demeanor. Our hearts broke for her that day and although I only learned of Keith a few months prior, I was overcome with emotion and tears began to flow. They played Keith’s song Holy, Holy, Holy and there was not a dry eye in the audience.
Following that event, I obtained everything I could find on Keith Green (Music, Last Days Ministries Newsletters, etc. to understand a greater depth of his purpose and love of Christ. Needless to say, I am more moved now by his music and ministry that I had ever been before. His music and love of Christ are a fundamental part of my worship and it is a joy and priviledge to share his music for the first time with new believers or with those who may never have heard of him.
His music and words are genuinely timeless I am grateful his ministry continues to live on. He must be one awesome worship leader in Heaven!
On another note, my love and thoughts to Melody for her courage and desire to keep Keith’s ministry alive – May God bless her and her family~
I first heard Keith when I was 14 years old and 25 years later I am still listening to him. I had all his albums, then cassettes and now CD’s! I even gave David Archuletta a CD of Keith Green last April when he was in Cleveland, Ohio ( in hopes he will sing one of his songs) Keith has and always will be my all time favorite because of his conviction both on and off the stage. I went to his memorial service and also still have the newspaper article. I love Christian Music and many artists today are great, but Keith was the most passionate, honest artist ever.
Back in the 80’s when I was coming out of drug addiction, I had found a church in Los Alamitos, CA (Cottonwood Christian Center). During that time I discovered Keith’s music and I especially loved “The Easter Song”… I always thought that song was heavily anointed and felt a strong spiritual connection to its message. To this day, I can’t make it through an Easter without hearing it at least once. All of Keith’s songs bring a special message of hope, redemption and show us the love of our Savior toward us. Thanks for putting together such a great site! God bless, Jenny Fedei
I remember being on a plane after he died and thinking if God didn’t save Keith why in the world would he save me? It made for a very hairy experience. I had every album he made and was not a “fan” but another lover of Jesus and appreciated the place he could always take me to with his music. I always said he could play an instrumental and bring everyone to the altar! Although I could write so much, my favorite memory was his memorial concert. When he came on, we stood and cheered for 5 minutes as if it was really him on stage. His book, the Life of Keith Green, I believe, made the biggest impression on me. It was given to me by another KG lover and made me want to be all I can be for Jesus. I will never forget Melody’s words after he died. Quoted loosely, “My husband died today. Doesn’t anyone realize that? Why is the world going on as if nothing happened?” I wanted to let her know many, many, have felt the same way in their lives and we all felt that way the day he died. Thank you for this site, brother. God bless!
I first became aware of Keith and his ministry in summer of `82. We were attending a church The Jesus People Church in Minneapolis for the first time. A woman who introduced herself was talking quite excitedly about this singer songwriter who we just had to listen to. We checked him out and discovered an amazing lure to want to hear more of yhis mans music. We proceeded to purchase every album available and in time wore them out and went to cassete, we still have most of the cassete’s but now have all the CD’s and one DVD. Our children have all grown up listening to Keith’s music, they have their own favorite song of his. I can’t wait to see Keith in Gods kingdom, I know the Lord took him home so as to be remembered always as Keith in his vibrant youth thus being an inspiration to the young people of today and tomorrow. I have been through many trials and many trails, I have back-slid but through it all Keith’s music has pulled me back. I have come to a place in my life where I know I could never go back to the ways of the world and much of my widom and understanding can be attributed to Keith and his ministry…as God is my witness. Thank you Keith
I met Keith in 1980. I was going to Multnomah School of the Bible and Keith came and did a concert! His gentle spirit and giving heart just stopped me and I thought, this is a Man of God. It was an amazing evening. I sat right behind him as he sat at the piano and sang and it is something I will never forget. I still listen and sing to his music. He was a beautiful man and left us all with a beautiful legacy. Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to have Keith here on earth to bless us and thank you for the blessing that he still is! Anne
I saw Keith at Jesus 78. I was baptized with the Spirit then. There was nothing like his music that could open my heart up at that time. A while later I walked away from the Lord for nearly twenty five years. I was disgusted with the hypocrisy I encountered. I lived a very carnal life. Last year my heart was softened and my eyes opened to the truth once again. This year I will be 50 and I once again listen to Keith’s music almost daily. Listening to him helps put me in a place where I was when I first knew the Lord. It is hard now after years of living only for me, to let go of many things. But I try, and I cry, and God hears me. Thank you Keith for your giving of your gift.
I used to listen to Keith’s music on our 2 and 1/2 hour ride back to visit family when I was newly married. I was not a committed Christian at the time, but more of a seeker. Keith’s music inspired me to grow and walk deeper with the Lord and to understand who Jesus really was. I am so thankful for Keith’s ministry, as I see it as very much the catalist that caused my relationship with Christ to beocome real and genuine.
If all music could have the same message like keith greens, he was an amazing preacher, The Lord sure was with him, I listen to his music and it’s beautiful it has touch my heaart for two yrs now and my children they are babies and almost know all his songs. Glory to the Lord for giving us people like him and I know that his purpose in life was accomplished,
As a teenager in Belfast N. Ireland , I grew up with and got involved in the troubles in this land , the times were mad when I look back , and so was I but not as mad as the christians that walked into our gang of loyalist glue sniffing punks and skinheads . well anyway to cut it short some of the gang got saved after violating their church for a few weeks including me , dec 1981. I was introduced to Keiths music which i loved and was a nice change from punk ! Keith and his ministry kept me inspired along with the daily bread which helped me figure out the bible . I found out way over here that Keith had died , so did some mates during the troubles and as a result of them , some in jail some on the run , my faith died too and i went on the run , from god that is ! Nearly 30 years later and with a lovely wife and 2 kids that I no god blessed me with even though I turned away , NO compromise was placed in my hand , Im not a great reader but im half way thru and i have no doubt that god is talking to me and stuff is starting to happen too , like after praying to find a good church a stranger asked me to go to his , that doesnt happen a lot round here these days , think im gonna check it out . with every page I read I feel like god is talking to me , like when I open the book the holy spirit flows out , I hope jesus will forgive my wasted years and help my family and me along the rite road . Dont know much about Keith Green and cant wait to finish the book at my slow reading pace , but I do know I need what Keith had in him ,also know I need to get me some of the holy spirit inspired music that helped me through the troubles back then cause I no keith Green music can help me with the trouble I got myself in now !
Someone shared a song of his off of You Tube on Facebook today. He was witnessing and singing and I was intrigued by this young man. I realized that he must no longer be on this earth and I came here to find out more about. Though I have been a Christian since 1971 I did not know this young man. I am sure though I have enjoyed his music in this journey of mine.
He was the first Christian artist I remember listening to. This was before Christian radio so I had to actually purchase the vinyl (we called them albums then…). His message was distinctly different from the easy believe-ism of the day as he emphasized counting the cost. That truth resonated with me and the lyrics continually emphasized that ongoing cost.
I was at Oral Roberts University when he came to Tulsa and the Mabee Center (Melody writes about this in a whole chapter in the book) and can attest that what was written about was true. Repentance was breaking out all over the place.
I remember particularly his asking if anyone had every heard a sermon on “It is better to give than to receive?” and many hands going up. He then asked if anyone had ever heard a sermon on “All those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted?”, and only a couple of hands went up.
For two days after he died, I couldn’t eat anyway and offered it as a fast to the Lord-seeking answers for the “why” question. Many years later I rest in the sovereignty of our God knowing that the “good” of Romans 8:28 is the “being conformed to the image of His Son” in vs. 29.
Keith played a large role in my understanding of the cost of discipleship and I look forward to spending eternity listening to him play the piano before the throne of God above.
HI, I just happen to fall onto this web site. Recently, my son, a young Marine called and told us he will be leaving for Afganistan in Sept. He mentioned some base called Leatherneck or something like that and your site popped up. After further investigating I found this thread. I love Keith’s music. I first was introduced to his music when I was in college, over 30 years ago, on a Monday night Bible Study, at a church in Costa Mesa, called Calvary Chapel. My sister knew I liked his music and so when she told me Keith was going to be in Riverside Ca along with Greg Laurie a group of us went. It was that evening I gave my life to Jesus. I still listen to his music, and still love it. His songs have special meaning for me – always will. Thanks God for sharing Keith with us if only for a little. Blessings, btg
I went to a Keith Green concert and the truth he spoke literally changed the rest of my life…we now travel around the globe seeing mass thousands be RADICALLY CHANGED by ZEAL and TRUTH that sets people free-Jn. 8:32. You can see the fruit on our web site http://www.worldquest.org
DIE TO SELF & CHANGE THE WORLD! NO EXCUSES!
Dane of Worldquest
I am from New England. Christian Music was very rare in those days. When Christian artists were traveling across the US, hardly anyone came to New England. So when a friend from North Carolina suggested I get the “No Compromise” album by a guy named Keith Green, I had no idea what an impact Keith and his music would have on me. “Asleep in the Light” cut to the real issue and the condition of the church as I saw it in those days (and in these days, sadly). Christians used to gather in my room at the fraternity where I lived and study the lyrics and the Bible verses that were associated. I was discipled by Keith Green’s music. I read the Last Days Newsletters voraciously. I never took Keith’s perspective as Gospel but I loved his passion and fire for prayer and the poor and missions. He was one sold out brother for Jesus. In 1982, I was returning from a three month missions trip to Egypt. My girl friend and her brother picked me up from the airport to drive me home. They asked in my presence, “Should we tell him?” She finally blurted out, “Keith Green is dead.” It took me quite awhile to digest it and to ask God “Why?” but I knew that he lived his life to the full for Jesus and I wanted to do the same as a result of his example.
Share Your Memory
Keith Quotes
Listen, nobody does God a favor. Nobody has “given up” anything for God. Nothing! Everything you've given up is a piece of junk, a clod on the ground compared to what God has given to you.
October 24th, 2007 at 12:02 am
I KNEW ,when I first heard Keith preach the message that burned in his heart about missions and the lost…that there was no other way to live for Christ. It was at a Memorial Concert in Fla. shortly after Keith went home to be with Jesus that I heard the message. And from that concert , I was introduced to “full-time ministry” and all that being “sold out” meant. If Keith hadn’t been willing to give and sacrifice, then there would of been no Last Days Ministries.
My heart still burns for Christ and His passion 20 something years later, and some of my dearest friends and comrades in the fight are serving on the frontlines in the mission field, carrying the message and life surrendered, like the one they knew in the life of Keith.
Someday we will meet ,
Karen T.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:51 am
I loved Keith’s music – the messages were so powerful and straight from his sold-out heart. I still remember where I was the day the news reported his plane crash. On my couch in my house in Ventura. I immediately put on one of his records and played “Draw Me”. To me that expressed his heart: that the Lord would take him home before he would ever dishonor His Name in any way.
Draw me, oh, draw me, please draw me, my Jesus.
Into your presence, where I cannot lie.
My soul is so thirsty, I cannot endure it.
And if I can’t get closer, I surely will die.
Take me, oh take me, please take me, my Jesus.
Quickly, before I forget that I’m lost.
For so many times, my mind has deceived me,
That I really don’t have to carry the cross.
I still have a stack of tracts from Last Days Ministries. Keith, Melody and crew distilled some pretty hot topics into small spaces!
Thank you for taking time to put together this website in his memory.
Blessings – Mary T
October 25th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
I remember when I first heard Keith’s music in the early 80’s. I was blown away with how the anointing of God’s Spirit jumped from the “vinyl” into my heart. The album “No Compromise” caused me to question the depth of my devotion to Christ. Then, when I saw some of Keith’s teaching videos that were made available by LDM for “whatever you could afford” changed my life and my understanding of what a commitment to Christ looked like. First, I could not believe when, as a poor struggling young person with a family, I could get training material for free if neccesary. Second, the content of Keith’s teaching was always 100% meat. We used to gather teenagers in our living room. I would stay up til the wee hours of the morning listening to Keith’s music and the teens and I would be weeping like baby before our God. It was an unpresedented time of cleansing.
I so appreciate having this outlet. Thanks Wayne.
October 25th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
Keith’s “So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt” album was unlike anything I’d ever heard before. The powerful lyrics became my prayers, and provided a way for me to communicate with God when I couldn’t find words within myself. Keith’s soul-stirring, urgent, honest words stirred me, challenged me, and changed me. Even today, song lyrics from Keith will come flooding back to my mind at unexpected moments. “How can they live without Jesus? How can they live without God’s love? How can they feel so at home down here when there’s so much more up above? Throwing away the things that matter, they hold on to things that don’t…..” And Keith’s lyrics still convict. Thank you, Keith, for giving your all to Him, and encouraging me, and so many others, to do the same without compromise, no turning back.
October 28th, 2007 at 8:43 am
When my husband (who was a minister) died, the first year, as they say, is the most difficult. I had a very loving family, a job I love, and a great church to worship with friends and family, but when you get home, and you have that space of time to fill, it can be sooooooo hard. I often filled that space of time that first year with Keith’s music. His music was the most meaningful to me, because it always ended with me worshipping God, and being thankful for the life my husband and I had had serving God together. The time since my husband’s death has also been very good, because God has given me so much joy in serving Him.
October 29th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Not only did Keith’s ministry and music have a profound impact on me those many years ago, the impact continues…
Recently when God called me to write a unique book designed to motivate Christians back to the Heart of God and to hear to Voice of God in order to reach our lost world, I found myself ‘digging out’ the old albums that meant so much to me back when I first began to understand the importance of ‘love your neighbor as yourself’. Keith’s ‘Jesus Commands Us To Go’ has been playing over and over in my home lately as I pray and write – My theme song for this season is still timely and inspirational, and also wonderfully nostalgic.
October 30th, 2007 at 12:20 am
We got involved with Missions as a direct result of going to a Keith Green Memorial Concert. We got the last two seats in an auditorium filled to capacity in Lansing Michigan. We were so challenged by his heart and zeal for the lost and as a result we went to LDM and did a DTS in 1984. Our lives have never been the same! We spent 13 years in full time missions because of Keith’s mesage and heart for the mission field. We cherish our time at Last Days Ministries and the “LDM Family”. Even today we are still challenged as we listen to Keith’s music – it takes us back to the basics of the Gospel message.
Thanks for doing this Wayne!
Nicki
October 31st, 2007 at 9:44 am
Our family was part of Ben Israel Ministries from 1976 to 1985. We lived in the northern woods of Minnestoa. Ben Israel was also a community of believers and my husband, Shelly, was one of the leaders with Arthur Katz.
Keith and Melony, who was pregnant with her last child at the time, came to visit the community, and Keith was to speak at the family camp at Camp Dominion, across the road from the farm where we lived.
I met Keith Green in Inger Katz’s kitchen while I was doing her dishes. I remember her saying, “Junesy, I want you to meet Keith Green.” I honestly did not know who Keith was at that time. I had never heard his music, or his name before that day.
Other than Basilea Schlink, I had never met anyone like Keith. It was as though he wasn’t there, he was such a gentle soul. I realize now that Jesus had given me the eyes to Keith as He saw him. Keith belonged completely to the Lord, Keith had given his all to Jesus.
When Keith Green played the piano and sang for the youth meeting at Camp Dominion, it was as though FIRE surrounded him. An electricity filled the lodge, and we were all touched by the power of God as his praised and worshiped the Lord. Shelly and I along with our children have never forgotten that evening.
I had a dream about Keith while he was visiting: People were talking about Keith Green, judging his heart and motives. In the dream I saw Keith’s heart; it was tender and pure. Everything Keith did was for the Glory of God. Keith was a pure soul in the dream; and I knew Jesus wanted me to know that so I would not be one to wrongly judge Keith Green’s heart.
I had the opportunity to be with Keith again in Art’s home, and I shared the dream with him.
A few months later he was taken home to be with the Lord, with two of his children.
Lord, bless Melony Green and her daughters. Let them rejoice in their spirit to know that they will be with Keith again, and with the children.
June
November 2nd, 2007 at 9:12 pm
I first heard Keith during the 1978-79 school year in the dorms at Concordia Portland college. My wife of now 27 yrs, Robin, and I listened to his albums almost every day while we studied. He was an inspiration to us. His music has had more of an impact on us than any other worship or anything else that college had to offer. I am now in a worship band and attribute the way I play to Jesus because of Keith’s love for Christ and his ministry.
In 1980/81? shortly after we were married Robin and I took a downs syndrome man to a free Keith Green concert in San Diego. He was from a jewish background, and had been institutionalized most of his life. He didn’t use very many words, but understood many things. After the concert as I told him about Jesus the messiah, he didnt talk but cried. I know that Richard Goldberg will be in heaven.
I have lead many children to Christ using Keiths music as a witnessing tool during the times I was a teacher, and a Youth Pastor. Even though I was teaching in a christian school few of the students at first had or expressed a saving faith. Keith unknowingly helped them come to a saving faith through his minisrty, even after his death. (I still have an almost complete file of the Last Days News Letters from that time).
I went to many of his concerts and only talked to him one very breif moment, It was insignificant to the vast way he had impated me and the lives around me. It wasn’t about Keith, Keith was about JESUS!
November 3rd, 2007 at 11:58 am
As a new baby Christian I was deeply impacted by Keith’s music and heart for God. I was very frightened of dying, having been threatened to be killed by both of my parents and cursed with threats of dying of cancer by my mother. As I listened to Keith sing, I was stunned by the longing I heard in his voice, music, to be with the Lord….almost like he was pining to get to Heaven. This changed my life and thinking…I had been so frightened of DEATH, that I couldn’t see past the process of dying to what is on the other side. His longing to be there opened my eyes…I knew as I listened to him, in my newborn faith, that Heaven is a real place and I began to be less fearful. His trust in the Lord was so communicated through his music that I “caught” it, and sought it for myself. When I heard he’d died in a plane crash, I remember thinking “God heard his desperate cry to be there with him, and he’s at home with His Lord, His work here on earth complete….thank you Lord for Keith’s life and for demonstrating your reality through his ministry, to me”. You who knew and served with him are blessed indeed. He’s one I look forward to meeting & thanking for authentically living out his faith while he had the time here, and for being a light to a new believer just beginning to come out of darkness.
November 5th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
One my favorite memories of Keith during my time at Last Days (1981?) is when I had to confess to him that I had done something wrong. He gave me a big bear hug and told me I was forgiven.
I was on staff at Last Days when Keith died in the plane crash. I remember that upon hearing the the news, my knees started to buckle under me and I cried out to God, what are doing! What is going to happen to all the dreams he (Kieth) had for this place! I am starting to see a part of the answer where I work… Saddleback Church. We are sending ordinary people out into the mission field, we have well trained lay counseling that we provide for free. We have a huge benevolence ministry.
It’s not just at Saddleback Church… Keith influenced so many people with his passion to sell out to God. I remember that when he died the verse that was quoted again and again… “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 24:12. There are people all over the world serving Christ, bearing fruit, because of Keith.
November 18th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
This is a Joyful and unexpected p.s. to my posting on Nov.3 about Keith’s ministry and music and their impact on my new faith years ago. As I typed that, I was wishing I had some of his music. All those years ago, we didn’t have a stero so didn’t purchase any records. Last week I mentioned to my son that I regretted not having any of Keith’s music. Yesterday he stopped by with 4 C.D’s of Keith’s music, which I’m listening to with a smile and great joy as I post this message. Keith is still impacting me! I’d forgotten how uplifting and happy his music is! So I thank God for Keith again today and for the technology which enables his voice to live on though now he’s singing in the Heavenly choir on the other side.
December 26th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
I started listening to Keith Green’s music with I was in middle school (1979). It was a crucial time in my life. I was making decisions that would effect my future. Keith’s music moved me to the Lord. I loved singing every word out loud, as loud as I could. I could hear his heart calling out to God as mine did while I sang. I was in eleventh grade when the news flash came on the TV about his crash. I remember being in my room and I cried. I cried my heart out. I remember my dad coming into my room to find out what was wrong and I asked my father, Why? Why did he have to die when he was making such a difference in this world. And my daddy told me that God was so pleased with Keith’s work on earth, that He wanted Keith by His side to be one of His singing angels in heaven.
December 26th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
I had just about given up on Christianity when I receive the “No Compromise” album for my 17th birthday. I knew right then and there I would have to go to Last Days Mininstries and meet Keith. Needless to say I credit Keith and his ministry for keeping me on God’s path. I thank God for the people he puts in your path at the right times. Keith was definitely one of those people. My life has certainly been blessed and I will never regret a day of my Last Days experience. Grateful for the past but looking forward to be with our Savior forever!
January 12th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
I was very little when Keith died, but I was turned on to Last Days Ministries in college in the early 90’s. Someone who worked for the Baptist home mission board was able to give me a discount on your book, “No Compromise”. Honestly, I read this book in ONE night and it impacted me in such a miraculous way. I was introduced to his music, and I have listened to it ever since. 17 years has passed and the best thing about this is that I am now married to a man who has followed Keith’s ministry for many years and also listenes to the music. I praise the Lord for Keith’s passion and I praise God for Melanie as well You have definitely impacted my life. I will never be the same.
January 19th, 2008 at 2:49 am
Growing up as a child i did not have many positive male role models until of course my Mother gave her heart to the LORD, not long after she disposed of her secular music she purchased some of Keiths music i would have been at least eight, i loved it i looked to him like a Dad, a father i never had, his music brought comfort and joy to me as a child but what i did not know was the powerful seeds he was sowing in me through his music until i reached my thirties. This year for christmas my husband brought two cds the best of Keith Green i was over joyed and it brought me to tears as it had been twenty five years since i had listened to his music(my mother had backslidden) i had wanted to get these for years but never had the opptunity to, two weeks after that i was given Melody Greens book “No Comprimise” by a friend church,wow i had no idea what an impact he had on my life until i listened to his music again and from reading his story. My belief system on church and how we should love GOD and others was identical even what i would like to do in ministry and house christians in need. I was amazed and glorified the LORD in what a blessing he was to my life even though his life was cut tragically short that could not stop his powerful message or the prophecy on his life he was one of LORD’s expressions of love thankyou LORD may you bless and keep his family and ministry always.
love and blessings Hayley Haig
January 22nd, 2008 at 12:47 am
The thing that amazed me about Keith was,if He really believed God wanted him to do something;he would do it,whatever the cost.I truly believe his willingness to do this was a main reason The Holy Spirit was able to empower Keith like He did.A heart truly yielded to God,even with our imperfections,is an avenue through which He can move in our lives,and others.I for one can’t wait until I see Keith again.His life is still an impact in mine,and others.’Grace by which I stand’ is the most moving still in my life.it never ceases to touch me.
Blessings,
1Cor.15:58 Chuck
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Dear Sirs: I would like to thankyou from the bottom of my heart for your music that has carried me through my life. As a adopted only child, losing my Dad at 16, then disobeying Mom’s rules, marrying a Divorcee 19 yrs older, 10 un-happy yrs following. After losing everything, finally being free and divorced, making another mistake, & disobeying my Mom again, marrying a Anthiest. 15 unhappy yrs, again losing everything, my beautiful Mom helped me move back to Victoria and get myself set up. Never once did she say “I told you so!”. There had been a boy at Nanoose Pentecostal Camp I’d met the summer before Dad died, who had sent me a necklace. As I was running around with the first loser ‘husband’, I thought that I’d better stick with him, as the young man at camp, probably wouldn’t ever want me. May Mom died the summer of 2003, and remarkably, had worn that necklace all those years. So many many times, I had thought of that boy at camp. Then winter of 2003, I unbelievably found him! He was a customer at the Safeway where I worked. Our lives had been remakably almost identical, with marriages, type of people, divorces and always thinking of each other. We married April 17th, 2004! He was a bit ill even then, and our Reverend after marrying us, said “Get this Boy to the hospital, Now!”. His health progressively, slowly became worse. And I lost my beautiful ‘Gary’ April 14th, 2007. I had NEVER known this feeling of real love, never. I had NEVER been treated so unbelieveably like a Princess. Never been loved the way he loved me. And I have never known such grief, dispair and sorrow as since he passed on. I have always hung on to my faith, even though I’ve been a blithering idiot and screwed up my life. Your husbands music was always there, but NOW it really is a trememdous blessing and strength. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart! May GOD Bless you and keep you safe & secure!
Sincerely yours, in Christ alone,
Sheila j Gibbs
402-720 Vancouver St.,
Victoria, B.C. V8V 3V3 Canada
ps “Your Love Broke Through” & “When I Hear the Praises” both mine & Gary’s favourites !!
February 2nd, 2008 at 6:33 pm
The Lord used Keith in my young Christian life through his music–you couldn’t not be challenged to go deeper listening to the lyrics–and through his Last Days Newsletters. I still have some of them. I think the editions dealing with Catholicism were most helpful for me as a former Catholic. He defined for me in carefully chosen words the differences between my new life as a believer and my old life in the Catholic church, where I was spiritually dead. I know he took a lot of flack for even bringing up the things that separate us, especially in the days of the Catholic charismatic renewal, but he was right in that there were very definite reasons to explore the cause of the Catholic persecution of protestant believers thru the ages. The Last Days Newsletters also enabled me to grown in many ways. The issue about Christian dating was one I was able to share with my mother-in-law, who after a divorce was contemplating dating non-Christians. I think it impacted her choice to take the pain she was feeling straight to the Lord, instead of to the world. I miss him, and wonder what he would think of the state of Christendom today. I look forward to seeing him again in heaven!
February 7th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
I was 19 in 1979 when I turned my life over to the Lord. Living in the Midwest, we had not been turned on to the early “Jesus music” very much….some of the newer music was not very readily accepted in our churches. My cousin brought over a bunch of LP’s and tapes, Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill, etc. Among his collection was “For Him Who Has Ears To Hear” and “No Compromise”. I was astounded and grateful at the same for this music, and each artist left his own mark on me, but the one whose lyrics consistently impacted me was Keith.
He had such a unique way of taking the Gospel message and saying it in a new way. So honest….complex and simple at the same time. I remember at the time shuddering when I heard him sing “I wanna die….and let You live….Your Life in me….so I might live.” He helped me to realize the Lord’s sacrifice for us….and brought a seriousness to what it means to live for Christ. Much of “Songs For The Shepherd” shook me in the core of my soul. I was discipled by the messages in the Last Days Newsletter…..it is easy for me to say that the work of Keith Green helped to shape my life.–Mark Hendricks, Indiana
February 8th, 2008 at 7:52 am
I got my first Keith Green album (“No Compromise”) on my twelfth birthday, July 27, 1982 — the day before Keith died in the plane crash. He had just been to my home town (Peoria, Ill.) a few months before for a concert. My uncle invited my family, but my parents declined to go. I was never asked separately if I wanted to go. I sure wish I had been!
Over the next several years, I ended up getting all of Keith’s albums and songbooks. I play piano, and I love playing Keith’s songs. I also subscribed to the Last Days Newsletters. They would often have ads for Last Days’ Intensive Christian Training School, which was started by Keith shortly before he died. Well, I decided to go, and I went in October of 1988, the same year I graduated from high school. I ended up being a “one-termer.” I thought about going back, but didn’t feel called to join the ministry. However, some of my fondest memories are from the time I spent there. It was truly intense.
(Incidentally, one of my favorite teaching times there was when Wayne Dillard spoke on “Walking in Truth.” I still have the cassette tape of that. His words were very wise and helpful to me in my Christian walk.)
Many people at LDM had stories to tell about Keith. I heard the story from more than one person about him shaving half his beard off and walking around the property. I also heard that he microwaved a tarantula (who knows if that’s true?). One of the saddest things was walking down the runway which was still there, but abandoned, of course. Like many have said, we’ll never have our “why” questions answered this side of heaven.
I often wonder what the Christian music “industry” would be like today if Keith were still alive.
Thanks for providing this site; it’s fun to read all the stories and memories.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:00 am
Hi there,
I just finished “No Compromise” as few minutes ago. I have been a believer for 4 and 1/2 years. My boyfriend, now husband introduced me to Keith’s music when we met in 2003. I always loved it, although I didn’t know Keith’s story yet. It is so different from anything I have ever heard before and still is. You just know he was a man of his word, a man who practiced what he preached. Although he died before I was born, his story has stirred me in such a powerful way.
I am excited afresh to seek the Lord and find His calling for my life, and then fulfill it!! Looking at Keith as an example, it’s amazing to see what God can do through a life laid down for Him, a life wanting to do His will. I know I am not perfect, but each day the Lord helps me and guides me along the path He has chosen for my life. “No Compromise” encourages me to quit playing games with God and get serious about Him and His kingdom. Not in my strength, but His. What a glorious God we serve!
February 16th, 2008 at 3:18 am
I learned about Keith thanks to my pastor who often mentioned him in sermons. One day I was in one of my favorite thrift stores and found a Keith Green cassette tape which I bought but did not listen to for months. When I finally did check it out, “Rushing Wind” blew my mind and the “Scripture Song Medley” made me cry happy tears at hearing my favorite childhood worship songs from day camp chapel being sung so joyously by this amazing, talented man of God. Needless to say I have read the book and have many of his songs in my media player, even got the songbooks for Christmas…my husband hunted ‘em down as they were hard to find. Now I have a bit of a music ministry of my own – joined an amazing metal band last year – and will always consider him a great, great influence on my walk as a believer. No compromise, indeed – so help me Lord!
February 25th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I begin to listen to Keith Green after reading his life story in No Compromise back in 1994. I went on to visit with Leonard Ravenhill in Lindale, Texas before his death in November 1994. I had a great time of prayer in Lindale and visited Keith’s grave as well as Last Days Ministries. The Lord used Keith and LDM to put a fire in my heart for Jesus and a hunger for revival. Since those days I am now married and seeking to raise my boys to hunger for Jesus as Keith, Leonard, and the saints of old have shown us.
March 9th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I was a junior in college at Ohio Univ 1980 – 1982. One of my Christian friends, Paula, had some Keith Green albums and knew I would love them. She shared them with me, and I had to get my own copies. I had “No Compromise”, “For Him Who Has Ears” and “So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt.” Since I loved to sing, I even got soundtrack cassettes so I could share with others Keith’s great message. I also got Last Days newletters and sent for tracts to pass out to others. I had no idea Leonard Ravenhill was still alive back then. I assumed he was an older man that Keith was trying to still promote his beliefs and teachings.
Besides his music, I remember a tract and a poster that tremendously impacted me. There was a poster I received from LDM of people drowning and Christians on an island with some helping. It contained a lot of different scenes of some helping, some not and it would always convict me when I looked at any part of it. The tract I remember most is the one of how the Nobel Prize committee recognized some man’s efforts to prove The Bible was from GOD by assigning all the letters – numbers and how it proved that only GOD could do that for all the different authors in all of the Bible. I still share that with people I meet today! I was even going to come down and join Melody in her Pro-Life efforts since I was adopted but my mother could have aborted me instead. I wish I had gone but for a young girl like me that was too scary to just leave everyone I knew and join your ministry.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:55 am
I know from Art Katz, that Keith Green was a good friend with the Ben Israel ministry (so was Ravenhill…) and he preached often at the Prophetic School in Minnesota.
March 15th, 2008 at 2:43 am
I was very, very young when Keith Green’s music was out, since I was born in ‘73. My parents raised me on his music. I remember well when he died. I was about 9. My parents and I heard it on the radio that evening, and we held hands and cried. That was a very sad day for us, and I’m sure for many others. When he went to be with Jesus, we knew the world needed more of what he had inside him. But it was just a brush of God’s love, that He wants us all to have in us. Keith has been sorely missed ever since. I’ll never forget that day as long as I live.
March 16th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
After reading No Compromise the chapters on the “revival” I knew that this was a model of what a true revival looks like. These being the last of the last days the Holy Spirit has used the testimony of those chapters as a litmus test for me (and of course 2 Chron 7:14) as to what a true revival/ move of the Holy Spirit looks like
April 8th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I was 16 and it was 1983, I had recently been born again at a high school retreat that my brother had dragged me to and I was making a break from my music collection (AC/DC, Van Halen, Def Leppard…) when I found Keith’s Songs for the Shepherd album. I will never forget listening to “When I hear the praises start” and crying, sensing how real God was (is) and praising him for the use of music in my new life. Thank you Keith for stating, “I do not believe that any kind of music is “evil” in itself. I mean, that there are no such things as rhythms or chord structures or melody lines that were born in hell.” .. this confirmed in my heart the true liberty that I found in Jesus. Look forward to meeting you one day. Jesus is definitely Lord of All.
April 9th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
I became a Christain in 1994 in Australia after leaving New Zealand. I had never heard of Keith Green before that but somebody gave me a couple of his tapes. I remember how much I listened to them. I never had the radio on, just tapes, and most of the time it was Keith. His music impacted my life and walk with God in such an amazing way. I am so greatful I had Keiths music to listen to. He taught me so much about the love of God and His love for us. I still listen to him today and the music brings me back to that special place with my Lord. It brings me back to that child-like place of purity and innocence. The way that God see’s me.
Thankyou Keith
May 1st, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Kieth I heard about in 1980 station in Korea . A friend had let me stay in his place and told me to set his key under his mat when I left cause he was going out of town , this guy was White I,m black and he just trusted and loved me .The point is Kieth’s love and the way he used God’s word was pure to me as the action as the guy letting me use his room no reservation just pure love and faith in God .
When Kieth passed a way I was immature and said to my self satan took a saint home early.
Now I know that’s not true cause satan can,t do any thing with out God’s permission .So all things do work for the good who is called for God purpose … I,m still not sold out but I know it can hapen . Will see Keith in Heaven ,,……
May 9th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
keith god has used you to awaken my sole and my love for our lord ..i thank you brother and one day soon we shall meet in our fathers house..
May 14th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Wow, where to start???
I submitted to follow the Lord at the end of 1981. Even before that, I had been exposed to Keith’s music (“Ears” and “No Compromise”) by my best friend, Rick. We’d get in his truck and slap the cassette in, and drive down the roads in the small town we lived in at the time. Almost without attributing to the impact of Keith’s lyrics, we found ourselves “talking about Jesus” with a depth I didn’t possess at the time. Rick and Keith focused me on the decision I needed to make; to surrended my life into Jesus’ hands. And, I’ve never regretted it for a moment.
The first fall after I got saved, my brother and I drove a small bus for students from our town to travel to a local college. There were 4-8 of them each day. And, each day, we slapped in a Keith cassette for our captive little audience. We had a lot of good discussions about the Lord, using Keith as an entre.
It amazes me… I’ve been a Christian for over 26 years… and, whenever I come into a deeper place in Christ, I slap in my Keith CDs, and I find out that God had already taken Keith to that place in the bare 7+ years that he was saved. (Insert humiliating head shake here.) Yet, I realize that there is still tomorrow to serve my Lord Jesus, and there will alway be deeper to go, “until that final day”.
My wife and I are reading through “No Compromise” together, right now. We finished the ORU revival chapter last night. He was a better man than I. I remarked to my wife, “If I’d been there, I’d of told them what for!” She shook her head, as if to say, “I know you would.” Not a very prophetic response from her! Again, in just 7 years, Keith was wise enough to hold his tongue and exhibit the grace of God, in a situation that greived all who wanted to see Him move mightily. Keith continues to live by example, even after a quarter century in heaven. I continue to stive for the holiness that is in His presence, and Keith’s music and witness continues to be important along my pathway towards total submission. His was a truly fantastic life.
Blessings.
June 10th, 2008 at 4:58 am
I was In the Air Force between 78-82 Stationed in all places “Rome, N.Y.” When I ran into a track that was published by L.D.M. that spoke of the great revival with Finney. I was so “HOOKED” That every where I went I prayed through the streets of Rome, N.Y. even Utica, N.Y. too this day I remember how I bought everything from L.D.M. stacks and stacks of tracks for the “Lighthouse coffee house” over in downtown Rome,N.Y. we would just let people walk in and take as many as they want.
We would put the speakers out side the street and play Keith Green albums along with 2nd chapter of acts and Barry Mc Guiarres and people would stop and listen and walk in for afew minutes, we were Radically Saved and we were not ashamed to share our faith, To The point of going to Bars and just be there in the midst of all the world and share the Gospel.
We would get Prayed up while listening to Keith Green before going out in the streets and minister and minister we did un ashamed and prayed for everything from a headache to a dead puppy that some one brought in (at least I did).
It was an awesome Time In My Life because This is where I Got “HIT WITH THE HOLY GHOST” I DID ALOT OF MISTAKES BUT HERE I AM 50 YEARS OLD AND STILL WALKING WITH JESUS.
Thank You helping me remember the Faithfulness Of my Jesus Keeping me all these years.
God Bless.
June 15th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
My wife and I attended the first memorial concert for Keith that Melody put on with Loren Cunningham in Norfolk, Virginia. Keith was trusting God to raise up 100,000, sold out missionaries. At the end of the memorial the was an altar call for those believers who felt the Spirit of God calling them into the mission field. My wife and I both went forward. Just 4 years later and after much preparation, we moved to Ethiopia, Africa and lived there during the famine as missionaries. Upon our return home, I entered into a ministry that prepared people to go into the mission field. Since that time, I’ve helped lead or have helped sent out, dozens of full-time missionaries and hundreds of short-term missions. Thanks to the clarion call that went out that day, we’ve seen a bountiful harvest. I thank God for Keith and his soul inspiring music that still ministers today. May God continue to send out more as the fruit of that call is still being borne.
June 21st, 2008 at 6:58 pm
“How can I put into words how Keith inspired, encouraged or even rebuked me..”
I think we all have asked this as we try to encapsulate what Keith meant and did in our lives to show us a real, knowable, tangible, AND expectant God…
http://richardcummins.com/media/EasterSong_RichardCummins.mp3
My story is your story I’m sure in that respect. I first heard Keith in 1993/94 as a very lost unbleiever when some believing aquaintences of mine started to shower me with Keith Green, Phil Keaggy and Larry Norman music – knowing that as a Beatles fan I may appreciate the ‘older’ music (though I was only 20 years old!) enough for Jesus to ’slip on through’.
Well – no one could have expected what happened next from a guy like me, heavily steeped in the sex, drugs & rock and roll lifestyle. (Keith would like this) There were no alter calls, no ’sinners prayer’, no nothing. Jesus had been drawing me and with his perfect timing and at my lowest depths of despair (& with Keith’s anointed rendition of the Easter Song providing the soundtrack), I – alone in my little beach flat in White Rock BC Canada – was convicted to repentence, and to living faith in Jesus. Even in those little booklets from the ’silver and gold’ Keith Green collection there was enough back story on Keith that I really identified with.
Finding out Keith had already gone to be with Jesus was a shock to me. I knew nothing really of christianity except beaufont hairdo’s and smiling hucksters in expensive suits on television.
Keith was an older brother, a discipler, and a concerned friend to me through his music. Thanks for your obedience Keith – where would so many of us be if you hadn’t first listened, and then in turn told others.
God bless you deeply, Melody – I hope my rendition of ‘Easter Song’ brings you joy.
Richard Cummins
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:55 am
I love Keith’s music-it is still as powerful today as it ever was. I first found out about Keith Green was when I saw his album in a Christian bookstore.The cover showed him holding a lamb around his neck like a shepherd- that picture has always made me think about how Jesus cares for us. By the time I discovered his music He was already enjoying the face of our LORD
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:24 pm
I am one of the millions who have been impacted with the life, ministry and music of Keith Green. Although the Philippines is pretty far from where Keith and family during the ‘80, it must be known that hundred of thousands have been truly blessed with their ministry. I came to know Keith at the age of 15 (1992) upon an actual tape that was played on a “karaoke” (music player). The song I can still remember: “Rushing Wind.” Unlike any other at that time, Keith’s song was like a dagger that hit my heart. The tape did not have lyrics along with it so I needed to closely listen to it. And when I got every bit of the lyrics, I was humbled by the commitment and passion of the man. That was my introduction to Keith Green and I think will not stop being inspired by him until we meet.
Keith has been a constant force that would challenge my commitment and how I live my life for God as a person and a pastor (also through his inspiration).
Unfortunately here in the Philippines, almost all of Keith’s album is not available. And hopefully through this site concerned people will learn about it and market KG’s album, books and teachings in the Philippines “again.”
For a fact it has been more than a decade that I would want to have a copy of the book “No Compromise” and I still haven’t got it. hehehe… I had an oppurtunity to get his latest album in memory of him the “Keith Green Ultimate Collection” with DVD when I was in Hong Kong and ohhhh, it is now a treasured posession I constantly share with the youth.
I only desire that many will discover his music once again especially in this generation that they may know how it is to live for JESUS 100%. For the record, I could not remember exactly how many times I cried listening to KG and even through the testimonies on this site.
How I wish some of you could help us get a copy of his live concerts, teachings, and other LDM materials… coz we were born a bit late and a bit far but with lots of desire to be fed by God through the inspiring life of Keith Green. Our email is righteousgen@yahoo.com. Kudos to the guys who made this in memoriam to KG.
June 29th, 2008 at 4:34 am
I started getting serious about God when I was 17, back in 1977. Keith’s records were instrumental in encouraging a serious pursuit of God and his ways. I once had all his albums and still know his songs by heart when I hear them on a tape or such places as youtube.
I have recently been listening to some of his stuff, remembering; asking myself where the fire has gone that “once burned bright and clear.” I am asking God tonight as I write this to rekindle that fire. I want to be more concerned about the things of God than about my life and needs.
I wish there were more Christian musicians today like Keith, who never sold out his gift to commercialism. He was radical, first century christianity. I want to be that, like I once was. If anyone reading this knows how to pray for that, please pray that for me.
Thanks.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:19 am
In an age where preachers and church seem inward looking and self indulging, Keith Greens songs brought more Spiritual insight and reality of the Gospel to me than church. He reminded me constantly that it was not all about me, but rather all about what our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ achieved on the cross at cavlnary. Jesus remains the answer today, no matter the question. It was the Master that gave His life and offers us all life thanks to His sacrifice. Now Unto Him that Loved us and washed us from sin in His own blood, be glory. Amen
June 30th, 2008 at 9:22 am
In an age where preachers and church seem inward looking and self indulging, Keith Greens songs brought more Spiritual insight and reality of the Gospel to me than church. He reminded me constantly that it was not all about me, but rather all about what our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ achieved on the cross at calvary. Jesus remains the answer today, no matter the question. It was the Master that gave His life and offers us all life thanks to His sacrifice. Now Unto Him that Loved us and washed us from sin in His own blood, be glory. Amen
July 9th, 2008 at 12:27 am
I got saved about 9 months after keith died, but ‘back to egypt’ was the first christian album i ever listened to many,many hours i spent in my basement room weeping and worshiping God listen to his music. It has profoundly affected me. I was thrilled recently to be able (thanks to technology) to be able to see some video footage of him on youtube. I am blessed
July 11th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I first heard Keith Green’s music in August of 1985. I was at a Christian College Retreat in Glorietta, New Mexico and one of my roommates during the retreat played Keith’s music all the time. I remember the song “Grace By Which I Stand”, being so transforming for me. That music really helped make the whole experience an incredible time for me. Later the next
year, when I was traveling in a performing group called “Up With People”, I purchased a tape of Keith Green to take with me on the road. And Keith’s music…well, it simply helps in your daily walk with Jesus. It is open and real and honest and praising and filled with the spirit and…! I could go on, but everyone on this web page knows the power in his music. Thank You, Keith for your commitment to Jesus, which saturates every note and word you ever played. What an incredible legacy you left for your family and the world. Many years after you have left this planet and gone on to heaven…everyone is still remembering you and what you stood for! What an Honor! Thank you for your inspiration and dedication that showed the world (and myself) what a life is like when someone truely lives for Jesus!
July 14th, 2008 at 11:04 am
When I got saved, nearly 25 years ago, there did not seem to be much Christian music I could relate to. I wondered if I could ever fit in with other believers because we seemed so different. Then I heard some of Keith’s music and realized that there were other people my age and Christian musicians who understood how I felt. It was like coming home!
July 25th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I started hearing Keith’s message from an early age in the late 70’s. As a pre-teen, I was looking forward to attending one of Keith’s events… it was never meant to be. I was at home in Houston, TX when I heard the news of his death, along with two of his children and the others, on our local Christian radio station, KSBJ. My heart sank. I was devestated. Along with so many others in the world of CCM at the time, I cried… a deep sadness… which soon turned into a deep-seeded mandate to carry on his dream… his mission. I set my heart on completing a Discipleship Training School with Youth With A Mission. I had already been traveling around and singing/ministering in churches and youth groups since Keith’s death, but I knew that God had been calling me to GO. So I went. It began a season of writing new worship tunes and leading worship in new and fresh ways that I had never even believed possible. Today, I’m still writing worship tunes and leading worship whenever I get the chance… Keith’s life and boldness has been one of the biggest influences on my life. I will never… be the same again… I will never return… I’ve closed the door… I will walk the path… And I’ll run the race… and I… will never… be the same again.
July 29th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I was driving in my car and turn the radio on and Keith Green was singing a song about how Jesus died for him. I was a young christian, not even a year old. I cried and cried while I was driving and my love for the Lord was over whelming. I went out and bought his records. I was going through a very hard time in my life and Jesus helped me with the songs Keith wrote.
That was 29 years ago, shortly after I was saved Keith went home to be with the Lord and I was broken hearted like so many people because his life was cut short here on earth….
Thank you Keith, for your love pointing the way to Jesus.
August 3rd, 2008 at 4:38 am
Was introduced to Keith’s music via a friend many years ago, I have always enjoyed it and found it compelling, confronting powerful stuff. Now I’ve managed to get a copy of ‘no compromise’. The ministry is still touching my life deeply… oh by the way I live in Australia…. thank you guys for the music and putting pen to paper to illustrate God’s effect in you life
August 12th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
I was saved in 82. Keith Green was the music God used to help me grow in my Christian faith.
Every song had and still has such a deep and personal touch. I remember as a teen ordering Keith Green cassettes and sending whatever money I could send and getting the cassettes in the mail. Now, they’re CD’s. I still have my cassettes somewhere. What a ministry! Sending out those cassettes. I remember giving one to a high school friend who didn’t know Jesus. He was into music. I don’t know if he ever did get saved, but, he said the music was “cool”. I remember when Keith Green died. I worked at a Christian camp and everyone was crying. I couldn’t believe when I found out why they were crying. It made me want to hear his music even more. What a message he left behind. I think he became more popular after his death. And his message is the same today as it was 25 years ago. God doesn’t change. His truths don’t change.
Last night I was listening to a Christian station on cable TV. A Keith Green song came on. “You love the world and you’re avoiding me”. When he sings the verse….”My word sits there, upon your desk, but you love your books and magazines the best, you prefer the light of your TV, you love the world, but you’re avoiding me”. Ouch. I was convicted about not reading my bible as I should. See! His music is still relevant. Thanks to our Great Lord for blessing our lives with Keith Green and his ministry.
August 13th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Many years ago, my 2 teenage sons came home from a Keith Green concert in Austin so excited and insisting that I had to listen to this amazing man play the piano. (I am a pianist). They told me that although his music was “rock”, if I let myself, I would really like it. We eventually began receiving his newsletters, and I donated money occasionally to Last Days. I still believe that he had more courage than any other Christian leader I have ever known of. He is the only one who had the courage to tell it like it is. I wish more people had listened to him. I wore out the cassette tapes of his music, because I loved them so much. I bought music books and played and sang his and Melody’s songs. We gathered up used clothing once and drove up there to give it to Last Days for Mexico. One day, we were driving from our home in Marble Falls, TX, in the hill country, to Letournou University, in East Texas, to visit my oldest son, Scott, by then a student there, when I heard a Keith Green song on the radio. After it finished, the announcer said, “That was by the late Keith Green”. I was shocked and horrified and thought it must be a mistake. But it turned out that he had just been killed in the plane wreck a short distance from where we were. For years, when I heard that song, I began to cry. What an impact he made, for such a young man. I loved that he was sold out to Jesus and not afraid to urge the rest of us to also be completely sold out to Him.
August 17th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
When I became a new believer (in 1978), Keith’s music and ministry were my theological foundation. I could never get enough of his teachings. They were always to the point and specific to whatever I was dealing with at the time. His songs were always down to earth and challenged me in my walk and experience. The day he “went home” I remember driving to work that morning and having to pull over to the side of the road because I could not believe what I was hearing. I totally lost it and was overwhelmed with the burden of praying for Melody and her young family. I continued to receive the Last Days newsletters and in 1986 -87 had the awesome privilege of being part of DTS at Last Day Ministries for 6 months.
Thirty years later I have the privilege of sharing who Keith was and his music with my own children (who are now young adults).
Hi Jim & Nicki!! thanks for loving me and sharing your family and time with me.
September 1st, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I was born 4 months after Keith Green and the children were taken to be with the Lord. But, my parents raised me and my brother and sister on his music and teachings. My brother even named his son after Keith’s son, Josiah! Keith Green’s music has been the most influencial force in my life with the exception of the Lord Jesus. It comforts me, motivates me and keeps me going! I only wish I could’ve had the chance to meet him, although I know I will meet him one day and thank him and the Lord for the beautiful and wonderful gift he brought to the world. I love the intensity in his singing, you can hear his heart in all his songs!
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:00 pm
I was supposed to be at the last days ranch the week he died, but a last minute change by the LDM staff prevented my trip. I was always awed about the providence of God in that, because as a guest, I would have been in the way in the chaos of it. He was a symbol of how Christians were to be–sadly back then he was on the forefront of Christian music, real and raw and life-changing.
It seems Christian music generally has lost much of its focus until recently–there have been so many casualties of artists and fans that faded into a shallow, sound-driven, popularity driven music and life. I am encouraged by more of the worship music, but not all of it. Some of it is the new popular genre and still gets driven by airplay and success in numbers.
I miss the person I was when I was first experiencing the Keith Green music–perhaps being younger made life simpler, but I am sure that by God’s grace all can and will be regained as I am so sick of the shallow pursuits of life.
October 3rd, 2008 at 6:49 am
I was at the age of 15 when I first heard his songs from my Christian brother. I really like his songs… even if I really do not yet the lyrics on it because its in English. When I started to attend a Christian church, that was the time I started to like even more his songs. His songs influenced me a lot. Now, I am a soull snacher. tnx God for him
October 9th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I met Keith after one of his concerts in Atlanta in 1981. A junior in college and a new Christian, I was feeling restless about my studies and the time they were taking away from my desire to learn more about my faith. I expressed this, as well as a question re. baptism in the Holdy Spirit. He spoke at length (roughly 10 minutes) with me, one-on-one, while many others waited around to meet him. Largely as a result of his concert and our talk, I decided to take a year off from school to attend discipleship training with a ministry just down the road from Last Days Ministries. I also picked the piano back up, having stopped playing for years, and devoted my playing to worship music.
As a private pilot (hobby only), I was shocked and angered at the gross negligence of the pilot when I heard the report of KG’s death. However, that accident reminded me that, no matter how much we keep our eyes on Him, the laws of physics still apply. Blessings to Melody and all the others who continue the LDM work.
October 13th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
My husband and I were in our 20’s at the time of Keiths death. His was our favorite music. My husband died in 1980. He was a pastor. I wrote to Melody though we had never met or communicated previously. I wanted to connect with someone from my own age group, a young widow, minister’s wife and mother. I knew she understood the pain of the loss of the husband of my youth. She wrote back the sweetest letter. I didn’t expect that. I think I still have the letter in a box of memories from those days. She reached out and it really touched me. Keith’s music ministered to me on so many levels then and continues today. The message and the music he brought; timeless. I own the full collection. It’s an honor to remember the ministry of this family. It has stood the test of time, hasn’t it?
October 19th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Keith, through the message of his music helped me through my teen years. I would often be found in my bedroom, with the music turned up loud, singing one of his songs. He was one musicial that my parents totally approved of. Keith helped me see Jesus and how important it was to totally trust Him for everything. I look forward to one day singing praises to our Lord with Keith and other believers who have gone ahead.
October 21st, 2008 at 2:41 pm
My church group had loaded up the van to attend the Jesus Rocky Mountain weekend concert that Keith was playing and because I had been so impacted by his music I wanted to go. The problem was at the time I was only 9 years old. My Mom told me I was too young and she didn’t want me to go alone. My older brother was going under the supervision of the church youth pastor and that was ok but I was too young.
I remember thinking there is nothing that will keep me from going to see Keith. So I pretended to help load the luggage into the van and the last thing I loaded into the van was myself. I climbed into the back when no one was looking and hid under all the sleeping bags. I stayed under there until we stopped for gas. The only reason I got out was to go to the bathroom. The youth pastor saw me and flew into a panic. He called my parents and they were worried sick looking for me. We were too far along to turn back so my Dad said to go ahead and he would deal with me upon my return.
I did see Keith in concert and it was just as I thought, life changing. I remember him sitting under the piano as God moved through the crowd. I have never been the same. God called me to follow after Him that day. I am 40 years old now and a worship leader at my church and I always wish I could call Keith for advice but I know he would probably refer me to his Source anyway. I’m so glad I went to see Him in concert – because if I had not stowed away in the church van – I never would have been able to hear him sing live. That concert is one of my most cherished memories. I never got to meet Keith but I miss him very much anyway. Someday we will worship God together again!
October 31st, 2008 at 6:41 pm
My memories of Keith Green go way back in time to late 1980, when I gave my life to Christ. I heard him on Christian radio and I knew his music was different. I loved it-I loved his message. He was sold out to God, committed and dedicated to God. On days when I was down, his music and message would pick me back up again. He was where I wanted to be and needed to be as a Christian. I looked up to him as a brother and leader in the Lord, just as I looked up to my pastor . I was greatly influenced as a young Christian by his music, message, and life. I remember (will never forget) the day he went home to be wth the Lord. The announcement came over the radio as I was driving my car. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing…That was a sad day for many people, but such a happy day for him. Still today, it is to me like he never left this world, because you see his music is so timeless and still so alive. His message has remained strong in my life for all these years. When I need strength or direction or it seemed I have lost my direction, I still listen to Keith and remember how powerful his timeless message really really is. I have read all his books and next to my bible I love his book called “A Cry In the Wilderness.” This is a book featuring his 12 most powerful messages (sermons). The sermons are gripping and timeless as well and this book was written after his death. I call this book, written by Keith, my 2nd bible. I have read the book many many times and personalized it over the years with marginal comments, pictures, etc. As Christians we all need someone that we can relate to and learn from in this world. Yes, we need the holy spirit, but faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The Lord uses people in our lives to make us stronger and bring us closer to him. Keith has been that person in my life that has drawn me closer to the Cross of Christ. Someday I will see him and I will be able to tell him how God used his music and message to help me get through so many days! Thank you Jesus for Keith and Melody!
November 11th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
I remember hearing Keith Green for the very first time as a very young believer in 1985. The track was ‘Dust to Dust’ and the album was ‘Jesus Commands us to Go’. I will never forget how that album touched me so deeply and gave me strength and encouragement at a time when I had many doubts about my faith. There was nothing fake or contrived about the way Keith expressed his relationship with God, he was the real deal! As a piano player, his style influenced me immensely and much of my current technique has its roots in Keith’s music. Over twenty years later I still find myself in tears whenever I listen to ‘I want to be more like Jesus’, I don’t think any other artist has ever had such an impact on me the way Keith Green has. I thank God for all he achieved in such a short time here on earth, to me he will always be an inspiration.
December 7th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
I was introduced to Keith while serving at a powerful FM radio station in southern California, when I had an opportunity to play his first recording released by Sparrow Records. Our listening audience went wild. That was nearly three decades ago. His enthusiasm for serving the Lord was contagious. I also vividly recall the morning when I began the live news feed at our radio station in FL and heard the announcement of the plane crash and the identities of all the passengers, including Keith and pilot Don Burmeister. While I was saddened by the loss experienced by Melody and others, I was comforted by the fact that all had crossed over to the other side into the loving arms of their Heavenly Father. At the invitation of Jerry Bryant, I had the pleasure of visiting the Green’s at their Woodland Hills home in the late 70’s. I’m eager for another visit when we all get togehter in our Heavenly Home. ~Richard Allan Q95FM
December 13th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I Became a Christian in 1977 at the age of 21.I remember walking into a Christian book store in 1978 just looking for some music that i might like,i grew up on rock music.So i was browsing through the albums when all of a sudden there it was No Compromise by Keith Green. Iwas sold by the cover of the album what a image it was like god was telling me this will help you in your walk with the lord .When i got it home i put it on the turntable and was blown away by the vocals but most of all the honesty and truth and conviction of the lyrics when i heard the song My Eyes Are Dry i fell to my knees it was like that song was meant for me i began to pray and there was such a renewal in my life . The next day i went back to the bookstore and bought For him who has ears to hear.What a special person Keith was i started receiving his Last Days Newsletters they were food for my soul. I never got to meet Keith in person but through the Spirit we were connected When Keith passed away in the plane crash i felt that a part of myself died that very day . I love and miss him dearly but one day will meet him .My only son was born in 1988 and named him after Keith Thanks Your Love Broke Through
December 15th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I was saved May 5, 1974 in Southern California during the Jesus Movement. This was before Keith’s debut FOR HIM…was released, but he played a lot of concerts in the Thousand Oaks area where I lived.
He and Melody had recently formed the Last Days Community in Woodland Hills and at his concerts, he would invite people to join if they had nowhere to go or at least attend the Bible studies. I was in high school at the time but would drive to the Friday night potlucks and got to know Keith and Melody because they LOVED that my Mom would send me along with a nice, home cooked meal to share with everyone.
It was at this time that Keith was becoming a “Jesus Star” and I asked him to play at my high school (Agoura High) during a student’s choice assembly day. All the different campus clubs had events and I was president of the Maranatha! Club and thought it would be cool for Keith to come and play.
A couple nights after I asked him, my Dad called me to the phone and said, “It’s Keith Green.” He had no idea who it was but for me, it was as if Elton John had called me! Keith agreed to come and a couple weeks later at the assembly, I set up enough chairs for about 50 people and I think 12 of us sat down when Keith began to play. I put the speakers outside of the building so his music would draw a crowd. He started with “You Put This Love In My Heart” and a song or two later, I turned around…and 200 people had packed the building! (I remember I counted!)
He was funny and was able to talk about Jesus but nt have an altar call but I remember it was all very “real” and the Holy Spirit honored his heart. He played “hard and loud” on that school piano and when the 45 minute concert was over, many kids left but a small crowd gathered around and he once again honored whatever “school laws” there were that he couldn’t really preach and I thought that was so great!
That was a big memory for me, as was the time he finished recording NO COMPROMISE. He had a “surprise” for us that Friday night–a test pressing of the LP! So I’m pleased to say that I was among the first people to hear the final album! (I remember “You!”–the first song on side 2–skipped!) That remains my favorite album because of that experience–hearing it early–and “Soften Your Heart” was a favorite.
Also, the cover of that album has an interesting story. Keith was a little “tired” of being the “Jesus Star” and I think tired of Christians being so “into him” when he wanted them into Him. And the first album had his face taking up the entire cover so he didn’t want his face on the NO COMPROMISE LP. I know the folks at Sparrow were not happy over this–they wanted their “star” and his name front and center. But Keith stood his ground and insisted he NOT appear on the album cover and he wanted his name small. They finally “compromised’ — ha!– and he allowed an inset photo of him inside the gatefold. I remember him telling this story before the LP came out but Melody doesn’t but it sounds like Keith…so I post it here.
They invited me to join the Woodland Hills group (I remember you, Wayne) because there were so many people coming and going. Many joined out of need (homeless and suddenly saved) while others joined because of the “Jesus Star” thing and many came and went, fell away, whatever. I guess I was “stable” — and Mom’s dinners!–but I was still in high school, lived nearby in Westlake Village/Thousand Oaks, and planned on going to college.
They eventually moved to Texas and one day, I got the phone call about Keith’s death. It was really the “end of an era” — Jesus Movement, et al — and I wasn’t able to listen to his music for several years. Then the Internet came along and people started posting what an “on fire saint he was” and so forth.
But he was also struggling as we all do, and much of “on fire” nature was a struggle he had with the law vs grace and anger at what he felt others should be doing. That Law vs Grace
struggle was a challenge for those who lived with him and those who loved him. His magnificent song “Grace By Which I Stand” shows the peace he was coming to with the Lord and that issue.
So much has changed since the 1970s/80s and there is so much anger/politics in the Body of Christ that I wonder what Keith would be doing today. I sense he would not be doing any CCM anymore, but he might be focused on worship music, but not praise choruses–just private time with he and the Lord. He was trying to divest himself of the whole CCM thing and find a purity (“pure religion” as it says in James) and I think he would be off somewhere with Melody and his children, following Jesus but without a crowd of onlookers.
My all-time favorite lines by Keith:
“Oh Lord, forgive the times
I’ve tried to read You mind.
For you said, If I’d be still
Then I would hear Your voice.”
January 5th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
When I wrote on this site last May, it was mostly about the past. But, I now have to say that Keith’s music is more important, more central to my faith and growth than at any time in my life. The reason for this is that I’m really trying to submit to the Lord in ways that I hadn’t allowed Him to touch. And, I’m in my upper 40’s.
My life – from the perspective of what I believed it would be when I got saved – has been a disappointment. This has nothing to do with my marriage or family. I just thought that I would be a lot deeper as a Christian than I have been; that I would be an example of what it would be like to be radically saved. And, for reasons of my own making, that hasn’t been the case.
With my wife’s help, I am really trying to discover a greater depth to my walk in Christ. This has taken me to places in Him that I’ve never been. I’ve read Keith’s biography (and Charles Finney’s), I’ve cut down on the silly, shallow excuses for CCM, or “praise” music that I listen to. I pretty much just play my extensive collection of Kieth’s CDs.
The point to this is that, after over 26 years, I’ve never found a Christian artist who has displayed Kieth’s level of no compromise commitment. And, since that’s what I want in my own life, that’s what I’m allowing into my ear gate. I’m not saying that there’s no other “deep” music out there. It’s probable that there is. I just don’t know of it. (In fact, anyone who wants to nominate another artist for a No Compromise Award, please make a suggestion. They’re all probably on Youtube)
I want to reach that place in Christ, where Jesus can tell me “well done”, and my kids can say, “My dad was a REAL Christian”. Keith’s kids can say that. And I’ve got a lot of work to do at it, so I’ll sign off, now.
Blessings.
January 17th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Keith was a pioneer in Christian music, and I love so MANY of his songs. More importantly, he prophetically called us all to repent, then GO to share Christ with the unsaved. One of my favorites is from his album, Make My Life a Prayer to You, the last cut, A Message From Keith, where he challenged us to be more involved and more effective in sharing Jesus. I was struck to the heart when I first heard that he, along with some of his children and friends, had been lost. It reminded me of his commitment in his song, Pledge My Head to Heaven. It was truly a great loss to the Church — but the Lord called him home, in His timing and plan, even when we don’t understand it. I’m sure he had a joyous welcome from the Lord he served so diligently. Lord bless you, Melody, and all your children, for your faithfulness and for continuing his ministry in truly spiritual songs, and in standing against the slaughter of the preborn. May the Lord continue to comfort and strengthen you.
January 25th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
I had been saved not even 2 years when I first heard about Keith Green and after hearing people speak about him I wanted to find out who he was and what he said. His words from his songs had a sharpness to them that at first I wasn’t sure if I liked it. I eventually decided that I did like the things that he said and read a track from him one day called, “Why you should go to the mission field”. I did go shortly thereafter but was wisely counseled by my mentors to wait because I wasn’t ready for the field yet as new believer. Keith’s music became and remains my favorite Christian music of all time. About 8 years after I was saved, I went as a long term worker without a mission board and with $500 in my pocket trusting the Lord to provide for me as Keith had pointed out, “He’ll take care of the rest”. God did take care of the rest and as I already knew, I never went without a meal or a place to sleep as I spread the good news of Jesus Christ there. By the first three months there together with some new Albanian believers that I had started training in sharing Jesus, we had already started the first church in the existance of the town Skrapari, Albania. I got married to one of the young believers from that town and we came back to Albania to work for 5 more years after my first year there. We have been serving the Lord in Global ministries for over 12 years now. As I read about the unknown things about Keith, I’m amazed at the similiarities of his habits and mine. But there are some things about Keith that no one seems to be able to come close to duplicating in his music, passion, focus and conviction of the H.S. through music. I want to love Jesus as Keith Loved Jesus. I want to touch people in a small way like he did. I want to be close to my father like Keith was. I cry sometimes when I think that Keith was taken from us. I imagine sometimes what he would be doing and the kind of impact he would still be having if he were alive today. I’ve heard some say that he had more impact through his death then he could have had by living. That may have been true but I wonder sometimes if we didn’t suffer a greater loss than the loss of Keith and his children when they died. I would love to have met Keith and am thrilled when I talk to someone who met him and I want to find out everything he had said. I know that there are others who have been impacted like me by Keith because I have met them. Thank you Lord for my brother Keith and the privelage to be in his family and that I’ll one day by your grace be able to eat with him at your table.
March 5th, 2009 at 1:53 am
I just read his “Catholic Chronicles” for the first time tonight and realized that Keith was STILL growing up. Just like he grew out of his teen idol stage, his hippy stage, his early Christian stage, it would have been great if he lived long enough to grow out of his (typical) misunderstanding of the Catholic faith stage. Publishing such a shallow and typical outsiders view of the Catholic faith only shows that EVERYONE has room to grow in understanding while still in the flesh. All too soon he was gone before having the chance to grow further. Like most of his early life, his writing the Catholic Chronicles would have been reversed in time .
Be careful what you write, most of it will look awfully stupid in 25 years…
April 10th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
I was an Elton John freak back in the late 70’s. He was a great inspiration to me musically since I was trying to develop my talent to play the piano and sing. I couldn’t tell you the particular woman in our church, but I remember her coming up to me and saying, hey…if you like Elton John, then you will like this guy. She proceeds to hand me a cassette of Keith Green. I shrugged it and politely accepted her gift.
I ended up listening to the tape and was initially blown away by his piano playing. It just so happened he sang in my key as well. I will also note, when I start getting into a particular group or musician I get pretty focused. It wasn’t long before the cassette was well worn.
Then, the Youth Minister said that Keith was coming to Tulsa and performing a number of nights at Oral Roberts University. I will tell you that every night the presence of the Lord grew greater and greater. The annointing was intense and God was moving greatly.
I remember the last meeting I went to at ORU there was an incredible time of repentance. There were people all over the auditorium on their knees repenting of sin. Then Keith asked if there were anyone that would like to publically repent of their sins. People started lining up and confessed their sins and acknowledge their repentive attitude. Each time people would burst into applause and glorify God.
Then a young college student came up and identified himself as part of the student government (can remember what part) and confessed homosexuality. Again, open reception of his repentance, but then one of the Deans, Buskirk, came out and said they meetings were concluded and explained that there are certain sins that should not be confessed in public and ended the meetings.
I have mixed feelngs about that night. I felt that God moved till Buskirk stopped the meetings. It was at that moment, not before, you could definitely feel that Holy Spirit being quenched. I understand the reasoning and the attitude of the era on that topic. Also, I understand the reason they encourage individuals to confess privately some things.
Keith quietly and respectfully packed up and I never heard anything else of there involvement in Tulsa. I have always wondered what happened to that kid that confessed such a personal sin and the impact that night had on his life. Maybe part of the reason I choose to post this story here…Maybe he or someone that knows him will post the rest of the story.
Blessings!
April 10th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
I remember being touched by Keith’s music when I was in college. I only have the “Ears” album. I would play it over and over especially the Easter song. I remember when his plane crashed with two of his children. I felt very badly for his family, but knew he and his children were with the Lord. As I am looking forward to the Easter celebration in a day and a half, I am reminded of what joy that Keith brought to his listeners. As I am grieving the lost of my sister and only sibling and my father, I am reminded of His Resurrection when I listen to the joy in the Easter song.
Thank you all for sharing your stories and memories. What a passionate child of God. Would we all have a part of that passion in our lives.
Peace to all.
“He is Risen”
He is Risen,indeed!
Nancy
April 24th, 2009 at 2:08 am
I encountered the songs of Keith Green as a college freshmen, when I joined a youth group in the University of the Philippines Los Banos in 1991. I have loved his songs ever since…..Those college years allowed God to move in our group in a very special way thru Keith’s music. Hands down it was the most radical Christian organization in the university. We used to go classroom to classroom sharing the gospel after each class. Sharing to total strangers who we see at the back of the university library and meeting together from Monday to Friday for Worship at 5:30 in the morning. Numerous bible study groups were formed with passion and a sense of urgency to reach out the souls. We dare not be Asleep in the Light as Keith’s song blares out. The conviction of God to share his gospel and live a life devoted to Christ was so strong we had the song “Make my life a prayer to to you” as sort like the group’s foundational anthem or song in beginning. This move of God was so incredible that the youth group became the biggest student organization in the university by 1995 (at one time we had more than 500 students as committed members) and spun of numerous professional and community groups that carried the same fire, first to the rest of Laguna province and much later to different parts of the country. I’m writing this today and it’s already April 2009. I already have two daughters working for the largest real estate company in the country as a sales development trainer. My brethren in that group have become ministers, lawyers, doctors, missionaries, accountants based in different parts of the world. All of us still sing Keith Green’s songs today as poignant and as wonderful as the first time we sang them in our dorms and in the campus……Thank you so much to God and Keith Green for the life changing music that never fails to bring us back to real Christianity!
May 26th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
In 2002 I had a crisis of faith that my youth pastor helped me through. When i finally got back on track with the Lord, my youth pastor gave me a book to read. It was called No Compromise. He briefly told me who Keith Green was and that I reminded him a little bit of Keith. In my immaturity, i tossed the book and never read it.
Two years later, running hard after God, on the other side of the country, a pastor who’s church i was preaching in, approached me one day and said, “You know who you remind me of? Keith Green.” I immediately thought back to my youth pastor, and thought who is this Keith Green guy i keep hearing about, this is weird.” So i read the book.
Long story short, It changed my life. It gave me courage, hope, definition and purpose to why i was living and how to walk that out. I don’t know where i would be if i hadn’t read that book!
July 27th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
When my son was going through his rebellion and turning from anything to do with God, he would make “smart” remarks about christian programs. Keith’s programs and music held his atttention without any remarks. He soon turned back to God and today he pastors his own church and uses Keiths music to reach teenagers.
I was heading a girls teenage group at the time and had a hard time getting them to work as a unit….until they heard Keith’s back to egypt. They put together a skit acting out the song…all on their own.
I look foreward to meeting keith and telling him how he ministered through my family and friends!
August 15th, 2009 at 3:52 am
I have been inspired since seeing Keith in concert in Little Rock in (i think) 1981. I was living in a tin-roof shotgun house with no heat or air and barely electricity. Our home had holes in the walls that went all the way through to the outside and since we lived in dense bottom land the mosquitos tormented us mercilessly night and day. My parents were abusive, I was forced to stand in the center aisle of the school bus by the other kids because I was poor (and later because I proclaimed Christ and carried my Bible to school.) My sister and I were so unpopular the bus driver made us walk to the next bus stop a mile from our house even though he had to pass our house to get to the other stop. Many times I sat in my parents room and held my father’s gun to my head wishing I could summon the courage to pull the trigger. If it hadn’t been for the compassion shown to me by my youth pastor and by people I encountered at the concert who were kind and gave my sisters and I more than the usual one record that they offered for whatever you could afford and for the comfort given to me daily by the wonderfully anointed music coming from those records I might be in hell right now. I could never have thanked Keith enough for his example. But I thank God that He inspired Keith to inspire me. I have recently been called into ministering through music and I will be brushing up on my old Keith Green songs on piano. A very nice couple is donating a piano for this purpose. I don’t think I am the only one doing this right now. There seems to be a wave of interest in this and other Christian music right now. Let’s all take advantage of this to the glory of God. Thanks and God bless you for posting this site.
August 24th, 2009 at 6:48 am
I was not a Christian when Keith Green died. After I was born again in 1988 I became aware of his ministry and his tragic death. He truly was an evangelist! The interesting thing is that just recently (summer 2009) the Lord has been ministering to me and my husband through his music which is so focused on the Lord and on the lost and the love of God for both. I also want to say that Keith Green was right on target when he wrote the Catholic Chronicles. The writings were born from a love for truth and a love for lost souls. They are biblically sound. I write this as someone who was a Roman Catholic for almost 40 Years before truly being saved. Love and truth were in those chronicles. In this day of gross apostasy don’t let anyone tell you differently my dear brethren in Christ. These are heaven and hell issues and must be carefully considered.
September 17th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Keith turned me on to Christian music and all the PEACE I have received over the years. I probably saved my life. May God Bless his family. Love in Christ, Dennis
September 17th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
In 1978 or 1979 my wife dragged me off to a Keith Green concert in San Diego. I did not want to go. I thought most Christian musicians were just a bunch of wanna-be’s…people who could not make it in the real music industry and therefore had to settle for the “Christian” market. I remember sitting up in the balcony and Keith came out…sat at the piano and played “Until your Love Broke Through.” I will NEVER forget that moment. I turned to my wife and said…”This is from another world.” I was forever changed at that moment. I am a worship leader and song writer. I owe much to his ministry. My youngest son is named Daniel Keith. When I read the autobiography “No Compromise” and read how he told Melanie that if he died and she had a boy (she was pregnant) to name him Daniel Keith…I called my wife and said…we are naming him Daniel Keith. We sent a birth announcment to Melanie and she sent us a note telling us that story.
September 19th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Dear everyone,
he did have an impact on my life, I am australian. I became a christian the same year he did.
and I didn’t know there was chrisitan music until I heard his.
It is no compromise attitude thats impacting and you get a strong sense of Jesus with his music.
God bless Donna
September 21st, 2009 at 8:06 am
This is the year 5770, a new year, Rosh Hashana. I awoke this morning and ask the Lord to show me what He wanted me to do.
I am from the Pocono area of Pennsylvania, a young pastor listened to Kieth Green, I didn’t know there was such a thing as Contemporary Christian Music. That was well over 25 years ago, I am now 48. The Lord is My Shepherd has been as still is one of my favorite songs. I am on the worship team at Chirstian International, I was in an advanced song writing class with Dean Mitchum on the 17th, when the question was posed, “What is your favorite song”? The Lord is my Shepherd by Kieth Green was my answer.
I feel the Lord wants me to write songs. My roots are with Kieth Green, and my present is with Bishop Hamon ( I attend Christian International), the CI Team, Chuck Pierce, Cindy Jacobs, Martha Lucia……..WOW, prayed at 6am, and answered by 8am. Well I better get to work! So much to do, so little time, redeeming the time! Thank you for this post, and thank you for asking. Blessings. Laura Faith
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:53 pm
what a privilege to share our hearts for the precious brother and all his life meant to us.
i was a young Christian and keith’s music meant everything to me. i feel like much of what i learned about walking with Jesus, holding back nothing, was imparted to me by his life and ministry. His music stirred my heart deeply. i remember listening to “your love broke through” over and over and over…the words and beautiful melody going deep within me. weeping that i could somehow know a God like our God. his deeply challenging songs brought conviction. his tracts adjusted me, never hard to receive. i always wanted to somehow thank him. i remember hearing of his death, and was shattered, unbelieving that it could actually happen. i remember thinking how God must be planning something great in heaven for keith to be a part of! (not sure of my theology at the time, but it helped my grieving heart.) thank you for doing this…
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:16 pm
WOW! What memories!!!WE had the privilege to see Keith at Jesus West Coast in Santa Rosa, CA. My husband and I and 3 young children camped there several years in a row, and just soaked in God. Keith touched our hearts forever with Keith’s down to earth talks and songs. Now all these years later, we are serving the Lord. I lead worship every Wed. night in our adult group, and love learning new praise and worship songs all the time even being a senior citizen for sometime now!!!God is so good, and Keith and his children must be having a blast with Jesus all this time!!!!
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:19 pm
I was 40 years old in 1980 when i was born again .And listened to Kieth’s songs they
made an impact on my walk with the Lord.He was such a gifted young man who loved
God so much.I still have some albums.I know he is still missed by family .friends & many
fans.He was a blessing.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:43 am
I loved Keith Green’s music when I first heard it in 1978. It was fresh and beautiful and “in your face” all at the same time. His passion for God came through so clearly. And his passion for God seemed to generate a frustration with the Christians or the Church (A frustratin I shared until it was directed at me.)
I saw him in concert a few years later in the Midwest. I didn’t enjoy it. Not because the music wasn’t great – it was. But because my heart wasn’t turned toward God at that time. I considered myself to be a Christian but I was also sexually involved with my girlfriend and didn’t want to change that. God was using Keith to challenge me to live completely for Christ and I didn’t like it. I walked away from that concert telling myself that I was OK and Keith Green was just a little over the top.
A couple of years later God opened my eyes to my sin, my need for Him and to His grace. I am inspired by Keith’s passion for God and his willingness to be misunderstood for the sake of Jesus. How much easier would it have been to simply tell people what they wanted to hear?
Today the music Keith made known to the world speaks even more clearly to me than it did 30 years ago. Still calling me to live a life that is sold out to Jesus.
Thanks for the opportunity to remember God’s patience and the legacy of a faith-filled man.
September 24th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
When I was in my late teens, and before Keith passed, his music and his Last Days Ministry magazines and newsletters fed my deep desire to know and follow Christ with all of my heart. His music and his writings were genuine and fed the soul rather than the ego. I remember the day I heard his plane had crashed. I cried and wondered why God would take someone so young who was ministering to so many young hearts and minds. I knew there would probably not be another Christian artist like him ever, or at least not for a long time-and there never has been any Christian artist who has touched my heart and soul as he did.
September 25th, 2009 at 8:59 am
When Keith passed away, I thought; “There goes a man uncompromising in dedication and belief that God is the I Am, and His word is to be taken in the same uncompromising way! I will always love his two songs that show both sides of his personality; “To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice”, and “So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?”. I pray his life inspires others to lead.
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:22 pm
It was the mid 70’s I believe and a converted theater in San Diego CA that housed Calvary Chapel when I first heard Keith Green’s ministry and music. I was a “baby Christian” at the time and came from a Jewish background. I distinctly remember noticing that Keith was barefoot on stage and playing the piano as he sang. I got so caught up in his beautiful words and music and just knew I was where I was supposed to be at that moment in time. It is something that will remain in my heart until I too am with the Lord. Hopefully I will also once again enjoy the presence of this wonderful, soulful, spiritual man who gave so much while he was on this earth.
October 6th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
I first heard Keith in the Akron, OH area in the late 70’s when he played in local high school auditoriums. The lyrics that poured from Father’s heart through Keith’s impacted this teenager, causing some pretty radical commitments on my part! Winkie Pratney was also a part of that impact at the Cathedral of Tomorrow. Later, while in Bible college, I married in May, 1982, just a few weeks before Keith’s graduation from this life. Each year (now 27) when my wife and I celebrate our marriage and the Kingdom impact that Father has through us, we think of those who were used to guide and influence us. We still play the vinyl that serves as an anchor to a Jesus Who loves so much. . .while His Church loves so little. It presses us toward further Kingdom advancement amongst those wounded servants of His, as well as the subcultures that are generationally away from Him. Thank You, Father, for Your amazing tapestry of network–to the glory of Jesus!
October 21st, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I first met Keith in 1981 shortly before the plane crash. It was one of his last concerts he played it was at the Livestock Events center in Reno, NV. At that time I had idolized Keith
and the Lord Jesus was convicting me of this. So, I had the perfect opportunity to ask his
forgiveness. The concert was packed as usual and the TV stations showed up to film him.
He immediately told them to “pack up and leave” and that “this isn’t about Keith Green; it’s
about Jesus Christ and if you want to stay and listen that’s fine but if you want to film me
then you need to leave”. It was an amazing event. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing
and was awestruck by what I was witnessing. They rolled up their cables and left the Events
Center upset. Jesus won again – Praise the Lord. After the concert Keith was witnessing to
a bunch of people near the front of the stage. I thought to myself there is no way I’m even
going to be able to get near him and I said “Lord, if you let get his attention I’ll ask forgiveness and apologize. He said to Melody, “hey Mel we gotta go” I said to him very quickly Keith can I please talk to you he was begging me saying “brother, I gotta go” and I said please I need to talk to you it’s really, really important. With that he came up to me and I intruduced myself on the stage and I admitted everything to him how I idolized him and thought he was so awesome. He lovingly rebuked me and said, “brother, you can’t do that; that’s sinning against the Lord, that is wickedness, you need to repent” I said look at you your famous and everything (I was very naive). With this he floored me and said “look at me
I have a white T-shirt on; jeans with holes in the knees does this look like someone to idolize?” Then he said, “brother let’s pray” With that he prayed that the Lord Jesus would forgive me and would cleanse me from my sins and show me how to walk with him on a daily basis. I told him Keith I really love you in the Lord and he said “I love you in the Lord but you need to keep your priorities straight” With that we hugged and I cried real hard. He said God loves you take care I gotta go God bless you Rob. Six months later he was dead. I was floored at his death but realized that the Lord Jesus gave me the only opportunity to apologize and I took Him up on it. Praise the Lord. My soul was freed.
said “none of this matters, Rob
October 26th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
I was 22 when I got saved in 1981. Keith’s music IMMEDIATELY gripped me. All of it. No Compromise, So You Want To Go Back To Egypt, You Can Run to the End of the Highway, and ALL of it. I had no car stereo, so I had a little boom box I put in the back seat of the car and used batteries like mad. I would cry and it would lift me to live like Jesus wanted me to live that day. I would be convicted, better said. If no other music could bring me to God, Keith’s could. I still to this day say that there has been no other Christian musician to influence not only the industry, but the WORLD the way Keith’s music did.
Not to mention his publications, missions, etc. I was stirred to get involved with missions when I was at a concert Keith did in Long Beach in early 1982. I received the publications and I am not a huge reader, but I devoured the Last Days Newsletter. I still quote him all the time.
There are too many things in this world in certain categories to have a favorite. My son asks me what my favorite meal is, what my favorite flower is, what my favorite cookie is, my favorite classic rock band, etc. One thing I can say about favorites, is that KEITH GREEN was my, I mean, IS my favorite Christian musician. His songs were like sermons. His sermons could be written to music. His sermons WERE newsletter articles. His songs inspired us to love God and our neighbor. He inspired missionaries to get out of their neighborhood and go to someone else’s, even if it was 4000 miles away.
Nobody still to this day can hold a candle to Keith. Nobody. His conviction, his passion, his music, his love, his intensity, his focus, his inspiration, nothing can compare and nobody will ever. It’s not to say that I don’t want someone else to come carry the torch…I DO! Come on, raise up, next Generation! Bring someone out of nowhere, Holy Spirit, who will set this world on fire again.
When he died, it was only about 10 months after I was introduced to his music. I wept and wept. I was not a fan so much as a disciple. I understood then and now that it’s time to go to work. We all have a purpose on this earth and we have to go to work. Let the love overflow. We are the workers that are being sent forth in to the harvest.
It’s hard to believe, but he put out the newsletter, the tracts, probably 4 albums and traveled the world from the time he was 19 and got saved and 28 when he died. Or was it 27? He worked incredibly hard at fulfilling God’s call.
We have been without him for 27 years and we MUST let the Lord use us! Who else is going to bring the message of God’s love?
October 28th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Greetings,
Just wanted to share with you a 14 year journey of a short film I filmed/edited/produced
“The Prodigal Son” it is a short film along with Keith Greens song “The Prodigal Son Suite” The DVD is currently being sent out to many places and given away to where the LORD is leading me to get it out. Go to http://deanbauman.com to read more about the story. Thank you for posting this site and for allowing me to share my story.
October 29th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I still have some of the Last Days Ministries newsletters. My ex-husband and I actually visited the ranch after Keith died. I had been corresponding with Don Burmeister’s wife and wanted to meet her. My ex-husband introduced me to Keith’s music and LOVED it because of his passion for what he believed and the scorching lyrics. I just watched the video produced by Melody. I had a lump in my throat the whole time, and to this day I feel extremely sad about Keith, his family, and his friends’ deaths. I will always remember what I was doing when I heard. I wish that Melody would write a book about her grief journey. I am sure she misses him to this day. I know she was only able to bear it because of God, what a huge loss for her.
Thanks to all of you for keeping Keith’s memory alive and for Melody for all that she’s done.
November 7th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Right after Keith died 1000’s of people wrote letters and called, saying, ‘it’s as if I KNEW Keith’ and the truth is if you listened to his music and connected with his message, then YOU did know Keith. You might have heard that saying, ‘he wore his heart on his sleeve’ but Keith was a person who wore his soul on his sleeve. When he crossed the finish line, he was definitely in a full run and had no plans for an early graduation. I’ve often wondered, “Lord, why did Keith preach such a challenging message only to get called out of the classroom early”? My husband and I were very close to Keith, and there’s a picture of him doing our wedding ceremony in the “No Compromise” book. I miss him! One thing I’m certain of, that he’s still leading worship and who knows, maybe even giving altar calls.
November 27th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
I first heard the music of Keith Green in 1983. The first song that touched my spirit was Until that Final Day. Melody and Keith’s music was so very instrumental in the LORD saving me from religion and into relationship with Jesus. Now 26 years later and having been blessed beyond description by so many anointed and gifted singers and their songs of worship and praise unto the LORD, in my opinion there is no one nor group that quite compares with what the Almighty poured through the uncompromising life of Keith Green. Though very prolific in his short amount of time on earth, we all get to spend an eternity with Keith and so many others worshiping our Savior in songs of praise and adoration forever. I’m sure it’s been said before but it is worth repeating….just imagine the songs Keith must be banging out on that heavenly piano now and forever in glory!!!
November 28th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
I saw Keith Green in Hartville, Ohio, in 1977, when he had first released his debut album. (This was the last album to show any humor, by the way). He traveled in a little RV and stayed at a Red Roof Inn in Canton because it was inexpensive. I appreciated his consistency in living frugally and playing a good piano, but he was intimidating. In fact, he was a bit obnoxious in his zeal. During his alter call at the Friendly Gesture Coffee House, he demanded that four people who raised their hands come down to the front of the room. When they didn’t, he threatened to escort them down personally to accept Christ. They finally caved to social pressure but I’ve wondered over the years how sincere their commitment was. There’s a difference between sincerely seeking and merely being bullied into a public display of accepting Christ. During intermission, he stepped outside the coffee house and chatted with very few people because the rest of us found him to be unapproachable. He seemed to have the whole universe figured out and he was rather arrogant about sharing his insights in a ticked-off kind of way. In all, I was turned off to his overpowering personality and I didn’t really care for his “in-your-face” public persona. Keith had a lot of growing up to do yet in 1977. I will say, however, that he was a very good musician and that he played a very good acoustic piano.
December 6th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Hello,
I first came in contact with Kieth’s music long after he had departed this life. His music causes me to see how really faithless I have been, yet I have served my church on 3 occasions as elder. Until Kieths music said things to my heart that I had never considered I thought I was one of Jesus “mighty men”. In truth I am anything but, and Kieths music says those things to my heart. I thank God for Him and Melody every day. Blessings to each of you,
Tom
PS, I.m over 70 years old.
January 28th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
I am 22 and never got to meet Keith Green. But I read his Bio, No Compromise. I was never the same. I learned more of what it means to follow Jesus from the pages of that book than almost anything else in life this far. God touched my heart and made passionate to follow Him despite the cost. I thank God for what He has done through Keith’s life.
January 30th, 2010 at 9:58 am
I remember hearing about the death of Keith Green, but I didn’t know anything about him. I did hear that he was a Christain Singer. Several years later my brother bought a two CD set of Keith’s music. I was in the Air Force at the time, and I lived in the military dorms. People would literally knock on my door to ask me the name of the artist that I was playing. It was amazing. One guy actually asked if he could sit in my room to listen to the music. We didn’t talk. He just sat there and listened to every word.
I met my future wife a few months later and Keith’s music was one of the first things we discussed. She had never heard of Keith, so I played “No One Believes In Me Anymore.” She is a piano player, so she was immediately blown away by his talent. Keith remained a big part of our dating life since his was about the only music that we listened to on our dates. There are so many great songs.
Keith’s music always lifts up Christ as the true focus of our worship. Keith wasn’t interested in becoming famous. I believe that the worship of Jesus was the heartbeat of Keith Green.
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Keith’s music has always gotten through to me. He has a way, even now, of revealing God’s heart and His call in our lives.
“Rushing Wind” is sort of a theme song in my life, and I am so grateful that he shared in his talent, and continues to. I am constantly amazed at his heart for people and God.
February 10th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
I wonder what Keith would have done when faced with what happened to CCM, and the church-at-large. Over the last 30 years the Church in America has grown more shallow and crass in it’s life-style, and it’s expression of Christian beliefs. There is a self-centered spirit that permeates much singing and preaching. Functionally, America has no Church, today. By that, I mean that there is no mass of Christ-followers who have sold all they have to follow Jesus. There is just a powerless shell, that the world mocks and chuckles at.
I suspect that Keith would have had some serious counsel for the purveyors of the silliness that passes for revival, and for biblical preaching. (There are still some faithful men and women, but they aren’t the mass-popular ones.)
Father God, where are your prophets, in our day?! Send us your rain, Oh Lord! Send us your porphets!
February 18th, 2010 at 8:22 am
I had just got out of prison here in Texas and I was living in a Christian half-way house (1977). We head of an outdoor Christian music festival being held in Lufkin, Texas. So we packed up and went. One of the evenings Keith was performing. He begin to play and I was amazed. At one point he begin to tell us about the healing power of the Lord. He said that as he would continue to play that God would show up and heal people. He begin to play and sure enough, people in the audience begin to get healed. I now look back on that concert now and know God took me there to amaze me with his glory.
February 28th, 2010 at 2:58 am
i think it’s cool that he was jewish. also, he was a staunch “be saved or go to hell” artist in his early days, but later became much more, i guess reserved in his approach. at any rate, he was an awesome artist whose faith carried his life.
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:08 am
I first learne of Keith Green through a girlfriend who’s sister was taken in by the Green family and cared for her during a most difficult time in her life. I was moved beyond words by his music and his ministry. Shortly thereafter, we were to see him in person in San Pedro, California where he would be welcoming the mercy ship Anastasis.
He died just before the event in 1982 and Melody Green attended in his place. She looked so very tired but maintained a strong demeanor. Our hearts broke for her that day and although I only learned of Keith a few months prior, I was overcome with emotion and tears began to flow. They played Keith’s song Holy, Holy, Holy and there was not a dry eye in the audience.
Following that event, I obtained everything I could find on Keith Green (Music, Last Days Ministries Newsletters, etc. to understand a greater depth of his purpose and love of Christ. Needless to say, I am more moved now by his music and ministry that I had ever been before. His music and love of Christ are a fundamental part of my worship and it is a joy and priviledge to share his music for the first time with new believers or with those who may never have heard of him.
His music and words are genuinely timeless I am grateful his ministry continues to live on. He must be one awesome worship leader in Heaven!
On another note, my love and thoughts to Melody for her courage and desire to keep Keith’s ministry alive – May God bless her and her family~
March 25th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
I first heard Keith when I was 14 years old and 25 years later I am still listening to him. I had all his albums, then cassettes and now CD’s! I even gave David Archuletta a CD of Keith Green last April when he was in Cleveland, Ohio ( in hopes he will sing one of his songs) Keith has and always will be my all time favorite because of his conviction both on and off the stage. I went to his memorial service and also still have the newspaper article. I love Christian Music and many artists today are great, but Keith was the most passionate, honest artist ever.
April 1st, 2010 at 4:40 am
Back in the 80’s when I was coming out of drug addiction, I had found a church in Los Alamitos, CA (Cottonwood Christian Center). During that time I discovered Keith’s music and I especially loved “The Easter Song”… I always thought that song was heavily anointed and felt a strong spiritual connection to its message. To this day, I can’t make it through an Easter without hearing it at least once. All of Keith’s songs bring a special message of hope, redemption and show us the love of our Savior toward us. Thanks for putting together such a great site! God bless, Jenny Fedei
April 19th, 2010 at 9:06 am
I remember being on a plane after he died and thinking if God didn’t save Keith why in the world would he save me? It made for a very hairy experience. I had every album he made and was not a “fan” but another lover of Jesus and appreciated the place he could always take me to with his music. I always said he could play an instrumental and bring everyone to the altar! Although I could write so much, my favorite memory was his memorial concert. When he came on, we stood and cheered for 5 minutes as if it was really him on stage. His book, the Life of Keith Green, I believe, made the biggest impression on me. It was given to me by another KG lover and made me want to be all I can be for Jesus. I will never forget Melody’s words after he died. Quoted loosely, “My husband died today. Doesn’t anyone realize that? Why is the world going on as if nothing happened?” I wanted to let her know many, many, have felt the same way in their lives and we all felt that way the day he died. Thank you for this site, brother. God bless!
April 20th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
I first became aware of Keith and his ministry in summer of `82. We were attending a church The Jesus People Church in Minneapolis for the first time. A woman who introduced herself was talking quite excitedly about this singer songwriter who we just had to listen to. We checked him out and discovered an amazing lure to want to hear more of yhis mans music. We proceeded to purchase every album available and in time wore them out and went to cassete, we still have most of the cassete’s but now have all the CD’s and one DVD. Our children have all grown up listening to Keith’s music, they have their own favorite song of his. I can’t wait to see Keith in Gods kingdom, I know the Lord took him home so as to be remembered always as Keith in his vibrant youth thus being an inspiration to the young people of today and tomorrow. I have been through many trials and many trails, I have back-slid but through it all Keith’s music has pulled me back. I have come to a place in my life where I know I could never go back to the ways of the world and much of my widom and understanding can be attributed to Keith and his ministry…as God is my witness. Thank you Keith
April 29th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I met Keith in 1980. I was going to Multnomah School of the Bible and Keith came and did a concert! His gentle spirit and giving heart just stopped me and I thought, this is a Man of God. It was an amazing evening. I sat right behind him as he sat at the piano and sang and it is something I will never forget. I still listen and sing to his music. He was a beautiful man and left us all with a beautiful legacy. Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to have Keith here on earth to bless us and thank you for the blessing that he still is! Anne
May 28th, 2010 at 10:01 am
I saw Keith at Jesus 78. I was baptized with the Spirit then. There was nothing like his music that could open my heart up at that time. A while later I walked away from the Lord for nearly twenty five years. I was disgusted with the hypocrisy I encountered. I lived a very carnal life. Last year my heart was softened and my eyes opened to the truth once again. This year I will be 50 and I once again listen to Keith’s music almost daily. Listening to him helps put me in a place where I was when I first knew the Lord. It is hard now after years of living only for me, to let go of many things. But I try, and I cry, and God hears me. Thank you Keith for your giving of your gift.
June 6th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
I used to listen to Keith’s music on our 2 and 1/2 hour ride back to visit family when I was newly married. I was not a committed Christian at the time, but more of a seeker. Keith’s music inspired me to grow and walk deeper with the Lord and to understand who Jesus really was. I am so thankful for Keith’s ministry, as I see it as very much the catalist that caused my relationship with Christ to beocome real and genuine.
June 7th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
If all music could have the same message like keith greens, he was an amazing preacher, The Lord sure was with him, I listen to his music and it’s beautiful it has touch my heaart for two yrs now and my children they are babies and almost know all his songs. Glory to the Lord for giving us people like him and I know that his purpose in life was accomplished,
June 13th, 2010 at 5:20 am
As a teenager in Belfast N. Ireland , I grew up with and got involved in the troubles in this land , the times were mad when I look back , and so was I but not as mad as the christians that walked into our gang of loyalist glue sniffing punks and skinheads . well anyway to cut it short some of the gang got saved after violating their church for a few weeks including me , dec 1981. I was introduced to Keiths music which i loved and was a nice change from punk ! Keith and his ministry kept me inspired along with the daily bread which helped me figure out the bible . I found out way over here that Keith had died , so did some mates during the troubles and as a result of them , some in jail some on the run , my faith died too and i went on the run , from god that is ! Nearly 30 years later and with a lovely wife and 2 kids that I no god blessed me with even though I turned away , NO compromise was placed in my hand , Im not a great reader but im half way thru and i have no doubt that god is talking to me and stuff is starting to happen too , like after praying to find a good church a stranger asked me to go to his , that doesnt happen a lot round here these days , think im gonna check it out . with every page I read I feel like god is talking to me , like when I open the book the holy spirit flows out , I hope jesus will forgive my wasted years and help my family and me along the rite road . Dont know much about Keith Green and cant wait to finish the book at my slow reading pace , but I do know I need what Keith had in him ,also know I need to get me some of the holy spirit inspired music that helped me through the troubles back then cause I no keith Green music can help me with the trouble I got myself in now !
July 9th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Someone shared a song of his off of You Tube on Facebook today. He was witnessing and singing and I was intrigued by this young man. I realized that he must no longer be on this earth and I came here to find out more about. Though I have been a Christian since 1971 I did not know this young man. I am sure though I have enjoyed his music in this journey of mine.
July 15th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
He was the first Christian artist I remember listening to. This was before Christian radio so I had to actually purchase the vinyl (we called them albums then…). His message was distinctly different from the easy believe-ism of the day as he emphasized counting the cost. That truth resonated with me and the lyrics continually emphasized that ongoing cost.
I was at Oral Roberts University when he came to Tulsa and the Mabee Center (Melody writes about this in a whole chapter in the book) and can attest that what was written about was true. Repentance was breaking out all over the place.
I remember particularly his asking if anyone had every heard a sermon on “It is better to give than to receive?” and many hands going up. He then asked if anyone had ever heard a sermon on “All those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted?”, and only a couple of hands went up.
For two days after he died, I couldn’t eat anyway and offered it as a fast to the Lord-seeking answers for the “why” question. Many years later I rest in the sovereignty of our God knowing that the “good” of Romans 8:28 is the “being conformed to the image of His Son” in vs. 29.
Keith played a large role in my understanding of the cost of discipleship and I look forward to spending eternity listening to him play the piano before the throne of God above.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:56 pm
HI, I just happen to fall onto this web site. Recently, my son, a young Marine called and told us he will be leaving for Afganistan in Sept. He mentioned some base called Leatherneck or something like that and your site popped up. After further investigating I found this thread. I love Keith’s music. I first was introduced to his music when I was in college, over 30 years ago, on a Monday night Bible Study, at a church in Costa Mesa, called Calvary Chapel. My sister knew I liked his music and so when she told me Keith was going to be in Riverside Ca along with Greg Laurie a group of us went. It was that evening I gave my life to Jesus. I still listen to his music, and still love it. His songs have special meaning for me – always will. Thanks God for sharing Keith with us if only for a little. Blessings, btg
July 25th, 2010 at 3:54 am
I went to a Keith Green concert and the truth he spoke literally changed the rest of my life…we now travel around the globe seeing mass thousands be RADICALLY CHANGED by ZEAL and TRUTH that sets people free-Jn. 8:32. You can see the fruit on our web site http://www.worldquest.org
DIE TO SELF & CHANGE THE WORLD! NO EXCUSES!
Dane of Worldquest
September 1st, 2010 at 10:15 am
I am from New England. Christian Music was very rare in those days. When Christian artists were traveling across the US, hardly anyone came to New England. So when a friend from North Carolina suggested I get the “No Compromise” album by a guy named Keith Green, I had no idea what an impact Keith and his music would have on me. “Asleep in the Light” cut to the real issue and the condition of the church as I saw it in those days (and in these days, sadly). Christians used to gather in my room at the fraternity where I lived and study the lyrics and the Bible verses that were associated. I was discipled by Keith Green’s music. I read the Last Days Newsletters voraciously. I never took Keith’s perspective as Gospel but I loved his passion and fire for prayer and the poor and missions. He was one sold out brother for Jesus. In 1982, I was returning from a three month missions trip to Egypt. My girl friend and her brother picked me up from the airport to drive me home. They asked in my presence, “Should we tell him?” She finally blurted out, “Keith Green is dead.” It took me quite awhile to digest it and to ask God “Why?” but I knew that he lived his life to the full for Jesus and I wanted to do the same as a result of his example.