Charles Gordon III – A Witness to the Resurrection 

 September 25, 1969  – October 3, 2017

 Ginny Owens:

“There were lots of days when my mom would remind me that there will be times in life for you and for all of us when Jesus is our only friend and you need to embrace it. There is more to life than trying to hide the things that are wrong with us but God tells us that we can go to Him in the pieces that we’re in, and with the flaws that we have, or the embarrassing things that we have that we don’t like about ourselves. We can take all of these things to Him. He weaves those things in with His grace & makes just a beautiful story.” Ginny Owens

Much like me, Charlie had a story of struggle he could tell. He also had a story of God’s grace and mercy weaving through it all to write a beautiful story.

Charlie was fun. He named me Kimmer. Called me Kid even though we are one month apart in age, therefore we claimed to be twins. I certainly thought of him as a brother. Charlie was a precious friend, a true gentleman to me, and embodied love of the Lord. Charlie cared about salvation and faith of others. He made an impact on my life. On my faith.

In my silk dress and high heels I climbed a hill on the way to work to get a rock.

At the time I worked for an Orthodontist, and we were experiencing an uncertain time.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 states “²And the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”

My friend, Charlie, told me once, “Kim, your faith should be so strong that you write your prayers in stone.” This advice was based on the above Scripture in Habakkuk.  I wrote my prayers based on this verse in a journal.  After months went by I read the journal and realized over 40 prayers had been answered…in abundance of what I asked. They were not all answered the way I thought was best, but were all answered in God’s divine will and wisdom. Journaling my prayers helped me to realize God’s active part and power in my life. God acts. He will and he does act in our lives.

So, on our rock I wrote “Lord, we believe you will…” and invited everyone to write their prayers. My associates looked at me strangely at first, but throughout the day prayers appeared all over that rock. That rock became a special prayer tool for all of us. We demonstrated our faith, prayed together, and celebrated God answering prayers and working in our lives.

I have spoken about that verse and wisdom Charlie shared with me at churches, children’s ministry, and on the air. Charlie has touched more people, and planted more seeds that will grow in relationship with the Lord than we will ever know.

Charlie cared. That is what matters in the end of life. I know everyone who knew him, knows without a doubt he cared for and loved them. 

He will be missed by all of us who were so blessed by him. 

Save me a seat Charlie!

Kim (Kimmer) Crawford