Voices from the 'Net on Rich's passing

For days after news of Rich Mullins’ death, the Internet was buzzing with e-mail, newsgroup postings and Web site updates. Here is some of what went on in cyberspace:

Visitors found a hypertext link dated Sept. 20 saying, "Rich Mullins has gone home to be with the Father," followed with a brief synopsis of the accident and a link directing users to the Rich Mullins Mailing List Archive for more information. There, the page had been updated with Rich’s photo, his birth and passing date, and the words, "The unthinkable has happened. Rich has been called home to the Father. Here are the very brief details ..." Later, the page was updated with a link to further updates, prayer requests for Mitch McVicker and others, and information on memorial services and where to direct donations to Compassion International.

This site was updated with a note that said, "Sadly, Rich died in a car accident on Friday, September 19th. The news was shocking to us all, but he is in a better place now." Like others, she linked to the Witchita (Kan.) Eagle’s initial and follow-up coverage of Rich’s death and the effect on his home congregation at Central Christian Church.

Brian William’s page may have been the most striking. The page was a solid black background with reverse letters and an orchid image, and offered the following text from William:

"On Friday afternoon, with beautiful sunshine and not a cloud in the sky, I took my bicycle and a sleeping bag to spend the weekend alone with God. At dusk, I lay down for the night among a few trees in a wheatfield, spending the evening in prayer and worship as I rekindled my faith and renewed my personal devotion. While looking up at the night sky and finding myself filled with the wonder of this world, a shooting star streaked across the starscape, slicing nearly from one horizon to the other. Returning home and hearing the news of Rich's death, I know that surely that star was for him and the life he lived. Like the shooting star that gives up everything for that moment of brilliance, Rich had so completely given himself to God's service that the brilliance shown in his life was indeed a glimpse of the love of God itself."

Newsgroups and other e-mail ...

One interesting observation is the reaction of subscribers to the Orphans of God newsgroup dedicated to the memory of Mark Heard, another contemporary Christian artist who has "gone home." Here are some of the postings:

• "I continue to marvel at my sense of loss with the passing of Rich Mullins. Rich was one of the voices the Lord has used to strengthen my faith and nurture my hope, and I am saddened by the loss of this brother who I knew but never met."

• "Tonight our local radio station had a two-hour tribute to Rich. My family listened and often found ourselves fighting back the tears. My wife and I can't understand why God takes the artists with integrity (Keith Green, Mark Heard, Rich), but know that He doesn't have to have our permission to carry out His will. Although, I wonder what kind of a ‘mansion’ Jesus prepares for a guy like Rich. Perhaps a simple Navajo cliff dwelling?"

• "Why"

• "The thing that struck me most about Rich's music was his marvelous vision of glory. When he sung ‘I hear the thunder in the sky, I see the sky about to rain, and with the prairies I am calling out Your name,’ and he played that marvelous hammered dulcimer, I could feel my spirit awaken to the sense of God's presence, which is so apparent to those who have ears to hear. Rich opened my ears, and made it easier for me to believe."