I can’t remember when I first heard of Carman – Christian singer, entertainer, performer and evangelist all rolled into one. What I do remember is being captivated by his music, by the words of his songs such as Revival in the Land, A Witch’s Invitation and This Blood, among others.

I recall hearing the words on cassette tape and, later, in CD format. I’ve even watched a VHS tape of Carman’s album, Revival in the Land. It was at that time when I truly came to appreciate this Christian phenomenon called Carman – because, to me, that’s what he was – and is.

He is remarkably talented, in terms of his singing voice and acting abilities, and the songs he sings and performs definitely appeal to the senses, to the point of reaching into the inner recesses of the human soul.

Back then, I wished so much to get in touch with him, to tell him how much I loved his music and his ministry but I didn’t even know his last name, much less than have a way to contact him. I remember Dad saying, “Carman might not even be his real name.” It didn’t depress me, but was I ever disappointed! I felt there was no point in even carrying a dream of ever getting in touch with this performer whose music and life inspired me.

However, it wasn’t until May, 2013, that I realized my dream could come true, thanks to social media; I could tell Carman exactly how I felt about his music. Sadly, it wasn’t because of joyful circumstances that I discovered Carman’s real name, that a long held prayer of mine could be answered; it was because of a post I read which informed me that he was struggling with Cancer and battling for his life.

After reading a little more, I learned just how admirable Carman, himself, is. After being diagnosed with an incurable form of Cancer (and doctors saying he has between 3-5 years to live) Carman felt as if God had fired him. It’s understandable and I can imagine many people would feel the same – especially if they felt they had so much more left to do, so many dreams to carry out.

As if the Cancer diagnosis was not bad enough, some of the people closest to Carman’s heart seem to have shunned him. It could be they are uncomfortable and, at this point, just don’t know how to deal with the news and their hearts and souls are trying to come to grips with the situation. Regardless, it is an emotionally painful ordeal for Carman, the man living through the situation, feeling as though everyone he has loved has forsaken him.

This is where folks like you and I come in. We’ve enjoyed Carman’s music and performances for most of our lives or perhaps only for a few weeks or months, depending upon when we were introduced to his music ministry. Regardless, we – his friends and fans – are lifting him up, not only in prayer but by providing great encouragement for him as he walks through this, one of the hardest seasons of his life.

Yes, Carman is remarkable. At a point when he can easily throw his hands up in despair – throw in the towel and call it quits – he is not only telling Satan to bite the dust, he has come up with a way to involve his fans in his music ministry. Through his project at Kickstarter, Carman has provided a vehicle for his fans to support him and be part of his upcoming music album, not to mention that Carman will be going on another tour. Yes, you got it right! Carman is inviting you to be part of this album – a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of something much bigger than you can imagine.

A few tidbits in case you were not aware: Carman holds the record for having the largest Christian concerts in history, having had in excess of 70,000 people attend one concert. He has sold over 10 million albums and has won various awards throughout his career. He shows no signs of voluntarily slowing down.

Carman is a true man of God who will fight the enemy even unto physical death knowing that, should God decide to take him home sooner rather than later, he will rise triumphantly at last – no longer to feel the pain of betrayal nor the pain of Cancer, but will (instead) be sheltered within the arms of God living in peace forevermore.

A personal message: we love you Carman and, if it happens that God calls you home before we’re ready to say good-bye, you’ll be in our hearts forever. You’ll always be a living legend and will have left a legacy behind which few people could ever boast.

To find some of Carman’s music on Amazon, click below:

Featured photo credit: Carman TV.