These messages were recorded at California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo, CA. from 1977 -1984, during 'Ministry Training' in Chapel. He was ordained in 1981. 

Charles receives no financial gain, his purpose is simply to magnify Jesus Christ, Who can make you a "new creation." 
No right to copy or reproduce this content without Charles’ consent.

In the beginning, life was too easy for Charles Watson. As a star athlete in high school, many people knew that he was on the road to greatness. But for Charles, life didn't feel complete. He always felt an emptiness inside, something was missing and soon he began searching for that something or someone who would bring fulfillment and purpose to his life. His search led him into the arms of Charles Manson. Manson and his family of followers gave Charles the security and acceptance he longed for. Through the use of free sex and drugs. Manson began to slowly gain complete control of him and the the other family members. By the time Charles realized how much out of control his life was, it was too late! His participation in the murder of the La Biancas had tied him to one of the most gruesome and cold blooded crimes in history. Could God forgive someone like Charles Watson? Charles found out for himself just how merciful God can be.

The Power of Forgiveness: The Charles "Tex" Watson Story. Hosted by Pastor Chuck Smith, 45 minutes

Original Biola Films without interviews, 36 minutes.

Film clips with interviews with Charles and Suzan, 28 minutes.

You may write Charles directly using the following mailing address:

Charles D. Watson B37999
480 Alta Road A5-201L
San Diego, CA 92179-0001

Charles is no longer able to receive emails using the JPay email service. CDCR chose to go with GlobalTel Link (GTL) for messaging. I'd love to hear from you.

GTL Tablet Messaging

Charles can now communicate electronically with those who have a GTL account. If you are interested, create a new gettingout.com account, or log in to your current account to take advantage of these new services. This is only for messaging Charles, not for placing funds in his account.

To locate Charles and add him to your contacts, search for him under "CDCR_Richard J Donovan Correctional Facility" in California, using booking number "B37999." Messages, photos and 30-second videos are only $.05 each. Be sure to message Charles once you set up an account.

I was born in Bethlehem to a Yugoslavian father and a Palestinian mother. For much of my early life, I felt lost. Often, I acted out recklessly, which continued until high school, when I first heard about you. I started listening to your podcasts and reading your Monthly Views on your website. I cannot fully express the impact they had on me.

My life has completely changed for the better. I came to feel the true love of Jesus Christ, plus I realized that the true path of salvation comes only through Him. It felt as though Jesus Christ was speaking to me through you.

When I learned about your story, I knew I must do something that would support your mission, which is helping all people regardless of their past, because everyone deserves a second chance. This inspired me to pursue a career in medicine.

Today, I'm a medical student, committed to helping people and relieving their pain. I ask them every day to pray for you, and I assure you, Mr Watson, that I'll keep helping others for the rest of my life. You should know that without your influence this wouldn't have been possible. You've impacted and helped change many lives around the world, including mine.

I would also like to inform you that I will be sharing Abounding Love ministry cards to the churches across 3 countries between August and September, starting from the birthplace of Jesus Christ; Bethlehem of Judea (the Basilica of the Nativity), as well as Serbia and Jordan. I will document this journey with photos or videos if I am able to obtain permission to do so.

Thank you very much, Mr. Watson, for giving me the chance to send this message. We have never stopped loving you, and we never will. I hope to meet you one day. In the air, for sure, when we see Jesus. God bless you. Take care of yourself. Best regards, Obay Arafat.

I'm a graduate of psycho criminology and a current psychology student. I'm not focusing on sensational crimes themselves, but the process of responsibility, change and inner reflection that allows people to transform. In that sense, your journey towards faith and personal growth during incarceration is profoundly interesting and inspiring.

Your story is not something I view with fascination for its past horrors, but as an example of the human capacity to reflect, change and contribute positively -- even in small ways -- after a life marked by extreme choices. I deeply respect your commitment to that journey and would greatly value your insight on these questions [seven how and what?]. Sincerely, Michal, Poland.

I came across your website and felt led to send you a note of encouragement. Your story is amazing how you have been delivered from such a dark evil path to now know the freedom and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. I cannot even imagine the pain you have endured and the pain you have inflicted on others, but it gives me hope and gratefulness for my life. I have no doubt that life in prison is difficult and I can imagine that you interact with people that long for the forgiveness and love that Jesus can bring them. You are a new creature and live in the knowledge that your sins have been forgiven and you will live in peace with the Lord in the next life. I encourage you to continue your ministry with dedication until you go home to be with Christ or when He returns to earth to call His own to Himself. Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you Charles. Your brother in Christ, Daniel, IL.

What I Did...

I'm responsible for the horrific deaths of Steven Parent, Jay Sebring, Voytek Frykowski, Abigail Folger, Sharon Tate, and Leno & Rosemary LaBianca; for my total disregard for their lives, for the excruciating and long-term pain it caused their loved ones, and I'm specifically responsible:

• for conspiring to kill whoever was present at the crime scenes.
• for my foolish and reckless choices to follow Manson's orders.
• for climbing a pole to cut the phone wires on the first night.
• for shooting and stabbing Steven Parent and Jay Sebring to death.
• for tying Jay Sebring and Sharon Tate around the neck together with the rope over a beam.
• for kicking Voytek Frykowski and stabbing him to death.
• for stabbing Abigail Folger and Sharon Tate to death, thus Paul Richard, Sharon's unborn child died.
• for tying up and stabbing Leno & Rosemary LaBianca to death.
• for carving WAR on Leno's stomach after he was dead.
• for demanding money from the victims both nights.
• for giving directions to the women, while carrying out the crimes.

Q: How was Charles Manson able to convince people to do things that were against their natural grain and which many seem now to deeply regret?

In the 60's, many people who met Manson came away saying he had charisma or a special ability to lead. There was a quality about him that was attractive and irresistible. He had the ability to charm and fascinate people with his glamour and magnetism, even witchery. This was not, however, a godly charisma. It was witchcraft. He sent his girls off to murder, saying, "Write something witchy on the walls!" There was an evil presence.

My books "Will You Die For Me?" and "Charles Watson Speaks Out!" answer many questions, so please check them out before asking new questions. Also, please use the search feature on the site to find specific information. Thank You!

Q: Can I link my site to yours?

A: Yes, you may link to our site using this description:

Charles Watson was born again on May 23, 1975. He testifies that anyone can receive forgiveness and be transformed through Christ, even a former Manson-cult follower. For all these years, he has ministered God's love to people around the world.

Q: When were you born, and how long have you been in prison and a Christian?

A: I was born on December 2, 1945, in Dallas, Texas. I've been in prison since November 30, 1969, and a Christian since May 23, 1975.

I'm thinking of you on this blessed Good Friday and I pray that you and your family have been doing wonderful. When I meditate on the significance of this day and, as Resurrection Day approaches, I feel increasingly grateful for God's love and mercy toward us. For His light is perpetually brighter in an otherwise dark world. The gift of our Lord Jesus. Your testimony will always be one of the most powerful and impactful ones I have beheld. I am blessed to call you my friend. Your ministry continues to draw the lost to salvation. I give praise to God for continuing to use you as a strong vessel. Happy Easter, my friend. Love Jillian, NY.

You have been such a blessing in my life, I want to assist you in your ministry Charles. Thanks so much for sending scripture in your letters. You always give out advice I need to hear and be reminded about. It was you who finally convinced me how much God loves me. I became a Christian at 22 and I'm sure I heard God loves me over the years, but it never sunk in, I never felt the impact I should have until you told me how strong God's love is for me and for all of us. Today, I always wake up being grateful for another day to be alive and have good health. Jim, AZ

July 27, 1969 Gary Hinman August 9, 1969 Steve Parent Voytek Frykowski Jay Sebring Abigail Folger Sharon Tate August 10, 1969 Leno & Rosemary LaBianca August 26, 1969 Donald Shea

True biblical forgiveness is humanly impossible for my self-centered actions in the '60s. Without any expectations, I deeply regret and apologize for the deaths, pain, and suffering I have caused to all those devastated because of my rebellious choices. In some small way, it is my hope that these living amends will be a healing balm to the multitudes looking for answers.

Welcome! We pray that you'll partner with us to reach the world with the testimony of Jesus Christ. We're reaching over one hundred countries, but we need your help to reach your family, friends, fellow workers and those at church in the following ways:

Share My QR Code . . .

I need your help sharing my QR code with family and friends. I see QR codes on TV for folks to scan, but that won't work for me. Then, I saw someone sharing a screenshot of a QR code from their phone to another phone. I thought, "We can share my Linktree that way." Would you please help me get the word out about the ministry? This way, you can plant a seed by doing your part in fulfilling our Great Commission [Matthew 28:18-20].

CWLL I - Resume
CWLL II - Vocational Training
CWLL III Pt. 1 - Full Time Ministry Training
CWLL III Pt. 2 - Non-Profit Organization
CWLL IV - Yokefellow Group Counselling
CWLL V pt 1 - Psychiatric Therapy & Training
CWLL V pt 2 - Psychiatric Therapy & Training
CWLL VI pt 1 - Self-Help Classes
CWLL VI pt 2 - Self-Help Classes
CWLL VI pt 3 - Self-Help Classes
CWLL VII - Impact Ministries Training Classes
CWLL VIII pt 1 - Chapel Book Study Classes
CWLL VIII pt 2 - Chapel Book Study Classes
CWLL VIII pt 3 - Chapel Book Study Classes
CWLL IX pt 1 - A.A./Christian 12-Step Self-help Groups
CWLL IX pt 2 - A.A./Christian 12-Step Self-help Groups
CWLL IX pt 3 - A.A./Christian 12-Step Self-help Groups
CWLL IX pt 4 - A.A./Christian 12-Step Self-help Groups
CWLL X - B.S. Degree in Management
CWLL XI - Emergency Management Institute/FEMA
CWLL XII - Biohazard Waste Management
CWLL XIII pt 1 - Victim Awareness Offender's Program
CWLL XIII pt 2 - Victim Awareness Offender's Program
CWLL XI - Long Term Offender Program

Joining us LIVE from Mule Creek State Prison in lone, California, about 50 miles southeast of Sacramento, former member of the "Manson Family", Charles "Tex" Watson, welcome Charles - I greatly appreciate your being with us.

A: Thank You Shadoe, I'm happy to be with you and your listeners.

1. First Charles, during your prison term, you converted to Christianity in 1975, wrote the successful book "Will You Die For Me?" in 1978, married and fathered children, created Abounding Love Ministries, Inc. in 1980, ordained in 1981, started the aboundinglove.org website in the '90s, and now in 2004 you have a new book "Manson's Right-Hand Man Speaks Out!" What a miracle; how did this happen?

The Daily News Interview . . .

Thank you. I think your past is well detailed on your website, but here are a few questions I have:

Q: Patricia Kernwinkle has been recommended for parole again, which is subject to final approval. What is your reaction to the news? Do you expect it to be approved this time? Why or why not?

I was asked this exact question this morning by an inmate while walking back to the cell from breakfast. He thought it gave me hope, but I told him, "I did too much!" He said, "At least you are honest!"

It's hard for me to get excited for Patricia, since Governor Newsom will possibly be running for President in 2028, and will deny her request because of politics. Her Manson connection continues to keep her in prison.

Q: You said in your above message to me, you aren't thinking of parole at the moment. Why is this? Have you lost faith in your chances of release because of 18 denials? Or are you no longer concerned with living life outside of incarceration? Please elaborate if so.

What about "cookies"?

What is your policy if I link to a third-party website?

Your Consent

We Believe: that the Bible is the Inspired Word of God, and as such, it is our sole source for doctrine and practice in all affairs of life and ministry. We believe that God is a triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit--the Holy Trinity. We believe that man fell into sin and death through disobedience, yet Christ died for our sins in order for us to embrace new life and forgiveness in Him. We believe that salvation is a gift of God by grace through faith alone. We believe in a vibrant, daily relationship with our Lord Jesus, the Author, Finisher, and Perfecter of our faith. We believe in water baptism by immersion; in the regular celebration of the Lord's Supper; in the indwelling and baptism of the Holy Spirit; and in the fruit and gifts of the Spirit, including divine healing. We believe that the rapture of the church is imminent, and that the judgment of God will follow. We believe in a literal heaven and hell. We believe that the church of Jesus Christ is responsible to evangelize the world and to preach deliverance from a life of sin and death by embracing the good news of God's promise of new and everlasting life through faith in His Son Jesus. We believe in the giving of tithes and offerings in support of the work of the ministry, both here and abroad.

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