What People Say
My favorite thing I've been doing lately is strengthening my relationship with God. I've been studying and reading the Bible so much. This week I've been reading the book of John, plus your podcast is one of my favorites. It is wonderfully well done. I love the views you put out always such words of wisdom. Thank you for sharing God's Word. Kayla, FL.
I've just listened to the podcast "How To Get Out Of Prison." I shared it on two of my Facebook pages: Christian International Fellowship and His Calling. Now, I'm listening to "The Dynamic Christian." Praise God, I'm not glorifying you, but God sure has used you for His glory. I can listen to you preach and really feel the Spirit. I pray for the men who came to the altar during the service. I like how you said, "...the devil will try to convince us that we are worthless good for nothings." And it reminded me of what I was going through a few months back, but praise God, I'm a new creation. I hope you have a great week And you are in my prayers every day. Marcia, KY.
I brought ministry cards to Bible study tonight and told everyone about them. They were all fascinated by it. I think they will be a good group because they can give them to people they know as well. It's a great way to share the Gospel because you have a story so unique just about anybody would stop to listen I think. Matt, NE.
I went to your Abounding Love website with your podcast on it early this morning. You have some great things to say about our Lord Jesus Christ on there! The Lord certainly is the Way, the Truth and the Life. I actually have my favorite Bible verse tattooed on my ribs. It is 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." That verse has always resonated with me and put my feelings in one lump sum. Thank you so very much for everything. In Jesus, Minnie, Cookeville, TN.
Just a short note of encouragement for you! Life has a tendency to wear us all down. When it happens I call on Jesus to help me. Thank you very much for your letters. They encourage me so very much. I can only imagine how your Abounding Love Ministries keeps you pretty busy. I love to check out your site, as there is always good news to read. Would appreciate your prayers for my health. Remember, "He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful" (1 Cor. 1:8,9). In Jesus, Larry & Beverly, Ft. Wayne, IN.
I just finished your book Will You Die For Me? I do believe your acceptance of Jesus and that you were under Satan's spell in 1969. Please continue your good work ministering to the world. Chris, Bethlehem, PA.
I have been praying and thinking of you and your ministry often during the day. That is neat that you were friends with Keith Green. I love his music; especially his version of "This is the day the Lord has made." When I get discouraged, the Holy Spirit reminds me of all my blessings. One blessing has been writing you. Thanks for your encouragement and testimony. Your friends, Larry and Beverly, Ft. Wayne, IN.
I thought I would drop you a line to let you know how much I enjoy your website. I have downloaded the Bible course and other papers you have on there. I have a Recovery Bible that I use at church. I had a bad drinking problem a few years ago. I was in a bad abusive relationship for 18 years. I have been a Baptist my entire life. I got baptized a few years ago with my son. I would be grateful if you would pray for me. The Lord never gives you more than you can handle. I have my faith to help me through the rough spots. I would love it if you took the time to write me a few words of encouragement to get through this. Patty, Ontario, Canada.
I've listened to your podcast; it's wonderful. I just want you to know that your accomplishments while being locked up, are inspiring. The way you speak of Jesus is also truly inspiring. You're doing good work. I'm going to love listening to the podcast because it's always great to hear it coming from you. Ixia, CA.
I feel honored that you would use my "scribbling" in your April view. Thank you for your ministry and love for others. I very much enjoyed your pamphlet "My Love For Cars." It was very well written, and I got a lot out of it. Sometimes I wonder about little events in our lives, and how they impact our lives. For instance, if you had not picked up Dennis Wilson; and if I had been wounded or killed in Vietnam. Food for thought. I feel blessed to have nearly 71 years. Take care my friend! Let us run the race well!! Larry, IN.
I am still bringing AA to the Elbert Jail on Sunday nights. I always give new people your "My Behavioral Exchange" chart as a model for Roots, Maintenance and Plans. It is excellent and thank you for this Charles! All the best. Martin, Elizabeth, CO.
You've got quite a story. I'm just kind of enamored that the most notorious man and woman in Manson's clan become the most notable followers of Christ. That is "A win for the good guys" as I heard someone say. If you had not gotten saved, I would have no interest in writing you, but since you did, I'm rather fascinated. The apostle Paul killed Christians [I've never found that myself, only that he persecuted them] and look how he turned out. I guess where sin abounds, grace really does abound much more. Kevin, AL.
I was thrilled to see part of my story in the January or February Monthly View this year. I just wish my last name and address would have been included! I want -- like you -- to be open about my story as it may help others and certainly is a testament to the grace of God. And even now, this very day, I can rejoice and boast in my weaknesses because Christ's power is made perfect in weakness. These are truths/facts of life which you model. Jonathan, Grand Rapids, MI.
I have been learning so much about you on your website. I like the interviews with you and the sermons on there. I feel so much inspiration in my life from your letters on the site. I turned my life around 20 years ago, and I feel so much better about life. I know God is with me every day. I thank Him every night in my prayers. Ronald, Flint, MI.
I listened to your podcast "Three Great Things To Know". What a message! You have a gift to preach the Word of God. What an inspiration you're to me and so many others. I will listen to that message again it was so good. You speak with such enthusiasm and excitement for the Lord. I will forever remember: 1) We are who God says we are, 2) We have what God says we have, and 3) We can do what God says we can do. God bless you! I've had a bad self-image most of my life, and I needed to hear this message. I can't wait to hear your other messages. Jim, Sun City, AZ.
You mentioned that many Indians are viewing your site. It's because our people are anxious to feed on healthy spiritual food wherever available. I find that your site comes out very clear in our Country. Your story is an inspiring testimony as how God could change a man and make him to be a mighty instrument in His hands for the glory of God and for the blessing of many. I encourage you to continue in your ministry and our prayers go with you. D.S. Spurgeon, India.
I read your monthly view about Thierry. I remember when I got saved; all the radios were playing meaningful songs. The world brightened up. I felt like I was on a natural high. I felt great. It wasn't long after my dad passed away. I was the biggest atheist before all this. I would debate people. The more I did, the more I came to believe. I thought about DNA, plants, water, animals, and our senses, and things just made sense. My heart changed. I was a big asshole. I stole, I cheated. I was angry. Things changed. People look at me with lots of respect. I don't know what they would think if they saw the old me. God gives you time to learn from your mistakes. Take care of yourself. I'll be praying for you. A big hug for my buddy, Jonh, PA.
I love the Abounding Love website. I'm big on the ALMS brochures as I've always been a fan of them. Remember when I would always ask when there will be a new one? That was early on, now I can download the ALMS brochures. I firmly believe the Study Chart Gallery is a fantastic idea, and if someone new to the site would follow everything that is in those charts, it would be a clearer path for people who have doubts in their mind regarding our Lord. Peace and friendship, Frank, PA.
I hope this finds you well. I am 23 years old. I recently read your book. As a person with disabilities, I have struggled with my relationship with God. Your story helps me so much. I've survived so much trauma, pain and bullying. I felt so lost. Your book is truly inspiring. Your ministry is so awesome. Honestly, I truly want to find God; to truly follow Christ. I wish you all the joy and peace in the world. I hope to hear from you. God Bless, Jake, AZ.
Charles, do you think the devil had anything to do with your choices back in 1969? The reason I ask is I sense anyone can be corrupted. Apparently, you came from a good family and somewhere along the way things went wrong. A lot of people think the devil isn't real, but they believe in God. I admit the devil is hard to accept as an individual of evil. I find it easier to accept evil as multiple sources. In the end, I guess you have to be vulnerable to the devil's influences. Maybe that is an answer? Some people may just be evil in nature. I don't know. Thanks, Frank, CT.
I want to share with you about my father. In May, 2014, at age 71, my father passed away. His name was Arthur, and he was a good man, but I had many unresolved issues with him that I could not let go of. I honestly could not forgive him for the things that he had done. Nothing illegal, no drugs, no alcohol, no stepping out on my mom; it was just things I did not agree with. These feelings tormented me, and I could not forgive him. I spoke to my pastor and my wife, but Brother Charles, I could not let it go.
I guess I'm as stubborn as a Missouri mule, and I kept on. Then, one day in 2021, it was like a voice told me to pick up a book titled "Will the Circle be Unbroken," by Sean Dietrich. Believe me, I'm not a big reader, but I believe the good Lord told me to read the book. It is about Sean's father who committed suicide when he was younger and left him with so many unanswered questions. I laughed, cried and cried some more. At the end of the book, I was feeling the presence of God telling me it was time to let it go and forgive my dad. And like that, I let it go, and it was done. A weight lifted off of me. I say all that to say it is always in God's time about what you ask for. The Lord never gave up on me. I say all that to tell you that what you do is appreciated. Your ministry is more important than you can imagine. Thank you for all you do. God bless, Arthur, AL.
Got your reply and I did receive my monthly installment of the word to my email. I liked it a lot. I'll look forward to that. Matter of fact, the entire Abounding Love website is pretty good. I've linked it to several people that I talk to and they were all happy to take a look.
I have told MANY people about your site and more importantly about the new man you have become. I have something to tell you that you need to know. Over the years... the story of Manson, Spahn, the girls and you have come up more times than I can count... and the MAJORITY of people over all these years that I have been in conversation with do not talk negatively of you and the girls. They hate what direction Manson took everybody in at the end but to the man... they all would have loved to have been part of the early days when y'all were free and happy. Bad things happen here Charles... and bad things happen to good people. Satan makes damn sure they do... but that does not lock your eternity out of your reach. You dropped what you needed to, looked up to Heaven and invited Jesus to change you. HE did and I am proud of you my friend. There is a place where time does not exist, where happiness is the only drug we need. You WILL be sitting on a hillside one day my brother... with a cool wind blowing through your hair as you look at the miracle of Heaven in front of you. Never forget that and know that I will walk up to you there and we will rejoice and thank our Savior for our salvation. Your brother for life, Greg, GA.