Rich Mullins was a popular contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter, best known for his worship songs “Awesome God” and “Sometimes by Step”. He was also a mystic, a misfit, and a bundle of paradoxes. On September 19, 1997, he died in a tragic car accident that shocked and saddened his fans around the world. But his cause of death also became a source of inspiration and hope for many who admired his faith and legacy.
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The Accident that Took His Life
Rich Mullins was traveling with his friend and fellow musician Mitch McVicker in a Jeep on Interstate 39 in Illinois. They were on their way to a benefit concert in Wichita, Kansas, where Mullins had moved to live among the poor and the Native Americans. Around 10 pm, the Jeep went out of control and flipped over several times. Mullins, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown out of the vehicle and landed on the road. He was then hit by a semi-trailer truck and died instantly. McVicker, who was wearing a seatbelt, survived the crash with serious injuries.
The news of Mullins’ death spread quickly among his fans and the Christian music community. Many were devastated by the loss of one of their favorite artists and role models. Some wondered why God would allow such a thing to happen to someone who loved and served Him so faithfully. Others saw a deeper meaning and purpose in Mullins’ cause of death.
The Message that He Left Behind
Mullins had written a song about his own death a few years before the accident. The song, called “Elijah”, was based on the biblical story of the prophet Elijah, who was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot. Mullins expressed his desire to go out like Elijah, with a “whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire”. He also wrote, “When I leave I want to go out like Elijah / With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire / And when I look back on the stars / Well, It’ll be like a candlelight in Central Park / And it won’t break my heart to say goodbye”.
Some of Mullins’ fans and friends saw his cause of death as a fulfillment of his song. They believed that God had granted him his wish to go out like Elijah, in a blaze of glory and grace. They also saw his death as a testimony of his faith and a reminder of his message. Mullins had lived a simple and humble life, giving away most of his income to the poor and the needy. He had also challenged the status quo and the hypocrisy of the Christian culture, calling for a more authentic and radical discipleship. He had sung about the love and the sovereignty of God, even in the midst of suffering and doubt. He had left behind a legacy of music, poetry, and wisdom that touched and transformed millions of lives.
The Impact that He Still Has
Mullins’ death sparked a renewed interest and appreciation for his music and ministry. His albums sold more than ever, and his songs were covered by many other artists. His musical, Canticle of the Plains, which was a retelling of the life of St. Francis of Assisi set in the Old West, was performed in several venues. His autobiography, The World As I Remember It, was published posthumously. His family and friends also established The Legacy of a Kid Brother of St. Frank, a foundation that supports various ministries and projects that Mullins was involved in or cared about.
More than two decades after his death, Rich Mullins’ cause of death still inspires and challenges millions of Christians around the world. His music and his message continue to speak to the hearts and minds of those who seek a deeper and more authentic relationship with God. His life and his legacy still reflect the awesome God that he worshipped and served.
