Chips, Salsa, and a drive through the cornfields of Indiana
We (The Rich Mullins Movie “Ragamuffin” ) get a lot of questions and emails.
Like, what’s your favorite Rich Mullins song? For me it’s ‘The Color Green’, but it’s hard to explain why…
We get all types of questions, messages, and emails…I’d like to talk about one of those questions tonight.
P.s. if you are new to my blog. I don’t spell check. Enjoy the bad spelling and grammar:-)
So I received an email tonight asking a very serious inquiry asking why I (we) would make a movie about Rich Mullins, who according to his perception on stage and the book “Arrow Pointing to Heaven” by our friend Jim (James Bryan Smith) ..would probably be the type of person who would not want a movie made about himself.
Great question.
It reminds me of how this whole thing got started. About six months before I met Dave Mullins I remember driving around in my beat up toyota corolla on a long road trip, I don’t remember where…and I got out a stack of CD’s that are usually filled with scratches and are usually stacked about 7 or 8 inches high and jammed into whatever crevice I could find in my car. I pulled out a CD, that I had listened to a hundred times before, that a buddy from college gave me. It’s a collection of rich mullins radio interviews. I popped in the CD ( I know I’m old school…it’s sad I know…) and I started day dreaming as I listened to Rich …I started day dreaming about what a movie would look like about Rich. Although an honest confession is I’m not sure I was terribly intentional about the whole thing. In other words, I’m not sure if I purposefully dreamed it up, or out of child like day dreaming I just started seeing the movie in my head. But never the less that’s what happened.
6 months later I was speaking at a Church in Indianapolis and I found out
That Dave Mullins was one of the pastors at that church. Without even thinking about it I asked my friend who booked my speaking engagement at the church to ask his friend to ask Dave Mullins if he would have lunch with me.
He agreed. I had no plan. No money for a movie. I really didn’t know what I was doing.
He wanted to meet at a Mexican Restaurant.
I was early. I sat at a table and in walks Dave Mullins. It’s funny thinking about it now. Cuz now he’s one of my favorite people on this planet, and three and half years ago he was a stranger. Adventures and time can bond you that way I guess, among other things.
Later I found out he knew why I asked him to lunch. At the time though he appeared to seem clueless. He’s a great poker player that way. He holds his cards close to his chest. If you don’t know Dave let me tell you he would’ve made a great cowboy in the old west. Quiet and sharp.
I on the other hand was like a Chris Farley sketch on SNL. I was so nervous. Why? I’m not sure I don’t really get nervous.
This is where I’m not sure I’ll be able to quite paint the picture. You might have to read through all my blogs, listen to the occasional radio interview I’ve done, or watch an old VHS recording of me preaching to see a glimpse into how much, like many of you, Rich Mullins means to me. God has continued to ambush my life with his love through a select few. Some I know. Some I don’t. And one of those few, was Rich Mullins. So to simply give a satisfactory answer of why were making this movie, may always remain somewhat of a mystery to anyone that doesn’t know me. Because the answer is very much intertwined into God’s story in my life.
But I’ll still try. Dave Mullins sat down. We had a few chips dipped in Salsa, and I just blurted out. “I want to make a movie about your brother.”
What Dave said back to me through he course of the day is kind of a blur, partially because I was nervous and partially because David is on the quiet side. In a very good way. He has a wisdom that is beyond me. I’m the jump in the deep end and learn how to swim later type of guy. This usually isn’t good, but sometimes has it’s advantages.
Dave did say a few things that day. He asked me, “Why do you want to make a movie about my brother?”
I said to him, “First, I know your brother probably would not like a movie made about him.”
He said, “You’re right.”
And I said, “But to answer your question, I didn’t know Rich Mullins, but I was an audience member to his life, and God used that to change me (that’s the short answer), and I simply want to give other people the same opportunity.”
We had a deeper and longer conversation about life, how God used Rich to change my life while we had our burritos.
Then as I rambled on like Chris Farley. Dave said to me, “Do you want to go for a drive?”
No the nerd part of me in that moment was like, “Rich Mullins brother just asked me to go for a drive through the cornfields of Indiana.” I was so excited. So dumb I know. So nerdy. But that’s what I was thinking. Now that Dave is my friend, it’s almost embarrassing, but I can honestly say that I’m more excited to spend time with my friend Dave now then I was then, cuz he is a mixture of friend, brother, and pastor all wrapped up into one. That’s a different story.
But I will say a fun little tid bit. A few years later Dave told me, “You know if you hadn’t gone on a ride with me through the cornfields I would’ve said no.”
And I said, “Well, I’m glad I said yes.”
In the car as we drove, he asked me, “If we let you make the movie how would you do it?”
Remember. I didn’t know. I had no plan. No money to make the movie. Nothing. All I had was that Daydream. And I told him exactly that.
Even through all the drafts of the script (with even abandoning that day dream in the script) eventually that original idea for the movie. That day dream I had. That’s the idea we shot for the movie 2 and a half years later.
Now what I won’t tell you is why Dave and the Mullins family let me make the movie. That’s for them to answer. Not me. But what I can tell you is that it didn’t happen right away. We met a few times, hung out a few times, and by God’s grace and silly love they let me go forward with “trying” to make the movie.
A honest confession while we were shooting the movie, as we were reflecting on all this stuff, Dave Mullins turns to me and says, “I never thought it would really happen.” And I said to him, “Me either.”
I love when God surprises you.
I still probably didn’t answer your question, your question that I think even goes deeper that the character of Rich’s spirit. The question of why? Why make this movie? There are more fun questions to add to that pile like how? But a simple answer to all the questions is “We are not quite sure, except it seems like it’s beyond us somehow. Or at least we hope so.”
I will say that for the Christian- we don’t own much. Not our money, not our possessions, not our friends, or even…our story. It’s this crazy thing Jesus does in our lives, he wants it all. Maybe this is why Rich signed his autographs “Be Gods”? That’s where many of get confused about a testimony. A testimony isn’t ours. That’s a biography. A testimony is Gods story through your story. Not the other way around.
To get a better picture of the why…well, you never know. Maybe one day you’ll find yourself in a Mexican Restaurant and you can have some chips and salsa and then we will ride through the cornfields of Indiana as we tell you the story of how it all happened, but I’ll warn you it will be a long car ride, as my head is still spinning and the beginning of the story for me starts when I was just thirteen, and my cousin put in a cassette tape in the car, and for the first time ever I heard, “The Color Green.”
David Leo Schultz 
For you, it was thirteen and a cassette tape in the car of The Color Green.
For me, I was around 10 or 11 and my uncle put in a cassette tape for me to fall asleep in a cabin at our favorite lake. “Boy like me, Man like you” was the first song i heard by Rich. And his album “The World As Best As I Can Remember It” is still my favorite of any genre, era, etc.
Thank you for what you’re doing. And thank you for agreeing, Dave! I know there are a ton of people out there that have similar stories. Rich was that person who changed our lives through his music.
Yes! I was in college—an Appalachian girl of Celtic ancestry in the flatlands of Indiana—the album was “Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth,” and the path was begun that would irrevocably change my life. My youth pastors, professors, and Lewis informed much of my theology, but none did more than the barefoot bard. Which he probably wouldn’t be thrilled about, as he’d rather we get our theology at church and not from musicians, but there you go. He was way more than a musician. He was a brother.
That album alone demonstrates two of my greatest passions that I didn’t even realize I had at the time–God eventually led me to teach overseas for four years (“The Other Side of the World”)–and I continue to work with TCKs and international students 15 years later. And the genius of Dougie MacLean (“Ready for the Storm”) is just icing on the cake that Rich Mullins was. I have led Bible studies with college students using the biography Jim wrote. I have been introduced to the writings of Brennan Manning, Frederick Buechner, and Tozer. I have come to love liturgy and Native America. I have been blessed to know many of Rich’s friends. I have rejoiced and wept and sat in cornfields, all with these soundtracks to my life. The gift he gave the Church by simply being himself–with all his flaws–is priceless, because it was real, raw faith.
Thank you SO much, both Davids, for seeing that the arrow pointing to Heaven continues to do so for a new generation. May we all follow his lead, until God calls us Home.
Just watched the movie on netflix. thank you!! never knew who Rich Mullins was but i am a christian (saved in 2000) and can identify with his life and struggles. the movie was a great blessing to me.
I love how you said “A testimony is God’s story through your story. Not the other way around.” That is a great way to look at it. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Hey there David! Do not have any questions. I am overjoyed for you!!! You have met Rich Mullins’ brother, David. WOW! You have made friends and more with Rich Mullins’ brother, David! WOW! When I saw Rich at a concert he made the comment that people often say to him, “Man, it must be great to be able to play guitar and write songs.” He then said, “You know what I say to them, ‘Throw away your guitar and hug someone!!'”
Well it was all I could do not to yell out, “hug MEEE Rich!!!! hug MEEEE!!!” Since it was one of “those” crowds (i.e. “the frozen chosen”) I did not. However, did I suffer!!!! Since then I’ve had to sneak back stage to HUG Carolyn Arends, who I heard knew Rich, and then, by the grace of God, I HAD the opportunity to HUG Mitch McVicker and annoint him!!!!! I was SO HAUNTED by not yelling out “hug MEEEE Rich!!! “hug MEEEE!!” I think the Lord allowed me to undo the damage through Carolyn and Mitch. Perhaps Rich is not done speaking to us huh? Lord knows no one has spoken to my spirit as loudly and profoundly as Rich … there’s something in his voice when he sings that compels a soul to attention. Just SO grateful for the Lord’s work through your daydream!!!!!!!!
The movie is about God’s love. That is what Rich reminded us about. Not because he was perfect, but because God loved him and used Rich to tell the world about His Grace.
Reblogged this on Pam McCarthy’s Weblog.
The movie will explain why you made a movie about him. For the world to know. It’s like asking, why would God create a flower? They don’t serve any real purpose on this earth, but they glorify God in the most beautiful way. Rich didn’t ask to touch so many lives with his music, he just did. Imagine being able to see all the lives Rich touched with his music and then multplying that by a thousand. If the movie touches even one more life like Rich’s music touched mine, then it will have been worth it. I am personally going to tell everyone I know about it, especially the ones who don’t know The Lord already, so that they will see what it’s really all about.
Thank you David for a tiny peek into the behind-the-scenes germination of this movie. I pray for God’s blessings on its release!
Love his color green song as well, enjoyed your story! Wish i could sit down with rich and ask questions, rich was born three days after my husband (of 20 yrs) ex,, former husband, now deceased, he and rich had so many of the same thoughts on god, when i first listened to rich, i was angry at him, at his opinions, you see,
We divorced over”religion”..many years,
Many tears, i heard many of same sentiment s from rich, my
mind, my heart began to change,, i had been wrong in so many ways..holy spirit used rich to open my heart and mind, kinda finishing what was started with
My husband years before, ouch, but grateful for the reality ..still pains me, but, im much more free..peace of christ to you
Beautiful!! Thank you for sharing David!!
I liked your answer. God put the dream in you so that others will know more about Him through the simple ways Rich showed Him and shared Him. I believe everyone who knows about Rich will be better for that, and I am still praying for this movie to be a success, God’s success. Thank you for your dream, your work on this, and for sharing in your blog.
I love how you said “A testimony is God’s story through your story. Not the other way around.” Such a good reminder. Thank you so much for sharing your heart.
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing the story. I too believe this story to be an opportunity to influence and touch others for Christ. That was what I thought from the beginning. Great job in being obedient to the threads God weaves through our life experiences and the storytelling thereof.
Wow! David, I can so relate to this story. Rich had a way of impacting people he didn’t even know. My life would not be the same at all if a little boy had not brought home a cassette tape with Awesome God and The World As I Remember It Part 2 on it. I am convinced of that. And I am so thankful that you went to lunch and on the drive. I’ve already told you the story of my son, Sam. I just really believe that so many lives will be changed because of this. I’m so looking forward to it!!
Rich Mullins has influenced my walk with Christ more than any other single person. I didn’t know anything about Rich Mullins until I got to wondering who wrote “Awesome God” – so I started reading everything I could about Rich, who feels like my friend even though he had already gone to heaven when he started encouraging me to live a life that would be worthy of going out like Elijah!
I have ordered the book today from Amazon, and without me asking, the book will deliver tomorrow by 8:00 PM…..now how can this even happen when I got free shipping……must be Rich really wants me to have this book, and sent a bit of angelic intervention! Thought you might like me sharing this…..oh, hope that movie finishes soon, but all in God’s timing!
For me it was listening to Awesome God and Sometimes by Step from my earliest days of memory. It’s so inspiring to go back and listen to his interviews, seeing the struggles he had in his faith and knowing I’m not alone, that even the greatest Christian singers can have struggles. I wish more artists would be open about things like that. What an example of a humble, God loving human being.
I remember he was to play a concert at the college campus in my hometown a day after he died and I was to go with my family. Upon hearing the news, I was crushed. But I know I’ll get to sing right alongside him someday, and that’ll be pretty cool. Looking forward to the movie!
I was in college when I met Rich for the first time, shortly after the Winds of Heaven album, and I had gone to a few of his concerts and a few of his local radio appearances. He never failed *not* to recognize me, and for a young woman struggling with the internal whirlwind of bipolar disorder, his steadiness was an anchor – whether personally or through his music. Rich had this amazing knack to treat you as if he had known you his entire life, and you came away feeling that you had been loved for the first time in your life. For me, that moment came when I laid my eyes on his hammered dulcimer up close for the first time (this would have been around 1991) and when he saw my curiosity he invited me to sit down, laid the dulcimer on my knees, and taught me how to play it. If he had a prized possession, the dulcimer was probably it – and here he put it in the lap of a completely novice stranger and shared his love of the instrument with me. I later went on to buy a handcrafted hammered dulcimer from the guy in Wichita who used to tune/repair Rich’s (or so I was told). And when I play it, it’s like reconnecting with a friend…
Lovedd it…. Aazing post… Will bbe back for more!
Hi David, thank you for doing this movie. I’m so happy to hear about it!
I read An Arrow Pointing to Heaven, and I’m reading now Singing from Silence (from Pamela Richards) and the more we read about Rich Mullins and listen to the songs and interviews he recorded the more we wish more people could have the opportunity to do the same to be touched by God as well. I have a dubbing company in Florida, with studios in South America, and I want to offer it to dubbing your movie into Portuguese for free and Spanish just for the basic cost so that Rich Mullins’ life, music and pure Christianity that inspired my life so much and the the lives of so many people as we can read above, can also inspire and touch the lives of millions more in Latin America, not only in the US. Feel free to contact me. God willing, I’ll be there at premiere with my family and many friends.
I am just finding all of this on the Northeastern Alumni FB page. Rich Mullins was pure love and simplicity while being one of the most complex and deeply thinking people I had ever known. We went to NHS together, sang together in the New Creations choir, played together in band, jazz band and more importantly, we talked…a lot. We were the “outsiders” the strange members of the high school group Crusaders for Christ (CFC). We challenged the church and we got in trouble for it…a lot. We kept in touch for many years and even had our annual “back home in Indiana” Christmas meeting for lunch at the Richmond Square Mall. I loved his honesty, his purity, and most of all his ability to love through all he had experienced. I took friends to see him perform once in South Carolina…he came out barefooted, in jeans and that same plain white t-shirt…they said, “He’s barefoot!” I just smiled and said, “Yeah, that’s Rich.” Traveling in his Jeep with the dogs and living off anything that came his way. No, he didn’t mean to find fame…he told me he was just looking for Peace. Love you Brother.
For me its starts at 5, Sing your Praise to the Lord on vinyl from my sister’s room who was in college at the time. Albeit Amy Grant– it made sense to me when I learned it was Rich in 1996. That song has been the signature of my life. My first “Rich” experience was “Awesome God” like many people. However, the depth of his lyric and soul of the music are truly what pulled me in mostly in his other music. (I also preferred folk instruments to “pop-rock” anyhow.) He could make something so simple so profound. Also taking Old Testament (I can hear Dr Hooks influence) and make them seem real, not just “nice Bible stories.” We knew several mutual people professors at college (CBC to ACC) as well as friends. Upon his death, it was very close to home for several reasons due to people I cared for grieved his death and had been close with him. He was to do Canticles of Plains with our college near Atlanta a month or so later… that didn’t happen obviously. I only saw him 2 times in concert; two of the best I have ever seen. My favorites: The Color Green; Growing Young; The River; Step by Step (on volume 2); and of course his rendition of Sing Your Praise to the Lord. I learned the Bach piece from the same book he did with Katie C. I briefly met his mother at NACC in 1998 as they honored Rich in St. Louis, MO. Yep… that’s the short of it.
Rich was known & loved by my high school aged children from knowing him at “Rock Lake Christian Assembly” in Vestaberg, Mi where he met w/them every year in the mid to late 80s. He was a tremendous influence in their Christian walk. Our kids came home from camp one year & was all excited to sing for me Rich’s new song he wrote, “Awesome god.” They told me Rich wanted them to hear it first before sending it to the publishers. This made them feel a special bond w/Rich. Last Mar 10th I lost my son, Randy Garcia after he fought for his life on life support for a week. He felt special also because the kids @ camp referred to Rich as Randy’s dad because they were similar in stature & looks. It was their way of kidding around. Now I am imagining him in heaven having communion in w/ Rich & other loved ones who have went on b4 him. What a great reunion w/our Lord Jesus as guest of honor. I want to own this movie so it can b in our family collection for all who love & miss my son to view. I feel it can b an inspiration for all of the youngsters who r growing up as well as some others who may need a boost in their faith.
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I knew Rich back when I lived in Cincinnati. He was very laid back. I recall seeing him in concert on the Cinti, Bible College campus during the time that I was a student there, as well as several years later after he went to Nashville.
I told him about a reel to reel tape that came in to my possession when I moved off campus. I think some one put it with my tapes by mistake. I am pretty sure it is a live recording of Rich before he went to Tenn. I asked him if he recalled a song he did called ” The Lake Between the Hills “?He said that back then he did not write things down. I still have that tape, but do not know if it can be useful. “I call it The lost Rich Mullins Tape”.If anyone knows about this tape my email is labaker1012@yahoo.com.
I am soooo glad this movie is being done! As a Catholic mother and wife, I wasn’t really up on current Christian music in 1996. One of my daughter Deborah’s evangelical Christian friends turned me on to Richs music. Such healing and profound truth in his music! Little did I know when Rich passed away in 1997, that his music would help sustain me when Deborah died in a single car accident April 1998. God so powerfully used Rich’s music and still does. I would cry and cry through the movie tribute made shortly after his death. In many was, he and my daughter were kindred spirits. I somehow know they are up there, in great joy, cheering us on (Hebrews 12:1).
I am so pleased with this. The one time I saw Rich. I was pregnant with my third child and had no idea who he was. The band was passing through and played at my church! All these years later…his music is the music that speaks to my soul. His words are so full! Exposing his issues and how he continued to love The Lord will only be a greater witness and hopefully bring more people into the fold!!!
Reblogged this on Duaneflounder's Blog.
To read all the posts here is to see many of my own thoughts and feelings in those who, too, have been influenced in their Christian walk through Rich’s music. I had just begun listening to him right before he was in the accident. I remember being sad and thinking wow, he’s really good and I’d like to have seen him in concert. God has and continues to use Rich’s music to touch my life, thus maturing my Christian walk immensely. I have worn out at least 6 Songs CD’s! I cannot tell you of the excitement when I get a new CD because I have stumbled upon a song on Youtube that he wrote/sang. It’s like I get a new jewel to ponder and enjoy! I then learn all the songs and find even more jewels! I listen to every interview, watch every Youtube video, travel for hours to see the movie Ragamuffin, reread the books, watch the DVD’s and I enjoy reveling in the Godly moments provided through Rich. He and I thought alike in so many ways and he gives me food for thought in interviews I come across. Rich is only physically away, but his gifts he left us will continue to give! My latest jewels of amazement as I worship through Rich’s music is Man of No Reputation, The Breaks, and All the Way My Savior Leads Me. I know there will be more! I savor every new song that speaks so deeply of his walk, which is like my own. He is the artist that I have grown with through most of my 19 years as a Christian. I will carry him with me because God has placed his music in my life to keep me focused, understand Jesus more and love him like I never have before. I feel a kindredship with Rich and would’ve loved to have been a friend of his and to talk about Jesus with him. I’ll be able to do that when I get to heaven though!
I never met Rich Mullins nor saw him in concert. However as a hypocrite living youth pastor in 1997 I was so convicted of the way I was living in secret that I repented in front of the church and resigned my position. When I did that that day I felt chains fell off of me and I knew I was totally free. I’ve not been the same since then. But something so unique happened just a couple weeks after that day in August 1997. I was in upstate NY visiting my family and I took my new wife of 8 months to show her where I grew up. As we were driving around the bend to climb a large hill to go see my old house the radio blurted out that Rich Mullins had died in a car wreck. It hit me really hard, so hard I had to pull over the vehicle to the side of the road I was stunned and crying. Mostly because the 1st ever Christian song I heard was Awesome God by Rich Mullins. My newly saved family who did not grow up in church would sing this song often in the car on the way to church it was our family song. Even though I would struggle with myself and sin for years after that song represented to me integrity and holiness. I sat in my car and remember saying to God I don’t understand why you would take someone like Rich Mullins a man of integrity and love who has done so much for your kingdom and leave someone like me behind who has been a hypocrite for so long. Immediately I felt the Lord encourage me that I would have integrity and a legacy like Rich Mullins. That God was using Rich as an example in my life to encourage me to sell out everything for Jesus. Well a lot has happened since that day but in short my family and I have been missionaries in the Philippines working among the poor for the past 11 years. I wish I had more opportunity to share all that has happened over the years but lets just say our God is still an Awesome God! I came to this site because I saw a trailer on my friends wall about the upcoming movie about Rich’s life. I am so excited that there is a movie about one of my heroes of the faith.
Hello David,
I am from Brazil and lived in the US between 1989 – 1997. I am an independent singer/songwriter, and Rich Mullins’ music had a tremendous impact on me. I got to see him in concert a couple of times while living in the States, and I’ll always treasure that. I was back in the States for a visit this May (2014), and walking down the aisles at Walmart I came across a movie about Rich’s life… I couldn’t believe it! So of course, I had to buy the dvd. I got back to Brazil six days ago, and I finally had the chance to sit down and watch the movie today. All I have to say is: Thank you! I have told many of my friends here about Rich, and have introduced several of them to his music. I can honestly say after today that Ragamuffin is officially right alongside “Shadowlands” as my favorite movie of all time! I see here a great opportunity to introduce people in Brazil to Rich’s life and music. It is very common here for people to watch American movies, either dubbed or with subtitles. Do you have any plans to release your movie in Brazil? If so, I’d love to know about that! If not, please let’s do it! I’m no businessman and have no intention of making money off this, I only know many people would be blessed by his life story! If you haven’t thought about this, please do! I have enough knowledge of the English language to translate all the lines, which could be used as subtitles or even for dubbing. Forgive my innocence, I know there’s a process a movie has to go through in order to be distributed in another country, although I have no idea how this process goes. I’m just willing to help anyway I can to make this movie available here, and I don’t want any money for it. Please pray about that, and let me know if there’s anything I can do. Thank you!
Wow Eric Miller! What courage to have done what you did and how awesome to hear how your life turned around! I have no doubt that God will use your testimony as he is using Rich’s life, with all its ups and downs, for His glory!
Rich’s music is intriguing, and so inspiring, that when it sinks in deep it’s almost impossible to put into words. The song “Color Green” does that to me. It is a tapestry of artistry that I can not even find the words to describe!
Now that I’ve watched the movie of Rich’s life, seeing the reality of how he lived, I honestly was surprised, but amazingly feel so relieved! For he was not the man who had all the answers, but instead agonized with sin, just like you and I do. Yet in that agony his spirit bore witness to the inner workings of God through him as he was able to put into music what perhaps he was not able to put into his daily life. Thus, there is truly hope for us sinners saved by grace. Jesus’ love does cover all sin and will bear witness to that within us.
I want to commend you, David Schultz, for being the courageous one to take this vision forward. Since the day that Rich died I knew that his story would have to be told one day. I figured it would take time for that to be done, since I had an inkling that it would not be pretty, but I knew that God would receive all the glory.
It takes courage to look at life straight in the eye and risk upsetting the “religious” folks, yet I believe that this honest to goodness look at Rich’s life will bear a great harvest full of hope to those who truly have felt hopeless. May you and the entire Rich Mullins Film team find your own as you continue your important work. Blessings!
“The Love of God” On occasion a Christian radio station will play this one. Humbling, humbling, humbling. I’m probably the oldest fossil responding here. I thoroughly liked Rich Mullins and what his life was about for the cause of Christ. I will see this movie. The first time I will need to see it alone. I can feel the emotion building while typing this. May our great God take this story and use it for His honor and glory. Amen
I had no idea who Rich Mullins was, but something in the description of Ragamuffins grabbed me enough to watch the film. Funny thing is, I am an atheist, yet this man’s story touched me as it made me weep. I was glad to read after the film that he did get to spend his years on the reservation, and was not the young man he seemed to be in the film when he was taken from the planet, although still taken too soon. This gives me more hope.Having spent a good part of my youth involved in social justice struggles and poor myself , often raging at the system, I have reached the age I am now, which is the age Rich Mullins would have been, wondering if all I can really do, in the end is try to be a good person , a person who hurts no one intentionally, and leaves a little light and hope here and there that will get passed on. I have envied those with religion, not because I wanted it, but because of their easy answers: “He’s in heaven now, it’s his time; or there is a reason” for example. When you don’t believe in heaven or hell, you know it is up to what you do this moment in time, and the pressure of failure is intense . How interesting that Mr. Mullins felt the same pressure to be perfect, to be worthy of love, and lived a life of struggle to understand that he would be imperfect, but would be good, as best he could be. I find the film showed a little of the complexity of this truly incredible person who touched many people and continues to do so.
I cannot wait to get to heaven and meet Jesus. I would also like to meet the thief who hung on the cross next to Jesus, and see my family and friends.After all of the catching up, I want to have long walks and talks with Rich too. This movie left me thinking that I would have loved to be his real and always friend. I have NEVER related to anyone or anything like I did this story about someone who was so much like me. AND, Brennan’s words of wisdom were incredible. I went back, watched it again just to write down word-for-word what he said about ragamuffins and “Do I really know that God loves me, in spite of all the ugliness and human stain? I am a ragamuffin and I am not ashamed to say it……finally. Thank you to all who had a hand in this, what a treasure and a blessing!!! Really, this is life-changing.
I am 41 years old, and a wife and a mother of 2 teenage kids. I love having time to myself – where I can watch a movie that really speaks to my heart. I just “found” the Ragamuffin movie on Netflix last night, after a tiring day at work and an emotionally honest evening at church. I was very tired, but I just KNEW this movie would be one that would be inspiring and meaningful. Thank you for daydreaming and following this tug on your own heart to pursue this movie. I remember hearing about Rich Mullins and the Ragamuffin Band when I was in high school, and wondering about how he died. I never really knew that story. There’s so much I could write here, but I guess I just want to tell you “Thank you” for sharing the beautiful indepth story of a man fully devoted to not only living for Jesus, but also about his desire to invite audiences everywhere to experience Jesus through his music! I keep thinking of the Submarine song, and I am going to revisit it and Rich’s entire collection of soul-searching songs. (I loved the story of that ragamuffin pastor!!) Even though Rich Mullins would’ve maybe hated the idea of a movie based on him, he would’ve LOVED the idea of people coming to a closer relationship with Jesus as a result of hearing his story. God bless you and everyone involved with seeing this through.
you make me cry; I did not want to forget Rich Mullins! and you have captured him so well…I don’t know how you did it, but we are so glad you did! my husband said it was the best movie he has seen all year! and we watch a lot of movies+
I want to you know that this movie has profoundly affected us and our organization. My husband and I run a Christian drug rehab, so Rich’s story is so spot on to what they go through. But there is another side of the recovery of broken people – and it’s not just substance abuse. Most Christians suffer because they don’t understand the principle of unconditional love and grace – and are in bondage to the belief that God is performance based. I have never heard it put together in such an impactful way. We have everyone watch this movie that comes to our rehab/ministry. We are grateful beyond belief for the amazing way you have captured something that is really beyond words. I have never cried or been so personally touched by a single movie in my life. I can’t believe I had never heard of this movie, it trumps all the other mainstream Christian movies produced in recent years. It should be in every church in America. But then, I realize its message has offense. Grace is offensive. Raggamuffins are the exception not the norm, but they are the ones who meet the entirety of God’s grace. I am proud to be a Raggamuffin, and can’t wait to meet Rich in heaven. This movie is going to continue to impact. Just wanted you to know.
My name is Tim Palmer I am from Mooresville Indiana, being the youngest of five my Father was a WWII veteran and 41 years old when I was born. I have 1 brother 10 years younger who much like Rich butted heads with our Father and never attended his funeral. My Father was pretty tough on my Brother but treated me much different than my older Brother, I think he expected more from him being his first born son. My Brother and I have never seen eye to eye he has always seemed jealous of me and it took me most of my life to figure out why that was. I grew up listening to my Father play guitar, sing and write gospel songs, He had my Brother and 3 Sisters baptized but had stopped attending church when I was young and never had me baptized So it was only after he died that my youngest Sister talked me into moving to Rome Georgia. It was there that I first heard of Rich and his amazing music while attending West Rome Christian Church. My Minister Brad Dillard who baptized me was also my fishing buddy, While running sound at church and playing on the special music rotation I was talking to Brad one day about a song I wrote “Indiana Storm” I told him that I didn’t think that there were a lot of songs that mentioned Indiana and that when he gave me a copy of “Boy like me man like you” which is still my favorite song of Rich’s and “If I stand” second favorite. I didn’t realize that I myself am a ragamuffin until I watched the movie. Rich has made a huge impact on me that I can’t even put into words, I only pray that God will show me the direction I need to go to follow what he wants me to do. I suppose I needed to know Rich’s story to make me walk strait. I Thank God for Rich Mullins and letting the world know of him and his amazing faith. From one ragamuffin to another Thanks Rich…
I am so glad you did! What an amazing film! Great job. So powerful, so raw, so real. I watched it with my husband and three boys (ages 18, 18, 12) and my 25 year old daughter- we all loved it. I cried. I prayed. I am re-inspired by his story, the story of Rich Mullins. Thank you!!
Really easy…email bookings@brennanmanningmovie.com when you are ready to book and check out this link that has all the necessary info: brennanmanningmovie.com/hostascreening
I really enjoyed Ragamuffin, and the way it depicted Rich Mullins struggles with his faith and his family/father pain. Great work! My sons also have family/father issues that affect their faith. I plan to buy a copy to share with them. Thanks for making the film. I plan to watch Brennan next.
I watched the movie last night. Wow. So beautifully done-I had no idea. Thank you for being willing to “go” with this daydream. It is clearly a God thing, and I love it when He surprises me, too. So glad we saw it.
How God has spoken to me through the life and songs of Rich Mullins is incredibly difficult for me to describe in a few words but I have found a deeper love in Christ through listening to this music. “My one thing” dear God let me let go of all these earthly desires that are meaningless. I seriously want to see this film about Rich’s life and share it with so many Christians as well as people I love who do not yet know Him. My only problem is I live in England 🏴 please somebody help me get a Region 2 DVD of the Ragamuffin film!!!!
Well we have switched our content to DIGITAL STREAMING : you can purchase a DIGITAL COPY of ALL 3 OF OUR MOVIES here: ragamuffinrentals.com Or you can stream all of them here: ragamuffintv.com – much love Adrean – David Leo Schultz – also check out our podcast: RAGAMUFFIN and my site: patreon.com/davidleoschultz (connect with us on Facebook as well through the group: Ragamuffin Church – via Ragamuffin TV facebook page)
Thank you David!!! So happy I have access to the films 🎥 God Bless