Christafari- Gospel Reggae Performance on Maui

It's been a while since I've listened to Reggae music, partly because of my past and the memories that go along with it. I was a heavy marijuana user back in the day and I definitely knew what it was like to feel "Irie". God is so wonderful and he's delivered me from that habit. So, when our church announced that a Reggae Gospel band would be performing.. of course I was skeptical. Gospel Reggae?? Really? No Way! Despite my skepticism, we went to the performance. I was blown away! I had such an encounter with God that evening, it's just beyond words. I was so blessed to have the privilege of seeing Christafari perform this week. Hearing Mark Mohr's testimony of how God had transformed his life is nothing short of amazing.

As a rebellious drug addicted youth, Mohr found an affinity for reggae music and became a marijuana grower and Rastafarian after a visit to Jamaica in 1986. He became well-versed in reggae music and learned Jamaican patois, the dialect prevalent in most reggae music. In 1989 the seventeen year old Mohr stopped using marijuana and committed his life to Christ at JH Ranch, a Christian camp. Two weeks later at another Christian youth camp Mohr wrote and performed his first gospel reggae song "Give Me Everything I Need" at a talent show. The bass-player that day said; "So you're no longer a Rastafarian, you're a Christafarian." The name stuck. Initially called the "Christafarians" Mark was backed by the "Steadfast" crew for his first few shows (September and October 1989). Eventually Mohr shortened the name to "Christafari", (pronounced Christ-a-far-eye) and pieced together his own band members. The Root of the name of this band is found in three languages; Greek, Latin and Amharic. [Wikipedia]

A second performance was scheduled to be at Queen Ka'ahumanu Shopping Center. There was no question in my mind whether or not we would be there. We got there thirty minutes early and the seating was already full. But that really wasn't going to be an issue because Mohr will have the crowd up on their feet and dancing in no time.

What a night of praise & worship it was! There were at lease a dozen churches represented there. Wade & I saw many of our friends from Door of Faith, Yoke of Jesus Christ, My Brother's Keeper, Grace Bible, In His House of Restoration, & King's Cathedral. How awesome it was to worship together as the Body of Christ. Can you picture, a crowd of more than 75+ in the middle of the mall singing, "How Great is Our God". Remembering it now, brings tears to my eyes and melts my heart. God is soo good!

Mohr has a way of really connecting with the audience as he shares his life experiences, not just connecting with adults but to the youth as well. The thing that touches my heart the most, is that he sets an example of what God can do, mistakes and all.. God takes our messes and turns them into a message. Our kids need more positive role models like this. They need to see that there is hope, there is something much bigger at work within them that can take them to places beyond their wildest dreams.

There is one more performance scheduled for tomorrow evening and yes, I am going to be there :) After this performance they will be traveling to the outer islands and then back to their home in California. If you ever have the chance to see them perform, don't let the opportunity pass you by,  I guarantee you will be blessed!

Photo Credit: Kaleialoha Photography