Well Done, Christopher Carl

Articles

Written by Dave Richards Thursday, 11 June 2009 10:11

Chris at his last Cornerstone performance in 2007

This morning when I got to work, I text messaged Chris Reiche like I normally do and the first thing he texted back to me was “Did you hear about Chris.” Obviously, Chris wasn’t talking about himself. I popped on the Tastyfreh.com boards and I instantly saw what he was talking about. Pat D has made the post that one of us always has to make: “Christopher Carl passed away.” This post marks the third member of this site to leave us to go home to God. Like the other three, Chris was in his 30s and had been diagnosed with incurable cancer.

Where do I go from here? That’s a hard question. When Brian Scroggins of Prophecy of P.A.N.I.C. died a few years ago, a large chuck of our history as Christian EDM lovers died. The death of Christopher Carl is no less than that.

Chris was tied into the early days like hardly anyone else. Perhaps only Carey Jarvis of the Dance Chapel rivaled his position back in those days. Chris was a radio DJ back in California and worked tirelessly to promote Christian dance music to the world. He was so committed to that mission that he eventually became an intern with N*Soul Records where he compiled the first few Eclectica compilation releases. Over the past few years he started several internet radio stations, shows and media outlets, Cast the Fire was perhaps the most successful and best known of those.

Christopher Carl and Responsible T Chris always wanted to be bigger in life. He wanted to have that world class DJ lifestyle. It wasn’t a matter of the fame, but it was a matter of the love he had for dance music and the love he had of making others happy as a DJ. When Chris was dead on with his mixing and track selection, he was amazing. Regardless, for whatever reason God did not have this path in mind for his life. In this though, was the secret to why Chris’ life is so worthy of honor. You see, in Chris’ death we all saw what he was really made of and even Chris himself saw it.

Chris was a man of God. A true man of God. Despite his failures and short comings (who doesn’t have these), Chris was put to the test in his death and proved himself a faithful servant. His mother died of cancer in her 30s. When Chris first found out that he had cancer in 2006, he was shocked and scared. We watched him deal with that and slowly come to grips with it. He constantly turned to God. Becoming angry with him never, at least publically, was an option. Even when you talked with him in private, the most he would admit is that he didn’t understand why God had allowed this to happen to him.

Over time, we witnessed his hopes rise and fall based on new treatments and some pretty amazing results. God was faithful to him in that these treatments allowed him more time on this world to impact the lives of those around him. He began to take this opportunity to restart his blog and to focus a good portion of it on his cancer. He had several opportunities to witness to other people through it. Through it all, God’s grace, hope and love showed throughout his life.

Left to Right: Joel Armstrong, Dave Richards, Greg Stryke Chin and Christopher Carl

There really isn’t much more that I can say about Chris. He was quirky, funny, serious, always focused on music and God. He was a loving husband and followed his wife to Kansas to help her support her mother despite his heart always being set in California. Yeah, he made some stupid decisions from time to time, but even those were learning experiences for him and those around him. In the end, none of those mistakes caused him to be less of a man or more importantly, less of a man of God.
Chris, like Brian before him, has set the bar high for the rest of us. When we are faced with the impossible, will we embrace God’s hand for guidance or will we reject it and in doing so turn from the one who has always provided for us up to this point? Nobody can answer that honestly until after they have passed through to the other side of the crisis, but we can learn from those who came before us and in doing so, learn to trust God.

Last week Chris and I had our final chat. In it I told him what an inspiration to everyone he has been. I can honestly say that I don’t know many people in this world who could face what he has had to face and deal with it like he has. I went on to tell him that win or lose, God has been with him. The amazing thing is that when you are a Christian in a situation like his, when you lose… you win.

Christopher Carl recording sets at Cornerstone 2007 Chris is now in heaven with the one who saved him and radically changed his life. One of the very first articles we published in the magazine here was Chris’ testimony. In it he talked about how he had grown up in church but he had become determined lose his virginity in high school and after months of clubbing and sex with his girlfriend, God got a hold of him and changed his life. When he met God, God gave him a burden for those like him and even in his death, that was his purpose.

I have been proud to have not only known Chris on the boards here at Tastyfresh, but to have performed with him at Cornerstone and had him on as a writer, reviewer and moderator here. Chris has enriched the lives of thousands through his ministries. He may not have lived the life of an international super-star DJ, but he had just as many fans and an impact that was so much greater than that of Tiesto, Oakenfold, Sasha or just about anybody else you could mention. The impact you have on someone’s spiritual life is a lasting one. Follow Chris’ example and make it count.

And to his wife Crystal, thank you for sharing your husband with us. I don’t know how God will fill that fresh wound in your life, but he will. Hold on tightly to God. Chris was always impressed with how well you have held up to this point. He loved you more than you probably know. You were a sweet couple and your love for each other showed brightly. If you need anything, just let us know and we will try to help you out. Like you, we will miss him and we never will forget him or what he has done for us.

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Carey Jarvis makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

We weren't rivals, he definitely surpassed me.

We were amazed at how many things we had in common and jokingly called each other twins

Chris was amazing, and has truly left a mark on this world.

He will be missed.
Jeff McComas makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Couldn't have said it better! We will meet again one day Chris, start the pre party!
Rafael makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Oh how he left a mark on me!
Brandon Sweet makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

A touching tribute Dave. Well said.

Rest in peace Chris.
Tony makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

May God be with His wife and family in this hour, and all of their days!

God Bless!
doug theodore makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

I am very very sad right now. My eyes are wet. I am so so sad that Chris is gone. Chris was one of my heros. I don't say that lightly. I looked up to Him for so many things. I loved djing on Castthefire.com. He gave me a great outlet that led to gigs and some nice recognition. Chris was a True man of God who exemplefied everything Tastyfresh.com is about... Christianity, Djing, living above reproach...following passions in line with the Father. Wow...I miss you Chris. I so cherish the time we spent at Cornerstone, talking on the phone and hanging in the chatroom at CTF and stuff. I cannot wait to see you again. I really miss you. You meant so much to me.

Doug theodore Jones
Dustin Skiles makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

I was very, very sad to hear this news. I didn't get to spend much time with Chris but it only took a few minutes for me to understand he was one of the nicest guys you could meet. Definitely passionate about the music, the people, and always put God first. I'll miss him. I don't know what else I can say.
Steve Wade makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Never met Chris, but I could see his passion for God and music-through his blogs and posts-
Guy Cross makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Chris will be missed
DJ Dunamis makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Well said, Dave.

Chris and Carey taught me so much about earlier christian EDM and grateful for that. I enjoyed Chris's shows on OLR and Cast The Fire and thankful for the opportunities he gave me to showcase my music and mixes. I enjoyed helping him whenever I could as well. I had many funny conversations and will remember them esp. Hanging Out.

I wished i would have been able to meet you in person, but I know I will someday and look forward to it.

Crystal and your family are in my prayers.

- Daniel
ohsotasty makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

i was very fortunate to be able to hang out with him on many occasions. i missed him when he left cali and most definitely miss him now. see you in Heaven my friend.

Daniel Rodriguez
Jonathan Puddle makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Flipping legend. You'll be missed here on earth.
Dj Cesar V makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

he was a personal CEDM inspirator in my beginnings. thats so sad.... But he now is Djing on the sky
Tom Maurer makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Ugh. What do you say. Chris was one of those guys that had been around tasty for so long. Chris was always droping prayer for people. I will cont. to lift up his family and Cyrstal. I just can't beileve that he is gone. I agree with Jpuddie a legend. Well at least your not in pain anymore bro. What a blessing you were to mean over the years. What a testament. Your shows made me laugh. The skype stuff was a riot. One in a mill.
coco street makes this comment

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Oh, my dear teddy bear brother - how perfectly comfortable you must be right now, to have shed this limiting suit of clay. I know you are so in complete and utter awe at the Marvelous Light. Wow. So sad that this earth has lost you, you wonderful Saint...costly is your death to the Kingdom of God. You are irreplaceable, Chris - and you will be missed.
Matthew Hyatt makes this comment

Friday, 12 June 2009

Wow...

thank you for continuing to serve the Lord in hard times, its inspirational to others around you.
Dj George makes this comment

Friday, 12 June 2009

Was a pleasure and honor to know and have him spin at Radio Impacto in Corona, I send my condolences to his Wife and Family as well..I will have him in a special place everytime I play, and had the oportunity to show him some of his recording cds when He and Pat stop by at my house..Thanks Pat for such a good partner and fighter...God Bless everyone....Dj George>>The Difference Dj.
John Heyer makes this comment

Friday, 12 June 2009

My heart is broken!!! Yet I rejoice that my brother is finally in the Father's arms. You were a good friend and prayer partner...I'll see you soon!!!
dj ru makes this comment

Saturday, 13 June 2009

Thanks for this Dave. Chris was an inspiration and has made me think about my own life a lot. Praying that God will hold family and friends of Chris at this time.
Carl Parnell makes this comment

Saturday, 13 June 2009

I have been offline for a few weeks moving and I just found out now, in one way I am relieved for him but in another way so sad and shocked, I knew it was coming but not this close. My pain I share with Crystal and Chris and I were on a journey the last few months which I will continue in honour of Chris and Crystal,Chris helped me out so much these last few years and gave me so much support. I felt his pain and and shared his laughter even though so far away. From the little I knew of Chris I loved him dearly and will miss you mate. You are a legend. Dj hard up there buddy.
Josiah Fingaz makes this comment

Saturday, 13 June 2009

Chris is a shining example of the attitude we are to have as christians. We are not of this world. We are just passing through to a much better place. Yet as long as we are here, we are to let everyone we meet know of the hope that they too can have through our Lord, Jesus the Christ! Now we have one more friend in the cloud of witnesses cheering us on telling us, "Run, Run the race with everything you have!"
DJ Boywonder makes this comment

Saturday, 13 June 2009

Nice write up Dave. Chris was the first person that welcomed me on this site, he was a true gentleman. I never got a chance to meet him on this earth, but I can only imagine the party he is experiencing now! See you soon brother
Greg Hobgood makes this comment

Saturday, 13 June 2009

Chris was a great guy & will be missed by all who knew him. I pray for Chris' family & friends that our Lord will give comfort & peace to all who are mourning this loss.

God bless you Chris & I look forward to your all eternity DJ sessions up in the heavenlies.
Michelle Messervier makes this comment

Saturday, 13 June 2009

This is Chris' kid sister...you couldn't have summed up my brother any better...he was the most important person in my life and I couldn't have asked for a better big brother. It amazes me how many other people he has impacted, but it definitely doesn't surprise me. It's been difficult dealing with his passing, but I am definitely relieved that he is no longer suffering and is in a much better place. Anyway, I miss you big brother and I am looking forward to the day that I can be with you and mom again...tell her I said hi!
Eric Jeter makes this comment

Saturday, 13 June 2009

Dear Chris,

I know I already posted on your facebook, however, I feel that there were a few things left unsaid.

I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to be a part of CastTheFire. I now realize that CastTheFire is not done... It's merely carried on in the hearts of those who truly appreciate your work and time you put into this ministry.
If I were to dedicate a song to you, I would choose Eiffel 65 - "DJ with the Fire"... cause you were!
Once again, I wanted to tell you that I'm happy that you are with Papa God right now.

-DJ Ecliptik
Josh Niemyjski makes this comment

Monday, 15 June 2009

Chris, you were the man! Thanks for inspiring others with your talents and for using your time for others.
Digital Mission (Kainos) makes this comment

Tuesday, 16 June 2009

Thanks Chris!

I was just listening to one of your mixes when I heard the news. You will be missed! I am sad that we were never able to follow through with you coming to Colorado to DJ.

We shared a similar style and taste in music. I hope you will be proud when I still play some of your favorite tracks at the club out here in Durango!
djkairos makes this comment

Tuesday, 16 June 2009

good thing really surprised that someone who is just known, and was the effort, a developer of electronic music and DJ Christian.

Carl expecting this, this is playing the best electronic ECENA, King that everything that can is the King of kings and Lord of señores.Que Christ is Lord and Savior Jesus.Nuestro

Carl I love my brother.

Grace and peace

bueno la verdad algo sorprendido,por que es alguien que acabo de conocer,y se veia el esfuerzo,de un promotor y dj de musica electronica cristiana.

Esperando que carl este,le este tocando,las mejores ecenas electronicas,al Rey que todo lo puede que es el Rey de reyes y Señor de señores.Que es Cristo Jesus.Nuestro Señor.

Carl Te amamos MI hermano.

Gracia y paz.
andy hunter makes this comment

Wednesday, 17 June 2009

I had the privilege of meeting Chris last time I played at Cornerstone, he was certainly a man full of passion which I admire. It's sad to hear that he has passed on, unbelievable really. My thoughts and prays are with his family and friends.
adambomb337 makes this comment

Thursday, 18 June 2009

Chris was one of the main influences in my life in finding and later joining so many other Christians who loved EDM. Knowing him when he lived in California was a blessing and he had a great impact at the California Groove Fellowships. Pat was saying he was the glue that held it all together and I would have to agree. Chris was one of the first to teach me how to DJ along with Pat-D and Daniel (d-dub). His passion to bring other Christians who loved electronic music together to encourage each other in the Lord was just one of his many visions in life. He was consistent in making EDM mixes and supporting other artists and DJs and showed the love of God in this way to so many. There is so much he has done. God has really blessed me to have the opportunity to cross paths with him in this life. My heart is breaking like so many here but I'm happy that you're no longer in pain Chris. I know that his main wish for anyone reading these posts is for you to have Jesus in view. I hope that you can see Him now.
Van Lazarux makes this comment

Thursday, 18 June 2009

Its very sad this notice, but 404 is the won bro, good producer & dj, all wìll seeying to carl on the heaven =D

Van.
Thankful!! makes this comment

Tuesday, 30 June 2009

God blessed me through DJ 404. Oneliferadio!!! He's livin' it up in Heaven right now!!! Thanks for your dedication and devotion to God. You have no idea how much TheBlend meant to me.

He blessed me with fresh music right after I committed my life to serving God. I tuned in daily to his webcasts.

May God comfort his wife, family and friends.
Shawn djab makes this comment

Thursday, 16 July 2009

I'm just seeing this for the first time and I'm shocked even though I knew it was posible! At least better now! I'm at a loss I don't even know what else to say

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