222. Grand Funk Railroad to Heaven
Legendary all-American frontman and guitarist, Mark Farner, was the engine that pulled the original Grand Funk Railroad repeatedly to the top of the charts, and today he's a platinum recording artist 30 times over. At age 75, Farner commands the stage with the same intensity and outpouring of love as he did during the summer of '69 and his fans are still flocking to see "the Captain." The rock patriot's synergy and open heart still come through in epic hits that defined a generation including— "I'm Your Captain" (Closer to Home)" "We're An American Band" "Heartbreaker" "Bad Time To Be In Love" and recut covers of "The Loco-Motion" and "Some Kind of Wonderful." Being viewed as a "Rockstar" is only one facet of the legacy of this Michigan-born son. Mark is as real as they get: he's a husband, a father, and grandfather, and in his fourth decade of marriage to wife Lesia. He's a true family man.
"Love is unconditional," he explains. "Just like when you hold a baby, the love transfers. I feel that love from the audience when I'm on stage."
Farner, the rock patriot that he is, works tirelessly to honor our nation's service personnel and Veterans wherever they are stationed. He wants everyone to remember the huge sacrifices our men and women in the armed services freely give; all to protect our amazing country and freedoms.
Some 50 years later something magical still happens when Farner takes the stage. His voice is still strong and on key, his guitar playing still slick and lighting quick, and his trademark prancing still commands the stage and mesmerizes his audiences around the world.
"I love playing live where I can connect with people of all backgrounds," he said. " It's all about the fans…and all about love."
At the age of 9 Farner accepted Jesus at his dad's wake and since then has been in hot pursuit of the love found only through the blood of Christ. He is unashamed of his faith and his passion, with 4 "God Rock" albums to his credit, his mission today is to share his passion for music and his passion for Jesus with his hoards of fans around the world.
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Pete spends many days a year afield enjoying God’s creation while hunting, fishing, hiking, or camping. He has traveled to 49 states, as well as numerous Canadian provinces, pursuing his passion in the outdoors. Through these and other experiences, Pete has published more than 1,400 magazine articles and 4,000 photographs in his career. His stories and photographs have earned more than 60 awards in literary, photographic, and videography competitions. He is also the author of six books.
Christian Outdoors Podcast has been awarded “Best Podcast” four years in a row by the South Carolina Outdoor Press Association. His weekly episodes are exciting and uplifting and bring a passion for the outdoors and his Lord and Savior.
Currently, Christian Outdoors has more than 14 million downloads and is growing. More about Pete can be found at christianoutdoors.org/
A lifelong lover of God’s creation, Jon is an avid whitetail deer hunter and outdoorsman. His passion for the outdoors has also led to years of involvement in the outdoor industry, including serving on the CVA Pro Staff team. For Jon, hunting is about much more than the pursuit—it’s an opportunity to slow down, enjoy God’s creation, build relationships, and recognize the connection between faith and the outdoors.
Whether preaching from the pulpit, recording weekly devotions with Christian Outdoors, sharing his testimony at a sportsman’s banquet, or simply gathering around a campfire with fellow outdoorsmen, Jon enjoys connecting with people and pointing them toward Jesus. For Jon, faith, family, community, and the outdoors are opportunities to serve, build relationships, and give God glory.
Jon would love to connect with your group for a men’s gathering, sportsman’s banquet, church event, or conversation about faith and the outdoors. He can be reached at jon@christianoutdoors.org.
