Charles grows up on a farm in Georgia. At 13 he and some friends break into places and end up in jail. His probation officer helps him. Also at 13 he and friends form a band. His dad dies of a brain tumor when Charles is 15. One of the boys gets saved and drops out of the band. Charles is bitter but goes to a Bible study, then prays for salvation at 18. He graduates, trains to be a medical technician in Atlanta, plays in a bar then quits the school—called to ministry. Married and still a pastor, he continues to write gospel songs and serve the Lord in missions.