Power Plant
The Power Plant
Seven Christian businessmen in the San Fernando Valley California met during the Jesus Movement; and established an organization known as The Power Plant. Their aim; to reach the youth in those tumultuous days, particularly among the hippie drop outs of the 60's and 70's, with the Gospel of Christ through bible rap sessions in homes and public parks. Several admission free musical performances, “A Natural High” and the "Sixth Door", were presented at Burbank's Olive Rec. Center and in one of the cities high schools.
One of the epoch events was the evening of October 7. 1972. It was a starlight night at the Starlight Bowl in Burbank. Teens were bussed in through cooperation of five local churches, families brought their children and young people from various parts of the Valley filled the Bowl that night. The first group, “The Inside Story” appeared in singing performance on stage, followed by the featured professional artist, Barry McGuire. (McGuire was known nationally through his hit, "Eve of Destruction.")
Barry, new in his faith as a Christian, brought with him that eve a well known group in the Jesus Movement, "The 2nd Chapter of Acts." That night songs glorifying the Lord filled Starlight Bowl. The 2nd Chapter of Acts sang.
Barry sang and shared through new songs and his testimony,what Christ had done for him. McGuire, as the evening came to a close, sang his last number, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart” and in reverence, asked all there “to take a look at their own heart.” In prayer he gave the concert to the Lord, an invitation to receive Christ fol1owed, and "Starlight 72" became a wonderful memory.
The Power Plant continued with rap sessions and small gatherings for a short period during those early years. Yes, and I will always remember when Jesus was glorified by starlight at Starlight Bowl in Burbank; it was a night of excitement and power. Maybe you remember too; maybe you were there.
Tom Moore
Exec. Dir.. Pwr. Plant
