Clovis Fiddler Charles Owen’s shares story

Amongst the carefree chatter and the distant rumble of cars a lone violin can be heard. The instrument’s melody escapes into the warm summer air and a few bystanders stop to listen.

A black violin case with a bright red interior sits open inches away from the violin?s owner, a few abstract dollars scattered about inside.

The eldery gentlemen smiles warmly as a little girl drops a shiny quarter into the case.

Most often its in Old Town Clovis. Charles plays traditional hymns and manages to generate a considerable profit in donations by the nights end. The Owens then donate this sum to areas of need within both the San Joaquin Valley and Charles home state, Oklahoma.

Charles says that the charity or need that they choose to fulfill each week depends upon God?s lead.

“Generally speaking the Lord will tell us by Monday who we are to send it to,” Owens said. “We send it to the Salvation Army. We send it to the Fresno Rescue mission. We send it to Valley Children’s Hospital. Sometimes we just give it to people on the street who seem to have an immediate need. We don’t know until after we leave here where the Lord wants us to send it.”

Owens was originally born on a farm in Oklahoma. At the age of 8 he learned to play the violin and has continued to practice throughout the last 82 years. After graduation from high school Owens spent some time working on his family?s farm.

During WWII Owens abandoned his farm work for a uniform. He served for three years under the US navy. At the end of those years Owens returned to the states and decided to settle in the Fresno area, where he met his wife. After WWII he learned the art of plastering and assisted several churches in the creation of their facilities.

Owens says that despite, being raised in the church, he officially became a Christian in 1946 after attending a meeting at Blackstone and Clinton 67 years ago.

“I officially accepted Jesus in 1948,” Owens said. “When I first came to Fresno a man held a tent meeting off of Blackstone and Herndon. One night I went down there and gave my heart and dedicated my life to God”

Currently Owens is 90 years old and has been a member of People’s Church for the last 40 years. His wife was a charter member of the early church.

For the last 46 years up to present day, Owens has worked as an insurance agent. He also plays his violin occasionally for the People’s Church Sunday school.

Owens says that the couple first became interested in Farmers Market because they noticed a lack of Christian influence at the event.
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“We decided with all these people that we would like to play before them and bring the story of Jesus to them,” Owens said. “The place has been very courteous with us and very helpful. They allowed us to come and play. God has been blessing us and those in the Fresno area. We love to do this”.

The Owens continue to come to the Farmers market every Friday. This is often made difficult due to Fresno?s summer temperatures. However, Owens says that his ability to persevere through the heat comes from the Lord.

“The good Lord has endowed me with the ability to take the heat,” Owens said. “I can stand it however hot it gets. There are so many wonderful people who will come by and give. It?s a pleasure and a joy to give to those who have needs.”

The Owens family bestows all honor and profit to God.
Charles says that the Lord values service regardless of the amount of talent one possesses.

“To God be the glory we just come out here,” Owens said. “I know I am not a great fiddler but here?s the thing about it, when I fiddle the tunes are great, the songs are great, because Jesus came into my heart. You don?t have to be great. God will take what you have and use it to the purpose he has intended.”

For more features, read the Sept. 23 article, Guest speaker tells story, delivers powerful message.

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