Photo courtesy of CHIZ RIDER
Chiz Rider will appear at the Lower Tuscarora Presbyterian Church in Mifflin on Sunday.

MIFFLIN — Even at an early age, Chiz Rider knew exactly what he was destined to do in life. That didn’t stop him from being the proverbial inquisitive youngster.

After all, he admits curiosity got the best of him when he stumbled onto his father’s high school instrument in a closet when he was four.

Add the gospel messages and music together, and it has formed the foundation of nearly four decades in the church ministry.

Rider is scheduled to appear at the Lower Tuscarora Presbyterian Church, located at 54 Church Road, Mifflin, on Sunday. The worship service is held from 9 to 10 a.m., with Rider’s concert at 10:30 a.m.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

This is one of Rider’s favorite verses. “As a ministry, we have always focused on this because we know that God will be there wherever we go and whatever we do,” said Rider, whose real name is Charles Rider III. “Chiz” is a nickname in his family that has been passed down for three generations.

Rider accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior when he was just seven years old. By then, he had been playing the trumpet for three years. He knew then that he wanted to dedicate his life and his music to Jesus Christ.

At age seven, he made his concert debut in his home church in Pennsylvania; national touring began during his last years in high school.

His first recording at age 15, was a custom CD titled, “Chiz,” which was soon followed by “Colors in Brass,” His debut release on the Myrrh label was “Chiz Rider,” followed by “Sold on Salvation,” “To the One I Praise,” “A Big Band Christmas” and “Live Worship.”

Chiz collaborated with some of America’s most talented instrumentalists to create two more albums “America’s Choice Power Praise” and “America’s Choice Gentle Worship.” He also released a solo CD, “Psalm 150.”

Mostly self-taught, Rider learned how to play music at a young age by imitating songs he heard on the radio. His fresh musical style embodies a jazz and pop sound that has been influenced by such jazz musicians as Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson, Louis Armstrong and Jon Faddis.

“I listen to lots of different trumpet players; I listen to certain players for certain techniques or styles,” Rider explained. “But if I have to pick, one of my favorites would definitely be Louis Armstrong.”

Eventually, he founded Chiz Rider Ministries, which is based in State College, and maintains a national touring schedule of more than 260 concerts a year as well as several international performances.

Having been in ministry for over 37 years, Chiz has been blessed to have performed with such popular Christian artists as Carman, Margaret Becker, DC Talk, Newsboys, Cindy Morgan, Larnell Harris and Michael W. Smith. He has also performed at a Billy Graham Crusade and numerous times at the Crystal Cathedral.

Rider started many years ago with the one and only purpose of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the talents and resources that God blessed him with.

And he has no plans of stopping anytime soon.