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In his final weeks, music icon Michael Jackson reached out to old friends in what some see as an effort to become more spiritual.
A Bully! Pulpit (www.bullypulpit.com) story reported that Jackson, who was facing an upcoming concert tour he was unprepared for, sought inspiration from gospel singers Andrae Crouch and his twin sister, Sandra who also is a minister.
According to the story, three weeks ago the King of Pop spent time with the Crouches, whom he considered to be close friends. The trio played music and sang together.
According to a spokesman for Andrae Crouch written on his Facebook page, “Andrae and Sandra did in fact visit with Michael Jackson two times, once at the recording studio, and once at his home in the last two months, as recently as three weeks ago, asking for prayer concerning the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and how he could make his music more ‘spiritual.’”
As to whether or not the legendary singer had prayed to receive Christ, through his spokesman Crouch responded: “He did NOT reject Jesus or the prayer when (we) prayed, and gladly joined in prayer.”
The spokesperson went on to say, “He (Jackson) usually doesn’t touch anybody, but he touched them, and held their hands in a circle as they sang and prayed.” “There was NO actual ‘sinners prayer’ however, but they did talk and pray about Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. They also told him, ‘Michael, we consider you as our son,’ and he said, “yes, yes, yes” and gave him his latest music on a CD, and he told him, ‘Andrae I trust you with this,’ and gave him CD’s of 2 songs ... unpublished, beautiful music.”
Now, Sandra (and Andrae) Crouch is speaking out directly about their meeting with Jackson via this statement:
"It has been brought to my attention that several media outlets have been erroneously reporting that my brother, Andrae Crouch and me met our dear friend Michael Jackson several weeks prior to his death so he could accept Christ. This is incorrect and absolutely not true.
"We loved and respected Michael enormously and we've been friends with him for many, many years, and are deeply saddened by his sudden and tragic death. We recently met with Michael to discuss recording two songs with our choir for his newest recording project. Michael always had a respect and curiosity for spiritual things. During our meeting, not unlike many other creative/music meetings we've had with him the past, we sang together, prayed together and had a wonderful time.
"We are praying for Michael's family and desire nothing less than God's best for them.
With much love, Sandra Crouch and Andrae Crouch"