Marsha Stevens

Marsha Stevens-Pino (nee Carter) is an American Christian singer, musician, songwriter and recording artist.

Early music career Shortly after becoming a Christian as a sixteen year old high school student in 1969, Marsha Carter wrote the song "For Those Tears I Died (Come to the Water)". Taking the advice of her school's choir director, she copyrighted the song. For Those Tears I Died eventually became widely known and sung by Christian youth groups and churches across the United States. Over time, it was included in Christian songbooks as well as church hymnals.

As Carter further utilized her musical and songwriting talents with sister Wendy Carter and friends Peter Jacobs and Russ Stevens, the group formed the Jesus music group "Children of the Day". The group played regularly at their home church, Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California, and made appearances at other churches in Southern California. As their popularity and what was known as the Jesus movement grew, Children of the Day sought to record an album of their music. After borrowing $900 for the project from their pastor, Chuck Smith, Carter and her bandmates recorded Come to the Waters; the album included songs she penned along with the others in the group. The album was released in 1971 on the Maranatha! Music label. More albums by the group followed, along with the individual band members making appearances on other Maranatha! projects such as The Praise Album in 1974.

Prior to the release of Come to the Waters, Marsha Carter and bandmate Russ Stevens married, with Carter taking Stevens' last name.

Because of the widespread distribution and success of For Those Tears I Died, Stevens received an entry in the Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music. In it, her impact on the early Jesus Music scene is recognized, with Stevens being referred to as "The Mother of Contemporary Christian Music".

Personal life and later music career Stevens' marriage to Russ Stevens lasted for seven years; together, they had two children.

In the divorce, the judge awarded Marsha Stevens half the royalties of all her songs, as well as custody of their children. . and changed their last names to "Stevens-Pino". After moving to Florida, they created a music ministry training school for LGBT+ Christians out of King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church in St. Petersburg. I Will Not Behave Like Prey I Found You You Called Us Good