First Assembly holds Christmas Celebration with gospel artist Reba Rambo

First Assembly of God church held their Christmas Celebration Concert on Sunday 4 December, with award winning gospel singer/songwriter Reba Rambo, and fellow recording artist Jeff Ferguson. Many people brought their families to enjoy the evening, not just to be entertained but to join in with many of the heartwarming Christmas songs and carols.

First Assembly volunteers had worked hard to produce a beautifully creative snow-and-reindeer scene which all the children loved. The evening opened with MC Lorraine Bobb-Stuart, daughter of First Assembly’s Pastor Torrance Bobb and his wife, Elsa. Ms. Bobb-Stuart first introduced some delightful Christmas music renditions from the First Assembly of God Children’s Choir, and also Jubilatee, a children’s instrumental ensemble. There was a delightful medley of Christmas tunes played by guest saxophonist Victor Hemans. Earl La Pierre, Cayman’s Master of the steel pan, gave a beautiful solo performance, The First Assembly of God dancers delighted everyone with their lovely praise-dancing.

Just before Reba Rambo came onstage, Pastor Bobb and his daughter, Lorraine reminisced about how Lorraine had first been introduced to Reba and her music. Pastor Bobb and Sis. Elsa (who is a recording artist in her own right) have a long connection with Reba. When Reba was finally welcomed onto the stage she began by saying that there was just something so special about visiting the Cayman Islands.

Reba Rambo began her singing and songwriting career at the age of twelve, by singing with her father and mother, Buck and Dottie Rambo as the Southern Gospel family group, the Rambos. Reba’s first song, ‘Keep Marching Home,’ was penned after the Rambos’ tour to visit the troops in Vietnam in 1967.

Reba began singing and recording solo from 1976 to 1983, and her first solo album, Lady, became one of the best-selling inspirational albums of the year. Since that time she has recorded hundreds of songs, both timeless classics as well as her own compositions.

At the end of the concert was the Grand Finale, where everyone came onstage to sing and celebrate the birth of the Savior together. Elsa Bobb sang with Reba and was presented with a bouquet of flowers, not only for her tireless service to Christian ministry but also in recognition of her own contribution to singing, songwriting and drama. Minister for Tourism and Transport, Hon. Kenneth Bryan was present, joining in with the songs and carols.

Pastor Bobb spoke about where we would all be in the future, and where we would spend eternity. He reminded everyone of the reason for the season, and, while every head was bowed and every eye closed, invited visitors to take Jesus into their hearts as Lord and Savior.