By RHONDOR DOWLAT Tuesday, March 20 2007

FAMED US-based worship singer Terry Mac Almon recently visited Trinidad and Tobago and performed at Christ Castle, part of Miracle Ministries in Chase Village, Chaguanas.

Mac Almon is a Christian songwriter, recording artiste and worship leader who specialises in writing and performing worship songs. He runs a worship music ministry in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and travels around the United States leading worship at conferences, retreats, worship seminars and churches.

Mac Almon is well known for writing the popular song, “I Sing Praises,” which was a Top 40 Christian song around the world, and is still regularly sung in many churches. The song was published by Integrity Music in 1989 and is included in many modern hymnals.

The event featured top local Gospel artistes Nicole Ballosingh-Holder, Christopher ‘Tambu’ Herbert, and Winsie-Ann and Sherrose Cuffie.

Organisers were pushed to find additional seating at the event because the large auditorium and all of the balconies were packed to capacity.

“This is an unusual occurrence,” said senior usher Rev Kent Jacob. “We have never seen an overflow before a show actually begins.” He said the high regard people had for ‘the ministry of worship’ and Minister Mac Almon caused the large turnout.

From the moment the show was opened by the Miracle Ministries worship team, with lead singers Winsie-Ann and Sherrose Cuffie, the atmosphere was electrified with rich, anointed worship and praise. Former Road March King, Christopher ‘Tambu’ Herbert, who is now a prominent Gospel artiste, kept the flow with two popular renditions from his latest CD Lift Up His Name.

The crowd wanted more of Tambu, but duet Miranda Simpson and Crystal Gobin, who were not originally listed to perform, satisfied the crowd’s hunger. Their songs were well received as the crowd sang along and clapped in worship.

When veteran Nicole Ballosingh-Holder took the microphone, the crowds would not be treated to her famous ‘jump and wave’ menu, but were fulfilled with a richly inspirational, traditional worship.

The moment appeared ideal for the much anticipated return of the Cuffie sisters, with popular renditions from their CD which was released in January.

The Nandlal family, well respected in the Gospel music arena, followed with a traditional-contemporary worship mix. Their performance introduced Minister Mac Almon who received a resounding welcome from the overflowing crowd.

The internationally renowned artiste wasted no time in getting into his wide repertoire. Song after song in his 90-minute presentation — including the very popular “You’re the Air I Breathe” — proved to be quality worship material for a deeply appreciative audience. The crowds held their seats to the last note.

The event’s chief organiser was Rev Dr Victor Jogee of Endtime Harvest Ministries in Marabella.