‘World’s best’ Gospel singer at Christ Castle

As my wife and I travelled from nation to nation, doing lectures and fulfilling other speaking engagements, we would witness the “Donniemania” among crowds. It has become common to hear fans refer to Donne Mc Clurkin as “the world’s best Gospel singer.”

I met famous international Gospel music superstar Donnie Mc Clurkin for the first time when we both ministered at the same convention in St Lucia, a few years ago. I was invited to the huge event as one of the keynote speakers, while Donnie was there as both speaker (yes, he is a fantastic speaker) and singer.

Prior to our meeting, I had been particularly impressed by the profound impact the music of this gifted American had upon people of various cultures, ethnic groups, and ages. I noticed he was black but was adored by blacks and whites alike. He was basically of the younger age group, but the older folks were also widely hooked on his music. As my wife and I travelled from nation to nation, doing lectures and fulfilling other speaking engagements, we would witness the “Donniemania” among crowds. At that time (and it’s even more so now) it was common to hear fans refer to Donnie as “the world’s best Gospel singer.” Of course, there sometimes would be the friendly debate as the fans of other top Gospel artistes challenged the pedestal position which the Donnie fans gave to him. Whatever the outcome of those “debates,” no one would doubt the fact that Donnie is indeed a darling of this Gospel music era; one who occupies a class by himself. He carries a distinctly rich anointing in his singing and his voice is “just different” — absolutely amazing! I don’t think there are many Gospel singers who can take some of those “old” traditional songs/hymns and bring them to life in the glorious manner in which Donnie does. And, certainly, he is just as good with the contemporary stuff.

In our St Lucia meeting, my wife and I had the opportunity to prove, from a close-up position, that Donnie’s fans did not hold an exaggerated view of him and his music. In fact, as we spent that week in ministry and fellowship together with him (we stayed at the same hotel) we discovered that the more you got to know the man himself, the more you grew to appreciate his music. His life reflects the depth of spirituality which emanates from his music. His fear of God has depth and unquestioned authenticity. His faith and integrity (as confirmed by those who have long known him) are equally sound. Donnie comes from quite a humble background. This inherent humility appears to have created a kind of aura which envelops his very personality and his music. The first act of Donnie’s that caught my attention at the St Lucia convention was on the first night which I had ministered. The theme had to do with fulfilling one’s dreams. During my delivery, Donnie was seated on the platform among other special guests. After I was through with my presentation, the hosts of the conference requested that I minister prophetically to a Minister of the St Lucian Government, who was also among VIPs seated on the platform. The Government Minister was evidently deeply moved by the prophetic ministry and was literally in tears. By that time, I was sweating and thirsty. There was water and some other drinks on a small table at one end of the platform. Apparently in all that was taking place, the hospitality folks had lost touch for a moment.

Donnie, who was one of the highly honoured guests, left his seat (which was some distance away) and took up a glass and the water jug and brought it over to me. He stood there and ensured that I had been well refreshed. He proceeded to give to me a sweet-smelling small towel to dry my sweat. The towel was his personal item. I had not personally met him yet. We had not spoken. But this was the humble servant’s attitude of one of the most highly esteemed men in the world. Donnie’s gesture may have seemed insignificant to some people, but my pastoral training has conditioned me to “see a little deeper.” Character is the cornerstone of the life of any servant of God — whether in the call of music or preaching — and humility is fundamental to character. I am sure I will have many voices echoing my sentiments when I say that the man, Donnie Mc Clurkin, is a servant of character. Most of Donnie’s fans and followers are also familiar with the fact that their favourite “superstar” is a walking miracle. The multiple award-winning artiste was given no chance of survival, by medical science, when he was diagnosed with leukemia several years ago. With resolute faith in the healing power of Christ, Donnie defied the prognosis, the death sentence and the ailment. After some very testing challenges, his faith in his God won a very convincing victory over the deadly disease. He has for many years now been declared medically free from every trace of the condition. The celebrated Donnie Mc Clurkin will be at Christ Castle, Miracle Ministries, come July 17, for two grand sessions. Donnie’s visit is part of “Worship Experience 2003” which is hosted by Rev Angela Williams, Woodbrook Pentecostal Church and Radio Isaac, 98.1 FM. Information line is 628-6785.