Gospel singer Lynda Randle is no stranger to Heidelberg Union Church. She performed at the church in Heidelberg Township for her fourth time May 12.

Approximately 350 people attended her concert.

Jack Snyder of Lynn Township helped promote Randle’s concert.

He has been a Heidelberg Union Church member more than 50 years.

His musical group “Jack and Friends” opened for Randle, playing a mix of country western and gospel music.

“Randle is a great person and the best gospel performer in the world,” Snyder said. “Everyone was jumping, singing along and having a good time during her performance, especially when she sang her trademark song ‘God on the Mountain.’”

Snyder said Randle shared details about her personal background and her trials and errors in life.

“After her show ended at 9 p.m., Randle stayed until 11 p.m. to personally talk with the audience and sign autographs,” Snyder said.

“I love the messages of gospel because they are true and the songs are filled with hope and life,” Randle said. “The Bible is the spark where God and I can sing hymns and songs to help lift up people’s hearts.

“Gospel music has this way of getting to the core of people’s spirits and their beings.”

Randle came to know Jesus at age 12 from her father, who was a pastor.

While growing up in a Christian home, she was not able to listen to anything other than gospel music.

When Randle entered 10th grade, her parents placed her in a predominantly white Christian school.

“I started to see life from a different perspective,” Randle said. “Reluctantly, I joined the school choir which happened to be all white.

“Singing with them seemed impossible at first but God was faithful.

“I learned God was preparing me to help tear down the walls between the races that have been built over the years and in their place build bridges.”

“I want people to open their minds and to stop prejudging others.

“Make an effort to have a conversation with someone different. Fear, anger and ignorance has held us back too long.”

Randle said when she performs, she shares a mutual sense of encouragement with her audience.

“I believe the messages in my music help listeners realize they can overcome challenges,” Randle said. “The songs are filled with hope, joy, and peace providing an overall sense of comfort,

“And, singing encourages me to continue to inspire. I want people to have hope and to know their life has so much to offer.

“I do not want them to give up on themselves or on each other.”

Randle, who has been singing for 36 years, started touring in 1998 across the country and overseas.

“I have performed in several European countries and in South Africa,” Randle said. “Next year I might perform in Singapore.

“I receive many comments from Asian and African listeners through social media. About half the people who watch clips of my performances on YouTube are from other countries.”

Randle lives in Kansas City, Miss. with her husband, Michael, a pastor.

She has two daughters Patience, 26, and Joy, 20.

They have helped her with tours in the past, with her husband driving the tour bus sometimes.

“Traveling as a family for many years was a fantastic experience,” Randle said. “Patience is a graduate of Anderson University in Indiana with a degree in audio, visual, and film, and is an incredible young writer.

“Joy is a junior in college and has in the past performed on stage with me.”

Randle hosts an annual women’s conference called “A Woman After God’s Own Heart.”

The conference provides an opportunity for women to explore personal growth and discovery.

It lasts at least two days and takes place in Kansas City.

Anywhere between 800 to 1,200 women attend.

Through the combination of music, dance, motivational speakers, prayer, and humor the conference has helped uplift women’s spirits.

The conference also reaches out to women in substance abuse recovery shelters, safe houses, teen pregnancy facilities, and women involved with sex trafficking.

“We sponsor them because they often never get an opportunity to attend a conference like this,” Randle said. “We try to stay connected and involved with them throughout the course of the year, too.”

In addition to performing on stage, Randle has also written two books “God on the Mountain” which shares testimonies about her song “God on the Mountain” and “30 Days to Harmony” which is a devotional for the Advent Season.

For more information about Randle, visit lyndarandle.com.