Concert Review By Angela Griffin
Coastal Media, parent company of SGNScoops and SGMRadio, is the proud host of the annual Diamond Awards held at Creekside Gospel Music Convention. In October 2013, Jason, Aaron and Amanda Crabb were honored at the Diamond Awards. Jasonwas awarded Male Soloist of the Year, Album of the Year, Christian Country Album of the Year and Favorite Artist Website. Aaron and Amanda were the Duet of the Year for 2013. SGMRadio is proud to highlight the ministry of the Crabbs with a republication of this 2014 SGNScoops feature written by Angela Griffin. To vote for the 2014 Diamond Awards, click on http://www.sgnscoops.com/2014-diamond-awards/
When you put the Crabb Family, Mike Bowling, 1700 enthusiastic fans, and the amazing Global Promotions team all under one roof, you know revival is bound to break out! That is exactly what happened at the Spartanburg Expo & Convention Center on Saturday, March 8th. You could feel the excitement as fans made their way into the auditorium.
Mike Bowling hit the stage singing… “I’ll Be Alright As Soon As I Touch Calvary,â€Â “Victory’s Coming†followed by “That I Could Still Go Free.â€Â The power of the Almighty fell! “We’re not supposed to be having church this early, are we?†asked Mike. “We love coming to South Carolina and I tell you what – you are going to be blessed tonight! If you’ve not been to a Crabb family concert in a while, buckle up and get your seat belts fastened. The Lord is really moving in these services. Don’t tell me God is dead. He is alive and right here with us. I know tonight is going to be entertaining, but I know the Crabb family and I know myself. If you leave this auditorium not knowing us but have an encounter with the Holy Spirit, then you will leave here blessed. He is the only one that can save lives. Can I get an Amen?†There were “Amens†all across the auditorium!
Mike asked, “Would it be alright if I have my little girls come out and sing for you? This is Mom and Dad’s retirement plan. This is all we have.†The audience laughed! Mike introduced them one by one. “This is Gracie, this is Katelanne and this is Hope.†Mike then turned to Gracie and asked, “Do you know what State we’re in?†She replied with a “no.†The audience laughed. Mike explained… “She’s says that every morning, because my little girl wakes up in a different state almost every day.â€Â The girls captivated the audience with their singing as Dad stood in the back wiping tears.
As Mike stepped back into the spotlight he said, “This is so good – I hate to turn the service over to the Crabb Family.â€Â Just before Mike ended the first round he shared, “Thank you so much. You guys have been so kind to me and I love you very much. I honestly believe that your prayers and support has gotten us through the past couple of years.â€Â Mike ended with the powerful song “Your Cries Have Awoken the Master.â€
The audience was on their feet as Adam, Kelly, Jason, Terah and Aaron entered the stage singing “I Saw the Light†followed by Terah singing “I Go to the Rock.†Adam simply brought the house down with a harmonica instrumental of “Amazing Grace!†The audience was still on their feet as Kelly began to sing “Don’t You Wanna Go,†followed by Aaron singing “Please Forgive Me.â€Â The fans loved it! Terah began to sing “He’ll Make A Way†followed by Jason singing “Greater Is He.â€Â By this time church had broken out! There were more great hits on the way as the Crabb family began to sing “I’m Still Holding On,â€Â “The Lamb, The Lion, The King,†and “Through The Fire.†Adam’s deliverance of “Unforgiven†was phenomenal. There were tears rolling down the faces of many across the auditorium as the songs ministered to each and every person sitting in the auditorium.
On behalf of the Crabb Family, Jason thanked the audience for supporting the Crabb Family over the years even in their solo careers. “This night is for you and we love each and every one of you,â€Â shared Jason. The audience started cheering as Jason introduced Aaron saying “He and his lovely wife Amanda are getting ready to move to Tennessee and start a church.†Jason joked and said Terah came out of hiding tonight. The crowd went crazy! “It feels good to be out!†shared Terah. “I know you all love Kelly Bowling and I love those blue shoes she has on.â€Â The audiences laughed as they clapped and cheered. Then Jason lifted his arm towards Adam… the crowd started cheering without Jason saying a word. Jason just paused for a second and said “You guys act like he just started singing with the Gaither Vocal Band.†Once again the audience erupted in laughter, cheering and clapping! Adam then introduced Jason and you guessed it… the audience responded with a loud cheer!
On the second half of the concert, Mike Bowling joined the Crabb Family on stage singing “The Lighthouse†and “Call Me Gone.†The fans were soaking it all up.
Before Kelly sang “Miracle Today,†she ministered to the audience saying, “The Hand of God never ceases to amaze me. The faithfulness of God is way bigger than I could ever explain. When I was 14 years old I fell on my knees and prayed the sinner’s prayer. I was a broken little girl. Twenty odd years later I can honestly say He has never left me. He has never failed me. I’ve been through ups and downs and I’ve not been perfect. I’ve messed up and I’ve stumbled. I’ve always found the one thing that stayed the same in my life is Jesus Christ and His love for me. I’ve found He is more than enough. Money, friends and careers may come and go, and certain situations may never be the same. We may not know what tomorrow will bring. If we have Jesus by our side and let Him take control of our lives, then we have everything we need to make it through tomorrow. How many can say God’s been faithful? I’m thankful for miracles tonight.â€
The Crabb family continued to sing hit after hit. It was a great night of praise and worship. Just before the close of the service, people began to gather around the front of the auditorium. Thirty-seven precious souls received Salvation that night. Friends… that’s what it’s all about!
A special thanks to Paul and Anita Pitts and to all the Global Promotions team for bringing the Crabb Reunion to Spartanburg, SC. You made 1700 fans’ dreams come true of seeing the Crabb Family together again. There were 37 salvations as a result of your hard work and dedication. Priceless!
For more on the Crabbs visit http://www.thecrabbfamily.com/