Performances support impoverished nations

  Jim McDonald an internationally renowned Christian singer, will be in town Saturday to deliver what he says is a very important message about our world.

  He will be in concert at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1681 S. 6th Ave., at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but a special donation will be taken to benefit orphans in Eastern Europe.

  "We are not just coming here to sing," said McDonald. "Those days are over, especially in Christian  music. People really want purpose in their lives, and I try to bring that for them."

  Katie McDonald said that her husband, who has been in Christian music as a professional for 35 years, is a very accomplished musician.

  "He has nine years as bass vocalist with Heritage Singers USA, has been a television producer and talk show host, is an award-winning record producer, and has been awarded internationally for his solo career," she said.

  "I have produced over 250 CDs as a producer," said Jim. "Seventy-five of those CDs have won international awards of the year. I have been named nine times the Male Vocalist of the Year by the Angel Awards in Hollywood. My wife has also received 14 Angel awards for Best Graphic Artist for designing my CD covers."

  Katie said the couple has "dedicated their relationship and all aspects of their lives to serving God in whatever way he directed. It has been a roller-coaster ride every since.

  "Jim has appeared in concert in Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Moldova, Germany, Austria and at least 25 other countries including the United States and Canada."

  Katie said their mission "has become one of serving the people in impoverished and troubled parts of the world by giving them free concerts and delivering to them much-needed supplies, and other needs which are constantly changing."

  "In Slovakia we have 600 Gypsy orphans we take care of," said Jim. "These children are either from botched abortions or incest, and their parents abandon them at the orphanage steps. One hundred percent of the money raised during the offering at the concert will go to these children. Katie and I live off of our CD sales, not the offerings.

  "After we raise money in the states, we use it to help buy essentials like blankets and food. We supply the things the government there won't."

  Jim said he wants to make people in America aware that they have it made compared to the rest of the world.

  "This Saturday night, I'll not only be singing to the people in the church, but I will also be bringing the real world to them. I will show a DVD about our kids in Eastern Europe."

  For more information about the event, call 783-6533 or log on to www.jimmcdonald.org.