FT. LAUDERDALE – Merriam-Webster defines destiny as the predetermined, inevitable course of events. On Saturday, February 12, 2011 South Florida’s destiny collided with Abi McDonald. Right from the start, there was an atmosphere of expectancy that was palpable.
The auditorium of New Life Christian Center in Fort Lauderdale was filled to capacity with fans, friends and well-wishers all gathered in support.
The launch began with praise and worship led by the hosts Nadine Blair of LoveFM (Jamaica) and Gospel Recording artist Douglas “DJ Doug” Bramwell to set the atmosphere. The presence of the Almighty was so strongly felt that you couldn’t help but imagine God Himself, smiling like a proud father at the worship of His children.
Then one-by-one artist after artist, including Stellar Award- winner Papa San, Gospel Reggae great Junior Tucker, Kristine Alicia and Jody McCalla and True Worshipers International, Postiv NRG and Jahdai, ministered and set the stage for the main event herself. And true to form, Abi McDonald did not disappoint. She did not fear, but instead stood “Alone” before “Our Father,” longing to fulfill her “Destiny” to be “Closer” to the Lord, always wanting more of Him.
More than a worshiper, Abi is also the consummate entertainer and presented us with a skit on her life that she wrote and directed. And in a romantic fit of overwhelming love and affection, she called her husband, producer and band leader Craig McDonald onstage and asked him to marry her all over again. Dr. Rosalind Osgood then prayed a prayer of blessing and covenant over the McDonald’s.
Overall, Abi McDonald’s “My Destiny” album launch was an event that no one in attendance will soon forget.
Raised in Kingston she began to sing at an early age. She sang on the Island’s number one radio station RJR (Radio Jamaica) when she was eight (8) years old and the audience loved her. Abigail’s musical destiny had begun.
In 1993 of August Abigail got saved at a church camp (Foursquare Gospel Church), where she became one of the lead singers for their Youth Choir.
In 1999 Abigail married her best friend Craig McDonald, they were created for each other, he is a talented musician and she has an inspiring voice. Together they have written and created inspiringly poised music. Craig is also her producer and had released her first single entitled “I Will Not Fear”, and ”Without Your Love” a favorite for most listeners.
Abigail’s singing of (gospel) reggae music is like no other, she possesses a unique sound, a sweet and soothing tone tiered between urban and contemporary gospel music. Her diversity in singing different genres of gospel music captivates her listeners and leaving them inspired, refreshed and renewed. Abigail has an eye for creativity and authenticity in everything she does as she also writes skits and poems. She was once the Drama Ministry leader for Family Church on the Rock (Kingston, Jamaica).
In the year 2000, Abigail began touring with gospel reggae artiste Stitchie. She also worked and shared stages with Pastor Junior Tucker, Papa San, Minister Judy Mowatt, Dr. Carlene Davis, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Chevelle Franklin, Pastor William McDowell, Minister Jody McCalla and many more.
Abigail is now the worship leader for Grace Temple Church where Bishop Rohan Diedrick is the Pastor. Apart from being a singer/song writer, ministering at various places and in church, Abigail and Craig also started a worship ministry called Purposely Designed for Worship (PDW), where expressing yourself in the performing Arts is what each person gives to God.
Once you’ve had an encounter with Abi you will not forget her, she not only makes a lasting impression public forum, but also her family.
Her husband calls her a “Proverbs 31 woman” and her children call her blessed, she holds the essence of her family together. A direct quote from her on what she believes is “God has a path for all of us; we become His children when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. I aspire to be who God wants me to be and live every moment as if it were my last. Live, love and laugh always and maintain a healthy prayer life.”
