Tributes

Larry Ferguson and The Cerces

Larry Ferguson and Chris Barnes Benefit

A special benefit concert was held for Larry Ferguson and Chris Barnes on Saturday, August 2nd at the Shively Baptist Church in Louisville, KY. Larry was Dottie Rambo’s manager and Chris was Larry’s assistant and Dottie’s product manager and webmaster. Both men were severely injured in the tragic bus accident that took Dottie Rambo’s life last May. Louisville is Larry’s home town.

Judy Brannin, of The Brannin Agency, organized and planned the concert, which was successful in raising some much-needed funds for these men and their families. Larry and Chris attended the concert, as did Larry’s wife, Judy, and their two boys, Christian (age 8) and Pierce (age 4). Chris Barnes’ parents also attended the concert.

Olin Witt, in a very gracious and generous manner, provided a coach, driver and the necessary fuel to transport Larry and Chris from Nashville to and from the event, at considerable expense. Several days earlier, Mr Witt also transported the men from Nashville to Blue Eye, Missouri – and then back again – so they could attend the taping of The Jim Bakker Show, where they first spoke of the accident and their injuries.

Larry has no insurance and is facing at least 5 additional surgeries, including one that will re-create his destroyed femur from one of his ribs. Chris still faces many months of physical therapy and rehabilitation as a result of his injuries.

Numerous artists appeared at the event and donated their time to the fundraiser, including Aaron Wilburn, Kenny Bishop, Sunday Edition, Firm Foundation, Kristian Booth, Jackie Lamb, Keith Marcum with the Haddix Family, and The Cerces, who closed the concert, giving an opportunity for the people to accept Christ and leading the congregation in prayer for the men and their families.

Larry and Judy’s 8 year old son, Christian, thrilled the crowd by singing 3 songs that were written by his “GranDot”, Dottie Rambo.

Larry and Chris were both helped to the stage, where they each spoke to the crowd in a stirring way about their faith and their determination to continue on in their ministries after their recoveries. Judy Brannin did an excellent job emceeing the concert.

People are encouraged to make on-going contributions to Larry and Chris, as they are now both unemployed and are facing many more months of recovery. Checks may be made payable directly to Larry Ferguson and Chris Barnes, and may be mailed to The Brannin Agency, who will forward the checks directly to the men. The address is The Brannin Agency, PO Box 1333, Gaffney, SC 29342.