JACKSON, Mo. -- The Christian worship group Ransom is truly one big family.
So much so that when vocalist Tracy Bonner's son, Christopher, had his Game Boy stolen from his doctor's office, the children of the other members all pooled the money in their piggy banks to buy him another one.
"Some of our kids are so young they don't know they're not all brothers and sisters," said vocalist Sandy Walley. "As far as they're concerned, they have several moms and dads."
And Ransom has one big family, with nine members, a sound man, wives, husbands, fiancees and an estimated 35 children between them.
Kevin Mann and vocalist Carolyn Burns were the original members of the group when they formed six years ago, but neither of them remember exactly how they got started.
"I think it started with a phone call from me to Kevin," Burns said. "I told him that we really needed to get a praise and worship group started, and it went from there."
Through the years, members came and went until eventually the band became the nine-member group it is today.
"We play wherever people will let us share the Lord through praise," Bonner said. "We feel that praise and worship sings directly to God, and not just about God."
Their musical style, which ranges from rock and traditional gospel to blues, builds bridges between all people and all ages, Bonner said. Sometimes the group sets contemporary worship songs to old-time rock and roll.
"The kids can relate to the words, and the parents can relate to the music," Tracy said. "We never say how old the music is!"
The group takes their name from Matthew 20:28, which reads, "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many."
Overcame obstacles
Although their performances range from playing at churches to youth festivals, their most memorable moment as a group came during their trip to Mississippi for a performance.
"We were in a van together for 12 hours," said vocalist Steve McLemore. "Spiritually, we had a lot of obstacles to overcome and pray over, and God really worked through us."
Bonner thinks that was the time that they really came together as a group. "All of us really learned what part we had to play in our ministry as a whole, and what each person has to offer," she said.
Keyboardist Jeff Hankins writes and arranges all of the music. "It's really just an expression of feeling," he said.
Other members of the group are bassist Kevin Leadbetter, guitarists Jason Weaver and Kevin Seabaugh and sound man "Hootie" Bonner.
Mann said the reason Ransom exists is to be used by God. "If we are used by God to save one soul, then this life will all have been worth it," he said.
Bonner agreed. "If we do this for 10 years longer and see one more soul come to know Jesus, then it's all worth it," she said. "Seeing souls come to know Jesus -- that's what it's all about."
Want to go?:
Who: Ransom, Christian praise and worship band
When: Tonight, 8 p.m.
Where: Jackson Park Band Shelter
Cost: Admission is free. Concessions will be available.
P The group began to fill a gap in praise and worship bands available in the area.
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