Nov/Dec LJ
9/27/07
4:47 PM
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Photos by Alex Towers
THE CHURCH
Liberty University alumni Guy Penrod (left) and Lynda Tait Randle performed for a packed Thomas Road Baptist Church audience in September as part of the Gaither Homecoming Concert Series.
Penrod, Randle come home to by RON BROWN Liberty Journal
I Guy Penrod’s 1984 yearbook photo while attending Liberty University.
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Liberty
n the early 1980s, Guy Penrod and Lynda Tait Randle were a couple of the Rev. Jerry Falwell’s kids. Now, they are stars with the Gaither Homecoming Concert Series, the most recognized traveling show in gospel music. Both Penrod, a member of the Gaither Vocal Band, and Randle, a solo performer on the Gaither tour, honed their singing skills while attending Liberty Baptist College, the forerunner of Liberty University. “Talent comes from a lot of sources,” said Bill Gaither, the architect of the Homecoming series along with his wife, Gloria. “The talent that we’ve gotten from Jerry’s school has been just wonderful.” For many years, Penrod and Randle were
LIBERTY JOURNAL Nov./Dec. 2007
joined on the stage by comedian and singer Mark Lowry, former Liberty student. Barry Jennings, Gaither’s son-in-law and chief executive officer of the entire Gaither operation, also has Liberty ties. “I called Jerry last spring, a couple of months before he passed away, just to chat and say, ‘I just want to thank you for the gifts you have given to us in the form of talented kids,’” Gaither said. “They are delightful kids who have their feet down spiritually. They understand the need for a strong commitment to Christ.” Penrod and Randle were together again on Sept. 15 as they performed at a concert at Lynchburg’s Thomas Road Baptist Church, which was founded by Falwell 51 years ago. Falwell’s son, Jonathan, now serves as the church’s senior pastor. Falwell Sr. was always there to encourage