Just a few years ago, praise and worship music was on the brink of extinction as a genre in Christian music. Although it is the style of music many churches use on Sunday mornings along with hymns, it simply did not sell well in Christian retail. All of that changed about five years ago, due in part to the music of Ron Kenoly.
After four successful praise and worship releases, Kenoly returns home on his latest project called Welcome Home. In keeping with the title, he literally went home for this live recording of songs at his home church of Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California. Adding to the special nature of this project is the inclusion of his younger sons, Samuel and Ronald, and his brother, Mark. The heart of this servant of God becomes very evident in the singing of these songs.
The project starts off with a great proclamation from Scripture-"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" This sets the tone for the entire project. "Go Ahead" ministers a message of hope for those going through tough circumstances in their lives. He encourages them through the words:
If you catch hell don't hold it If you're going through hell, don't stop Here's what you do: you go ahead, go ahead Go ahead, go ahead, go ahead (don't stop)
Another interesting song is "Winna Mon," Kenoly's attempt at Caribbean music. It declares that "Jesus is the winna, mon (not Oscar Meyer)!" In clearer English, Jesus is the winner and we are on the winning side. The highlight of the project has to be the title track. This song is very personal for Ron because it describes the pain he had to endure with the departure of one of his sons. Yet, through this difficult time, God was faithful to be there watching over them. Through many prayers, three years later, that son returned to the family with two words from Ron-"Welcome Home!" The song is very reminiscent of the parable of the prodigal son.
Ron Kenoly has made a significant impact on praise and worship music. He is beloved around the world for the joy he exudes through the praises he sings. If you never hear Ron Kenoly, then you are missing out on a man who has been blessed by God with the humble task of bringing people into worship.
