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The love everyone has for Dottie Rambo was evident all along Grace Street A large audience gathered to give tribute to Dottie at yesterday’s taping of The Jim Bakker Show. To join Jim, Lori and Kevin for the special time were Dino Kartsonakis and his wife Cheryl. Tears flowed and all were touched by the loss. Lori, who recalled spending hours with Dottie sharing their personal stories and struggles in the back of Dottie’s tour bus when she was in town. Kevin, who was moved at the thought of the tragic loss of this great Christian songwriter as Dino played her music. And Jim, who came to depend on her as one of his only true friends. “She was a true friend,” cried Jim. “Why did she have to go? I needed her so.” There is a special place in Jim’s heart for Dottie. Jim and Dottie have been friends for many years. She was one of the few that stuck with him through the dark prison days and beyond. She visited him in prison and was a great encourager as he rebuilt his life afterwards. Dottie also holds a special place in Dino’s and Cheryl’s hearts. They have also been friends from the beginning of their careers. As soon as they heard the news about Dottie’s death, they made arrangements with Jim and Lori to give tribute to her. Dino shared that just a week or so ago Dottie asked him to play “Behold The Lamb” at her funeral when that time came. Little did they know that the time would be so soon. Dino, Cheryl and Kevin all gave tribute through song. Dino played a powerful rendition of “Behold the Lamb.” Kevin sang, “I Go To The Rock.” Cheryl sang with Dino’s accompaniment, “Danny Boy.” Dino even re-titled his “We Shall Behold Him Medley” to “Dottie’s Medley” in lasting honor to her. Highlights of the 8 or so times she was on The Jim Bakker Show were shown, as well as of her signing some of the wonderful songs she had written over the years. The real comfort on this solemn day was knowing that Dottie is in heaven with the Lord. She had a deep personal relationship with Him and lived each day for Him. She left her home at the young age 12 to sing and write songs for Jesus. Jim thought of the great reunion she is having in heaven with all those who have gone before. “I know she is up there with Vestal Goodman now. They are hanging out together again!” A clip of Dottie singing “Sheltered in the Arms” with Porter Wager was shown. The words of this song were almost prophetic. “I'll fall asleep and wake in God's sweet heaven, for I'm sheltered in the arms of God.” She was asleep on the bus she was traveling on in Missouri when a gust of wind caused the bus to go off the highway. Her bus, before making impact with the embankment, was airborne. When she awoke she was sheltered in the arms of God. This is where she will be waiting for the rest of us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our mourning will turn to joy when we will be reunited. In the meantime, we’ll continue to sing and listen to those great songs she wrote until we can sing them together in heaven.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Join us at the live taping or on streaming for today’s show as the tribute to Dottie will continue. CLICK HERE for "A Tribute to Dottie " from Dino Kartsonakis |
