Gospel singer Glacia Robinson returns to the Jamaican stage on December 26, at The Experience 2017: I Rise Edition show scheduled for Manchester High School.

It will be her first time performing locally in 18 years.

“I’m excited about ministering there after all these years, but I am particularly excited about the opportunity to give back to the first hospital that I was admitted to (Percy Junor Hospital) when I was sick for those 5 1/2 years. God is faithful. He’s brought me a mighty long way and I’m so thankful,” Robinson told the Jamaica Observer from her home in the United States.

Nineteen years ago Robinson rode high with the song Hold My Hand Today, which won the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Gospel Song competition.

She was hailed as a major talent, even outside gospel circles.

After Hold My Hand Today, Robinson followed-up with several well-received songs including I’m Lost Without You, I am A Winner, It’s Not Over Now, Worship You, You Carry Me, Desperate, Freedom Calls, and My Testimony.

But after a mysterious illness which threatened her life, Robinson vanished from the music scene.

“Today my powerful testimony glorifies God and His mighty works in my life. I was revived from the brink of death, restored, blessed, and preserved. I was sick for five and-a-half years; my body weight plummeted to less than 90 pounds; passing through many hospital doors; surviving countless tests, wheelchair, pampers, and strong medications,” she recalled. “Even though doctors gave up on me, holding on to the word of God, I declared Psalm 118:17 ‘I shall not die, but live to declare the works of the Lord’. The powerful name of Jesus broke the curse of death and the spirit of witchcraft that was on my life. He did it for me and He can do the same for you…He loves us equally; all you have to do is believe,” Robinson shared.

It is fitting Robinson will make her Jamaican comeback in Manchester, her home parish. She hails from the rustic region of Newport where religion played a big part in her early life.

“I am from a musical family. We would get together for our regular family prayer meetings I can never forget those very early morning devotions — the entire family was also drafted into the fasting and prayer held by my grandmother, lots of singing, Bible reading and prayers,” she related. “But I started singing at the Newport New Testament Church of God. My mother, my sister, my cousin and I had singing group called The Gospel Persuaders.”

After graduating from Holmwood Technical High School, Robinson shelved plans to study medicine and pursued a career in music.

To date she has released five studio albums and looks forward to releasing new material soon.

“I am blessed with an amazing management and production team. We have been focused on changing lives through the word of God and through music. I am very passionate about embracing those who have been rejected and dejected by society and their situations. I love helping them to fulfil their purpose and destiny,” she said.