Gospel singing sensation Lonnie Saunders was raised in Amber Valley, Alberta into a family of African American settlers to the area.

The youngest of 9 girls and sister to 8 brothers, Lonnie led the praise and worship in her small town church on Sundays, remembering those times as “always challenging and rewarding.”

She was introduced The CGMA (Country Gospel Music Association) in 2008 by Grace Jacobsen and had no idea the ride that this new knowledge would take her on.

In June 2009 Lonnie was awarded the Silver Heart for Female New Artist of the year and Female Vocalist, which had never been awarded to a first timer.  In June 2010 in Cranbrook, BC she was awarded Silver Heart for Psalmist of the year and Female Entertainer of the year.

Then, in Oct. 2010 in Branson Mo.  the CGMA awarded her the International Female Artist of the year, a first for a Canadian!