Local Christian band “Surrendered” traveled to Branson, Mo. on Oct. 27 for the Country Gospel Music Association International Convention and walked away with International Band of the Year honors.

“Surrendered” is a 5-member band that is dedicated to bringing glory to Jesus with their God-given musical abilities. Karen Stoker is manager, lead singer and keyboard player; Ronny Green and Rickey Green play guitar; Jeff Smith plays drums and sings backup; and Brent Knox plays bass guitar and sings backup.

The band, which has been together since August, won the Silver Heart “Central USA Division Band of the Year” in July, qualifying them for the International Level.

The CGMA International Award nominees included singers, instrumentalists, bands, comedians, reciters, signing interpreters, yodelers and whistlers from the five CGMA divisions, including the Western USA, Central USA, Eastern USA, Canadian and Philippian Divisions.

In response to their success, “Surrendered” gives glory to God.

“It’s not that we’re so good, it’s that God is so good!”

Stoker also won the Central Division Female Entertainer of the Year and Bilingual Artist of the Year for a song she sang in Hebrew.

The band didn’t perform at the awards show this year, but next year as the reigning band of the year they will be allowed to perform.

(Contact Deborah Williams at 806-296-1360 or dwilliams@plainviewdailyherald.com)