For the daughter of gospel singing parents, spreading the Good News herself came naturally. “I’ve been singing as far back as I can remember,” states gospel recording artist, Myrna Allen Austin. “Growing up in the Church of God in Christ, if you could talk- you were old enough to be in The Sunshine Band!” Myrna accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of 13. Under the pastoral guidance of her uncle, Dr. Rance L. Allen, Myrna began training at the age of 14 and was ordained as a Deaconess at the age of 21. Her debut CD answers the call of Isaiah 6:8-9, in which the Lord seeks a messenger to go and tell His people to, look, listen and understand. Myrna responds to the call with the title of her solo project, “Here I Am”.

          She has graced the stage before gospel greats such as The Rance Allen Group, The Clark Sisters, Commissioned, Lee Williams, and Out of Eden, as well as, Vonzelle Solomon and Ruben Studdard, of American Idol fame. Myrna continues to reside in her hometown of Monroe, MI. She ministers in the capacity of Choir Director and Director of Creative Arts for Monroe Full Gospel where Reverend Harold Raines is Pastor.

          Myrna views her daily career as an extension of her ministry. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Therapy with a Concentration in Physical Rehabilitation and a Minor in Psychology from the University of Toledo. She returned to the university to obtain a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education. She is certified as an Early Intervention Developmental Specialist and Infant Massage Instructor. Her skills and qualifications have afforded her the opportunity to specialize in providing developmental services for infants and toddlers with special needs. “I’m often asked if working with families of children with disabilities is challenging or sad. I feel it would be sad if families were faced with these circumstances and had no one to help them. One of my greatest joys is being able to use the gifts God has given me, to make a difference, in the lives of others.”