Thursday, June 28, 2007

Back In Canada

Howdy folks!

Well, we're back in Canada and cooler weather! After the heat and humidity of Nebraska, the moderate temperature of Saskatchewan is most welcome. The strange noise I heard last night was our furnace warming up the trailer. Even had to dig out a sweatshirt, when I walked MacDuff this morning.

Our last concert in Burwell, Nebraska, with the gospel quartet, Living Sacrifice, was inspiring and high energy. The mix of music and styles worked very well according to folks in the audience. I interjected some poems and stories into the program and was able to interact with the audience, as well as individual members of the quartet. It was hard to estimate the size of the crowd, as folks stayed in the cars around the edge of the park. We do know that the Gospel was presented and an invitation given.

We're now parked in White City, just outside of Regina, for a few days. On the weekend, we'll move to the Discovery Baptist Church parking lot to set up and get ready fo Sunday. The pastor will be at the CCSB convention in Vancouver, so they've asked for a concert. Interestingly, this will be our first exposure to a Canadian Southern Baptist Church, other than Cambrian Heights of course. As many of you know, we've been praying for the past two years that God would open the doors in Canada, just as He has in the United States. I'm reminded of my song "Just In Time" and, trust that this might be the answer to our prayers. In any case, as long as the Lord leads, we'll keep sharing our witness and the Gospel story, wherever and whenever He opens the door.

On the trail,

Mike and Suzann

Monday, June 18, 2007

On The Homeward Trail

Howdy folks!

For those of you who have been following our tour, we are still camped in Stromsburg, NE. During the past week, we used the time to rest and reorganize for the last two weeks of our tour. We also took in the annual Swedish Festival (Stromsburg is the Swede capital of Nebraska) and enjoyed fellowshipping with folks who had been to our concerts in years past. In all, it was a good week and just what we needed to recharge our batteries.

We'll be leaving Stromsburg this week for Burwell, NE. Saturday night (June 23rd), Songs of Faith will be partnering with Living Sacrifice, a southern gospel quartet for a concert in the park. The musical mix should make for an interesting concert. After the concert in Burwell, we head for Regina, Saskatchewan, and the Discovery Baptist Church for a Sunday morning service on July 1st. We are looking forward to worshipping with the congregation before heading home to Cochrane.

Since leaving home in April, the Lord has opened the doors to minister in a variety of places. Without exception, folks have been very receptive to the gospel message, either in song or poem, and invitations to return have been forthcoming wherever we traveled. While we are looking forward to being home, even for a short time, our hearts are on the trail sharing the gospel story, the cowboy way.

On the trail,

Mike and Suzann Burns

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Hot and Humid in Nebraska

Howdy folks!

I forgot how hot and humid Nebraska can be. Temperatures in the high 80s and humidity in the high 90s all last week. Throw in a few tornado watches and warnings, with wind gusts up to 60 mph and life in a travel trailer gets real exciting. Every morning I'd check to see it the trailer was still where we'd parked it the night before.

Sunday was another busy day, as we traveled to Central City, NE, for two concerts. In the morning, we were at the Grace Lutheran Church and in the evening at the First Christian Church. Both concerts attracted a number of visitors and, we were able to share our witness as folks inquired about our ministry. The old hymns and the cowboy poems sure open up an avenue to present to gospel, wherever we travel.

It doesn't seem possible, but we are already booking churches for our fall tour. Inquiries have come in from Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. It looks like we will have some new opportunities to minister in these states. Each time we step out in faith, we marvel at how the Lord has provided and protected each step of the way. As we start our homeward journey, with stops in Burwell, NE, and Regina, Saskatchewan, we ask for your prayers. Suzann and I are getting a little trail weary, so keep praying for us as we hear for home.

On the trail,

Mike and Suzann

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Another Week On the Trail

Howdy folks!
It's hard to believe we've been on the road nearly two months. We've sure put quite a few miles on our outfit and met a lot of great folks. Along the way, we've collected a memory or two and experienced first-hand God's blessing as we shared the Gospel.

Last Sunday, we were in Ericson, Nebraska, a small ranching community and home to the Sandhills Baptist Fellowship. This was our second visit to the church and it was evident that God was blessing this congregation. Their new building is almost debt free and their numbers are growing, howbeit, slowly. As we visit and revisit these small churches, God's handiwork is apparent. Having the opportunity to hear their stories, reinforces our desire to continue this ministry.

We will be able to stay parked in Stormsburg, NE, for the next few weeks and drive to the area churches. Not having to set up the trailer every week will be a welcome relief. We are, however, getting better at planning our itinerary and allowing plenty of time to set up the trailer, as well as the sound system. This also makes touring a lot easier and less stressful!

Well, that's it for this week. Next Sunday we have a "double header" in Central City, NE. We are looking forward to renewing friendships and meeting new folks at both services.

On the trail,

Mike and Suzann