Howdy folks!
We left Cochrane on Sept. 5th for the Cowboy Church in Sherwood Park, to start our tour of Northern Alberta. With the promise of warm weather, we looked forward to spending some time in the trailer. This will be the first time we will visit two of our Canadian National Baptist Convention churches in the northern part of the province (Peace Country). These are well-established churches and it will be an exciting opportunity to share the gospel in music and poetry, the cowboy way.
The Cowboy Church was well-attended and seemed to have grown since our last visit in February. Pastor Kevin was his usual welcoming self and we immediately felt right at home. Our first night out in the trailer was a new experience, as we we ran out of propane and spent a cold night under many blankets. Our next stop was in Evansburg at the Baptist Church. Pastor Al had been sick and we were glad to be able to help out with special music and poetry at the morning worship service and, a program for seniors at the Pembina Village in Evansburg in the evening. All in all, it proved to be a very full day of ministry.
After a day of rest, we were back on the trail heading for the Fairview Cornerstone Baptist Church in Fairview, Alberta. Again we had a very full day of ministry. I led the music and presented special music and poetry at the morning worship service. Later, in the afternoon we presented an outdoor cowboy gospel concert. This was the launch of their Sunday School ministry and both of these events were well attended. The weather was holding very warm during the day and it has sure been a very pleasant tour to this point.
We travelled only a short distance from Fairview to spend time with our friends Jerry and Rose Hale in Cleardale, Alberta. We first met them at the Cleardale Gospel Jamboree in the spring. They let us park in the yard and I was able to spend the week catching up with some writing projects, touring the area and having a good time of fellowship with the Hales. I even got to help out with my first branding! Jerry branded 10 cows and he was able to find something for me to do.
Our last concert was at the Worsley Baptist Church, Worsley, Alberta. Pastor Dick Hale and his congregation sure gave us a warm welcome. The church is of log construction, which added to the ambience of the cowboy gospel concert. We returned for the evening service and had a great time singing the old hymns and accompanying some of the songs with the guitar and harmonica. Next time, I'll bring the bass. What a great way to finish a tour.
On the way home, we stopped in Buck Lake, Alberta, to meet up with some dear friends, Iven and Lynne Bryant, and spent a couple of days touring the area and enjoying the fall weather. The Bryants have been supporters of our ministry since its inception and it was good to have an opportunity to fellowship with them.
After our short "vacation" at Buck Lake, we headed back to Cochrane to begin the serious work of getting the trailer winterized for storage and the yard cleaned up for the winter. Although the tour was shorter than usual, it was a real blessing to meet the pastors and folks in Fairview and Worsley. Their acceptance of our ministry was certainly encouraging and we look forward to another time when we can visit them again.
Thanks to all of you who continue to pray for us as we reach out with the gospel to folks in the small churches, especially, those in Alberta.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
STILL LEAVIN' SOME DUST
Howdy folks!
It seems I've neglected to keep our ministry schedule up to date on our blog. For folks who follow our travels, it could look like we are packing it in for the fall. Not true! In fact, we leave Friday morning (Sept. 5th) for a short tour of Alberta churches. Over the next three weeks, we will be ministering in Sherwood Park at the Cowboy Church, Evansburg Baptist Church, Fairview Baptist Church and Worsley Baptist Church. This will give us an opportunity to say howdy to some old friends and meet some new ones. The churches in Fairview and Worsley are new to our ministry and we are looking forward to being with them.
It was a pleasant surprise to have the editor of the Baptist Horizon (our denominational newsletter) interview me and write an article about my winning the Golden Note Award, Songs of Faith and my cowboy poetry book. She even included one of my poems in the article. I've already been contacted about our ministry from folks who read the article. Several ministry opportunities are now in the works for 2009.
Right now we are very busy putting the last things in the trailer and trying not to forget anything. We appreciate your prayers and have no doubt that they keep us on the road.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
It seems I've neglected to keep our ministry schedule up to date on our blog. For folks who follow our travels, it could look like we are packing it in for the fall. Not true! In fact, we leave Friday morning (Sept. 5th) for a short tour of Alberta churches. Over the next three weeks, we will be ministering in Sherwood Park at the Cowboy Church, Evansburg Baptist Church, Fairview Baptist Church and Worsley Baptist Church. This will give us an opportunity to say howdy to some old friends and meet some new ones. The churches in Fairview and Worsley are new to our ministry and we are looking forward to being with them.
It was a pleasant surprise to have the editor of the Baptist Horizon (our denominational newsletter) interview me and write an article about my winning the Golden Note Award, Songs of Faith and my cowboy poetry book. She even included one of my poems in the article. I've already been contacted about our ministry from folks who read the article. Several ministry opportunities are now in the works for 2009.
Right now we are very busy putting the last things in the trailer and trying not to forget anything. We appreciate your prayers and have no doubt that they keep us on the road.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Sunday, July 20, 2008
TRAIL DUST OF A BUCKAROO
Howdy folks!
It's been some time since I last wrote. After the Cleardale Gospel Jamboree, Suzann and I applied ourselves to the house and yard work that we had neglected over the past few years. I also got serious about getting my book of cowboy poetry to the print-ready stage. It took four edits but is now being printed and should be ready for sale in the next few weeks. Getting it to this stage has been a steep learning curve, but it has been a useful experrience. I certainly appreciate the work other cowboy poets have done to get their books to market.
The book is titled Trail Dust of a Buckaroo and is an eclectic collection of my cowboy poetry. Included are all the requested favourites such as: The Catalogue Order; A Senior Moment; Ol' Coosie; and, At the End of the Cowboy Trail. The cover art is by Cochrane western artist Shannon Luyendyk. Her picture "Church In the Field" was a perfect cover for the book.
Well, the 2008 Calgary Stampede has come and gone and we participated in our church's stampede breakfast. I was able to share some cowboy poetry with the folks as they ate their pancakes and sausages. As usual, a good number of people from the neighbourhood came out to enjoy the food and the music. This is an annual event at the church and allows us to meet the folks who live near the church.
We are still waithing the Lord's leading for the Fall. A number of opportunities have presented themselves, but we are still waiting on the Lord. So, please continue to pray for us as we seek to share the Gospel the cowboy way.
On the trail for Him
Mike and Suzann
It's been some time since I last wrote. After the Cleardale Gospel Jamboree, Suzann and I applied ourselves to the house and yard work that we had neglected over the past few years. I also got serious about getting my book of cowboy poetry to the print-ready stage. It took four edits but is now being printed and should be ready for sale in the next few weeks. Getting it to this stage has been a steep learning curve, but it has been a useful experrience. I certainly appreciate the work other cowboy poets have done to get their books to market.
The book is titled Trail Dust of a Buckaroo and is an eclectic collection of my cowboy poetry. Included are all the requested favourites such as: The Catalogue Order; A Senior Moment; Ol' Coosie; and, At the End of the Cowboy Trail. The cover art is by Cochrane western artist Shannon Luyendyk. Her picture "Church In the Field" was a perfect cover for the book.
Well, the 2008 Calgary Stampede has come and gone and we participated in our church's stampede breakfast. I was able to share some cowboy poetry with the folks as they ate their pancakes and sausages. As usual, a good number of people from the neighbourhood came out to enjoy the food and the music. This is an annual event at the church and allows us to meet the folks who live near the church.
We are still waithing the Lord's leading for the Fall. A number of opportunities have presented themselves, but we are still waiting on the Lord. So, please continue to pray for us as we seek to share the Gospel the cowboy way.
On the trail for Him
Mike and Suzann
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
CLEARDALE GOSPEL JAMBOREE
Howdy Folks!
At the invitation of Jerry and Rose Hale, Suzann and I drove to Clearwater, Alberta to participate in the fifth annual gospel jamboree. In addition to having the opportunity to sing a few old gospel songs, I brought the message at the Sunday morning shurch service. Over 125 recreational vehicles crowded into the RV parking area, tents were set up in the tenting area, and folks drove in each day for the jamboree. Estimates of crowd size ranged from 1,000 to 1,500 over the weekend.
It was great to hear the old gospel songs and hymns sung in the old-fashioned way. Groups traveled to the jamboree from Alberta, British Columbia and Saskachewan to share their messages in song and testimony. What a time of fellowship!
Suzann and I enjoyed meeting each of the participants and sharing "road stories" but, most of all, it was a real bessing to take part in the jamboree.
This week, we will be participating in an outreach event at the Northmount Baptist Church in Calgary. Certainly, not so far to drive, but another opportunity to share the old story in song and poem. As many of you know, we look forward to these opportunities to minister as we continue to wait upon the Lord.
Please continue to pray for us as we seek the Lord's direction for our ministry.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
At the invitation of Jerry and Rose Hale, Suzann and I drove to Clearwater, Alberta to participate in the fifth annual gospel jamboree. In addition to having the opportunity to sing a few old gospel songs, I brought the message at the Sunday morning shurch service. Over 125 recreational vehicles crowded into the RV parking area, tents were set up in the tenting area, and folks drove in each day for the jamboree. Estimates of crowd size ranged from 1,000 to 1,500 over the weekend.
It was great to hear the old gospel songs and hymns sung in the old-fashioned way. Groups traveled to the jamboree from Alberta, British Columbia and Saskachewan to share their messages in song and testimony. What a time of fellowship!
Suzann and I enjoyed meeting each of the participants and sharing "road stories" but, most of all, it was a real bessing to take part in the jamboree.
This week, we will be participating in an outreach event at the Northmount Baptist Church in Calgary. Certainly, not so far to drive, but another opportunity to share the old story in song and poem. As many of you know, we look forward to these opportunities to minister as we continue to wait upon the Lord.
Please continue to pray for us as we seek the Lord's direction for our ministry.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Thursday, May 1, 2008
GOLDEN NOTE AWARD
Howdy folks!
Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather, when they announced the winner of this year’s Golden Note Award at the Cowboy Poetry Gathering in St. Anthony, Idaho. It took me a minute to realize that it was my name they were calling.
Most of you are probably not aware of the significance of the award in the cowboy music field. The Cowboy Poets of Idaho Inc., is the largest and, perhaps, the oldest cowboy poetry association in the USA. With nearly 200 members in the Western US and Canada, it encompases the cream of the crop in cowboy singers and poets. The award is a genuine recognition by the members of the Association, who vote the award winner from among the active membership. As the only Canadian to have ever won this award, in the 22 year existence of the Association, I feel very honoured by the support I’ve received from my peers for my traditional cowboy songs.
Suzann and I have gotten bcek into the swing of our cowboy gospel ministry. Our first service at the Blackfoot Southern Baptist Church in Blackfoot, Idaho, was well attended for a Sunday evening service. Since I was introducing our 2008 program, it was good to be at a familiar church. This was the first church we ever presented a cowboy gospel service, when we brought Songs of Faith Ministries to the US. Over the years, these folks have continued to support us with their prayers as we traveled the highways with the gospel.
Our last two services in Idaho, before heading home to Cochrane, where in Malad and McCammon. The Victory Baptist Church in Malad is a small congregation but, doing a mighty work for the Lord in that area. They are in the midst of a building program and we are looking forward to be back with them, when their new church is completed. The McCammon Cowboy Church draws ranchers and farmers from the surrounding area. It was exciting to see the young couples with children attending this church. Pastor Jack Harwell, “Dr.” Jack, serves both churches and we enjoyed our fellowship with him.
This was a short trip, but it’s sure exciting to see the Lord’s hand in our ministry. Please continue to pray for us as we travel. As always, we would appreciate your prayerful support for our Fall ministry tour.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather, when they announced the winner of this year’s Golden Note Award at the Cowboy Poetry Gathering in St. Anthony, Idaho. It took me a minute to realize that it was my name they were calling.
Most of you are probably not aware of the significance of the award in the cowboy music field. The Cowboy Poets of Idaho Inc., is the largest and, perhaps, the oldest cowboy poetry association in the USA. With nearly 200 members in the Western US and Canada, it encompases the cream of the crop in cowboy singers and poets. The award is a genuine recognition by the members of the Association, who vote the award winner from among the active membership. As the only Canadian to have ever won this award, in the 22 year existence of the Association, I feel very honoured by the support I’ve received from my peers for my traditional cowboy songs.
Suzann and I have gotten bcek into the swing of our cowboy gospel ministry. Our first service at the Blackfoot Southern Baptist Church in Blackfoot, Idaho, was well attended for a Sunday evening service. Since I was introducing our 2008 program, it was good to be at a familiar church. This was the first church we ever presented a cowboy gospel service, when we brought Songs of Faith Ministries to the US. Over the years, these folks have continued to support us with their prayers as we traveled the highways with the gospel.
Our last two services in Idaho, before heading home to Cochrane, where in Malad and McCammon. The Victory Baptist Church in Malad is a small congregation but, doing a mighty work for the Lord in that area. They are in the midst of a building program and we are looking forward to be back with them, when their new church is completed. The McCammon Cowboy Church draws ranchers and farmers from the surrounding area. It was exciting to see the young couples with children attending this church. Pastor Jack Harwell, “Dr.” Jack, serves both churches and we enjoyed our fellowship with him.
This was a short trip, but it’s sure exciting to see the Lord’s hand in our ministry. Please continue to pray for us as we travel. As always, we would appreciate your prayerful support for our Fall ministry tour.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Saturday, April 12, 2008
EXPERIENCING GOD WEEKEND
Howdy folks!
Earlier this month, Suzann and I participated in an experiencing God weekend at Cambrian Heights Baptist Church, Calgary. Folks from our church and Bow Valley Baptist Church in Cochrane, came together to reflect on how we respond to God's initiative in our lives. We also had the opportunity to have the facilitator, Don Gibson, from Dallas, Texas, stay with us. Not only were we blessed by his ministry but also, we had a great time of fellowhip while he visited in our home.
As many of you know, we are not going to tour very extensively this Spring. In fact, we will only be on the road for about two weeks. Our first stop will be the annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering in St. Anthony, Idaho. Following the Gathering, we will stay in Idaho and minister at the Blackfoot Southern Baptist Church in Blackfoot, the Victory Baptist Church in Malad City and, the McCammon Cowboy Church in McCammon. Because our time is limited, it is unlikely that we will be able to accept other invitations. We are flexible, however, and open to the Lord's leading should other opportunities arise.
Our tour plans for the Fall are still undecided. A number of invitations have been received but, there has been no clear direction from the Lord. We continue to pray and would appreciate your prayers also.
For those of you who have been wondering, the poetry book is at the printers and should be ready in May. In response to numerous requests, I have included my gospel poetry (including the Christmas poems). The title of the book is "Trail Dust of a Buckaroo." A notice will be sent out when it is available for sale.
Once again, continue to pray for us as we share the gospel the cowboy way.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Earlier this month, Suzann and I participated in an experiencing God weekend at Cambrian Heights Baptist Church, Calgary. Folks from our church and Bow Valley Baptist Church in Cochrane, came together to reflect on how we respond to God's initiative in our lives. We also had the opportunity to have the facilitator, Don Gibson, from Dallas, Texas, stay with us. Not only were we blessed by his ministry but also, we had a great time of fellowhip while he visited in our home.
As many of you know, we are not going to tour very extensively this Spring. In fact, we will only be on the road for about two weeks. Our first stop will be the annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering in St. Anthony, Idaho. Following the Gathering, we will stay in Idaho and minister at the Blackfoot Southern Baptist Church in Blackfoot, the Victory Baptist Church in Malad City and, the McCammon Cowboy Church in McCammon. Because our time is limited, it is unlikely that we will be able to accept other invitations. We are flexible, however, and open to the Lord's leading should other opportunities arise.
Our tour plans for the Fall are still undecided. A number of invitations have been received but, there has been no clear direction from the Lord. We continue to pray and would appreciate your prayers also.
For those of you who have been wondering, the poetry book is at the printers and should be ready in May. In response to numerous requests, I have included my gospel poetry (including the Christmas poems). The title of the book is "Trail Dust of a Buckaroo." A notice will be sent out when it is available for sale.
Once again, continue to pray for us as we share the gospel the cowboy way.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
SO THIS IS RETIREMENT
Howdy folks!
"How do you manage to keep busy, now that you're retired?" I don't know how many times I've been asked that question but, the answer is always the same. First, Songs of Faith Ministries requires a lot of time to schedule tours, plan programs and concerts, learn new songs and write gospel poems. Lately, I've been writing a book of cowboy poetry that I expect to publish in the summer. It's been a steep learning curve, as I wander through the minefield of the publishing business. Finally, there's our local church, Cambrian Heights Baptist Church, that keeps us grounded in the Word and prayerfully continues to support our Ministry. Somethimes, I think I should go back to work, just to get a rest!
For those of you who follow our travels, we'll be heading out to Idaho in April. In addition to ministering in several churches, including a new cowboy church in McCammon, we'll be participating in the annual St. Anthony Cowboy Poetry Gathering. I've been nominated for the 2008 Golden Note Award and, win or lose, I certainly appreciate this recognition by the members of the Cowboy Poets of Idaho.
Well, daylight saving time, Easter and the gophers came early this year. Suzann is getting eager to get on the road with the trailer. MacDuff is going to get his spring hair cut. As for me, I'm just trying to keep "all the balls in the air," as I juggle my life in retirement.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
"How do you manage to keep busy, now that you're retired?" I don't know how many times I've been asked that question but, the answer is always the same. First, Songs of Faith Ministries requires a lot of time to schedule tours, plan programs and concerts, learn new songs and write gospel poems. Lately, I've been writing a book of cowboy poetry that I expect to publish in the summer. It's been a steep learning curve, as I wander through the minefield of the publishing business. Finally, there's our local church, Cambrian Heights Baptist Church, that keeps us grounded in the Word and prayerfully continues to support our Ministry. Somethimes, I think I should go back to work, just to get a rest!
For those of you who follow our travels, we'll be heading out to Idaho in April. In addition to ministering in several churches, including a new cowboy church in McCammon, we'll be participating in the annual St. Anthony Cowboy Poetry Gathering. I've been nominated for the 2008 Golden Note Award and, win or lose, I certainly appreciate this recognition by the members of the Cowboy Poets of Idaho.
Well, daylight saving time, Easter and the gophers came early this year. Suzann is getting eager to get on the road with the trailer. MacDuff is going to get his spring hair cut. As for me, I'm just trying to keep "all the balls in the air," as I juggle my life in retirement.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Monday, March 17, 2008
ROAD TRIPS
Howdy folks!
Another weekend, another cowboy church service and another road trip. This past weekend, Suzann and I drove to Sherwood Park, Alberta (just outside of Edmonton) to The Cowboy Church. This is a very active cowboy church that meets every Friday night in a rented church facility. A near capacity crowd came out on a snowy evening to worship and praise the Lord in the cowboy way. The air rang with gospel songs, cowboy poetry and an old-fashioned, no frills gospel message. For the first time in our travels, I got a request to do one of my cowboy poems. Folks seem to respond to the message and, I'm always happy to respond to a request.
As I sit in the office on Monday morning, I've been pondering these weekend road trips and, our upcoming ministry trip to Idaho in April. Over the past year, I've been noticing that groups have been steadily coming of the road. For the most part, the reason given is the increasing cost of fuel for their vehicles. Some groups have even started to charge churches mileage in order to cover their travel expenses. Larger churches may have the financial resources to pay these expenses but, many of the small churches that Songs of Faith visits, would be hard pressed to come up with the necessary funds.
Well, increasing fuel prices are a reality for every traveling ministry and, ours is no exception. To date, the Lord has provided the means to keep us on the road and, until He tells us different we'll keep on traveling. Please pray for us as we travel, as well as for the other ministries that are on the road carrying and sharing the Gospel.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Another weekend, another cowboy church service and another road trip. This past weekend, Suzann and I drove to Sherwood Park, Alberta (just outside of Edmonton) to The Cowboy Church. This is a very active cowboy church that meets every Friday night in a rented church facility. A near capacity crowd came out on a snowy evening to worship and praise the Lord in the cowboy way. The air rang with gospel songs, cowboy poetry and an old-fashioned, no frills gospel message. For the first time in our travels, I got a request to do one of my cowboy poems. Folks seem to respond to the message and, I'm always happy to respond to a request.
As I sit in the office on Monday morning, I've been pondering these weekend road trips and, our upcoming ministry trip to Idaho in April. Over the past year, I've been noticing that groups have been steadily coming of the road. For the most part, the reason given is the increasing cost of fuel for their vehicles. Some groups have even started to charge churches mileage in order to cover their travel expenses. Larger churches may have the financial resources to pay these expenses but, many of the small churches that Songs of Faith visits, would be hard pressed to come up with the necessary funds.
Well, increasing fuel prices are a reality for every traveling ministry and, ours is no exception. To date, the Lord has provided the means to keep us on the road and, until He tells us different we'll keep on traveling. Please pray for us as we travel, as well as for the other ministries that are on the road carrying and sharing the Gospel.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Just Too Old Fashioned
Howdy Folks!
As most of you know, Songs of Faith Ministries has never made a pretense about our old fashioned presentation of the gospel. In all our promotional material and in our correspondence with pastors, we make it crystal clear that our program consists of a blend of traditional hymns and gospel songs, down-home singing, rhymes from the range and personal testimony. Over the past several years, feedback from pastors about Songs of Faith, after we have ministered to the folks in their congregations, has been enthusiastic and positive.
Imagine my surprise when I received a response from a pastor telling me that his was not a traditional church and the congregation would not be interested in our presentation. Reading between the lines, however, I suspect he was saying that we were just too old fashioned for the folks in his church. Well, if telling folks about the Saviour's love has become out of fashion, then I'll stay old fashioned. It reminds me of a couplet from one of my cowboy gospel poems: "The old fashioned gospel is in fashion yet today/And the only way to heaven is the old fashioned way."
Fortunately, there are still pastors who preach the Gospel and, congregations who still want to hear it. So, we still have work to do - the old fashioned way! Continue to pray for us as we seek the Lord's leading for 2008.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Songs of Faith Ministries
As most of you know, Songs of Faith Ministries has never made a pretense about our old fashioned presentation of the gospel. In all our promotional material and in our correspondence with pastors, we make it crystal clear that our program consists of a blend of traditional hymns and gospel songs, down-home singing, rhymes from the range and personal testimony. Over the past several years, feedback from pastors about Songs of Faith, after we have ministered to the folks in their congregations, has been enthusiastic and positive.
Imagine my surprise when I received a response from a pastor telling me that his was not a traditional church and the congregation would not be interested in our presentation. Reading between the lines, however, I suspect he was saying that we were just too old fashioned for the folks in his church. Well, if telling folks about the Saviour's love has become out of fashion, then I'll stay old fashioned. It reminds me of a couplet from one of my cowboy gospel poems: "The old fashioned gospel is in fashion yet today/And the only way to heaven is the old fashioned way."
Fortunately, there are still pastors who preach the Gospel and, congregations who still want to hear it. So, we still have work to do - the old fashioned way! Continue to pray for us as we seek the Lord's leading for 2008.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Songs of Faith Ministries
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
NO TIME FOR REST
Howdy Folks!
It's been a week since we completed the Experiencing God course. Now, we're heavily involved in organizing the Experiencing God Weekend Event at our home church, Cambrian Heights Baptist Church, Calgary. Plans are shaping up and registration for the event is in progress.
Last Sunday, February 24th, Tom King the pastor of the Clearwater Cowboy Church made a presentation of his cowboy poetry at our morning worship service. I led the music, backed up by the Sagebrush Orchestra (some talented musicians from our church). It was a grand time of worshipping and praising the Lord cowboy style. Folks said the service reminded them of an old-fashioned tent meeting. Tom has MS and is raising funds to pay for an experimental drug, that has shown some promise in treating the disease. Needless to say, the folks at Cambrian Heights were very generous in their financial support for Tom.
Between our expanding church activities, Songs of Faith concerts and organizing our next US tour, it's been a busy few months. We're still waiting on the Lord to open doors in Canada for our ministry. While the response from the churches has been very slow, we are confident that there is work for us to do in Canada, particularly, in the many small rural communities. Join us as we pray for the Lord's leading in this matter.
On the trail for Him,
Mike & Suzann Burns
Songs of Faith Ministries
It's been a week since we completed the Experiencing God course. Now, we're heavily involved in organizing the Experiencing God Weekend Event at our home church, Cambrian Heights Baptist Church, Calgary. Plans are shaping up and registration for the event is in progress.
Last Sunday, February 24th, Tom King the pastor of the Clearwater Cowboy Church made a presentation of his cowboy poetry at our morning worship service. I led the music, backed up by the Sagebrush Orchestra (some talented musicians from our church). It was a grand time of worshipping and praising the Lord cowboy style. Folks said the service reminded them of an old-fashioned tent meeting. Tom has MS and is raising funds to pay for an experimental drug, that has shown some promise in treating the disease. Needless to say, the folks at Cambrian Heights were very generous in their financial support for Tom.
Between our expanding church activities, Songs of Faith concerts and organizing our next US tour, it's been a busy few months. We're still waiting on the Lord to open doors in Canada for our ministry. While the response from the churches has been very slow, we are confident that there is work for us to do in Canada, particularly, in the many small rural communities. Join us as we pray for the Lord's leading in this matter.
On the trail for Him,
Mike & Suzann Burns
Songs of Faith Ministries
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
ABOUT OLD HYMNS
Howdy folks!
In this day of new praise and worship music and video projectors, the old hymns are becoming an endangered species. But as we sing these new songs to the Lord, let's not forget the old ones. It's the sturdy old hymns of the faith that strengthen and steady us when we're weary and worn. They're the ones we sing when we face adversity and uncertainty or, when rising troubled in the night. Because many of these hymns are chock full of theology, they fill our souls with the timeless truthfulness and accuracy of the Scriptures. They enable us to pray and give us a pulpit for preaching to others. As we join our voices to sing these hymns composed by believers from every era and branch of Christendom, we connect with generations now gone in a united anthem of praise to the Lord.
Well, in the last week, we've had an opportunity to sing many of the old hymns and gospel songs. Since the Hymn Jams had outgrown our house, we moved to our local church. About thirty folks gathered in the Fellowship Hall of Cambrian Heights Baptist Church in Calgary, Alberta, last Friday night (Feb. 15th), to sing and fellowship in the old-fashioned way. Stories were told about favourite hymn and, as we sang. memories brought on a few tears. Amid the laughter and tears, we had a great time praising the Lord.
Then, on Sunday (Feb. 17), Suzann and I travelled to Evansburg, Alberta, for a cowboy gospel concert. A near capacity crowd of town folks, local ranchers and farmers and, even some cowboys, joined us at the Evansburg Baptist Church for a time of down-home singing, rhymes from the range and a no-frills gospel message. What a time we had in the Lord as we sang, the old hymns, laughed and remembered. Again, there were a lot of smiles and even a few tears, as folks joined in and sang the night away.
We look forward to each of these opportunities. No church is too small or isolated. Every door that opens is another chance to encourage God's people and win the lost to Christ.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
Songs of Faith Ministries
In this day of new praise and worship music and video projectors, the old hymns are becoming an endangered species. But as we sing these new songs to the Lord, let's not forget the old ones. It's the sturdy old hymns of the faith that strengthen and steady us when we're weary and worn. They're the ones we sing when we face adversity and uncertainty or, when rising troubled in the night. Because many of these hymns are chock full of theology, they fill our souls with the timeless truthfulness and accuracy of the Scriptures. They enable us to pray and give us a pulpit for preaching to others. As we join our voices to sing these hymns composed by believers from every era and branch of Christendom, we connect with generations now gone in a united anthem of praise to the Lord.
Well, in the last week, we've had an opportunity to sing many of the old hymns and gospel songs. Since the Hymn Jams had outgrown our house, we moved to our local church. About thirty folks gathered in the Fellowship Hall of Cambrian Heights Baptist Church in Calgary, Alberta, last Friday night (Feb. 15th), to sing and fellowship in the old-fashioned way. Stories were told about favourite hymn and, as we sang. memories brought on a few tears. Amid the laughter and tears, we had a great time praising the Lord.
Then, on Sunday (Feb. 17), Suzann and I travelled to Evansburg, Alberta, for a cowboy gospel concert. A near capacity crowd of town folks, local ranchers and farmers and, even some cowboys, joined us at the Evansburg Baptist Church for a time of down-home singing, rhymes from the range and a no-frills gospel message. What a time we had in the Lord as we sang, the old hymns, laughed and remembered. Again, there were a lot of smiles and even a few tears, as folks joined in and sang the night away.
We look forward to each of these opportunities. No church is too small or isolated. Every door that opens is another chance to encourage God's people and win the lost to Christ.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
Songs of Faith Ministries
Thursday, January 31, 2008
WINTERING IN!
Howdy folks!
It's been a long time since I provided folks with an update of our activities. For the most part, we are sticking close to home. If you've been following the weather in Alberta, you know it's been bitterly cold and hiway travel is not recommended. Nevertheless, we set out for the Cowboy Church in St. Albert, Alberta, last Saturday (January 26th). Since we couldn't make the trip in November as planned, this was our first visit to the Church. Over 90 people showed up for the service that night and we had a blessed time of fellowship singing the old hymns and gospel songs, enjoying cowboy poetry and eating. The later seems to be a regular feature of Cowboy Churches on both sides of the border. It turns out that this was the official launch of the their Cowboy Church and, from the show of support, it is off and running.
On Sunday morning we presented some special music and cowboy poetry at Grace Family Church in St. Albert. Attendance was down because of more nasty weather. That didn't stop the folks from singing along and enjoying the cowboy poetry. I was able to introduce my new cowboy poem to a very receptive audience. Our trip home took 2 days, as we got weathered-in when we reached Wetaskiwan, Alberta. By Tuesday, however, the roads were bare and we made it back to Cochrane without incident.
Now, we are looking forward to having several weeks at home before hitting the road again. Evansburg Baptist Church, Evansburg, Alberta, has invited us to present a cowboy gospel concert on Sunday evening February 17th. Hopefully, the weather and the roads will be better for travel. In the meantime, we'll keep busy at our home church, Cambrian Heights Baptist Church, where we now serve as a deacon family.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Songs of Faith Ministries
It's been a long time since I provided folks with an update of our activities. For the most part, we are sticking close to home. If you've been following the weather in Alberta, you know it's been bitterly cold and hiway travel is not recommended. Nevertheless, we set out for the Cowboy Church in St. Albert, Alberta, last Saturday (January 26th). Since we couldn't make the trip in November as planned, this was our first visit to the Church. Over 90 people showed up for the service that night and we had a blessed time of fellowship singing the old hymns and gospel songs, enjoying cowboy poetry and eating. The later seems to be a regular feature of Cowboy Churches on both sides of the border. It turns out that this was the official launch of the their Cowboy Church and, from the show of support, it is off and running.
On Sunday morning we presented some special music and cowboy poetry at Grace Family Church in St. Albert. Attendance was down because of more nasty weather. That didn't stop the folks from singing along and enjoying the cowboy poetry. I was able to introduce my new cowboy poem to a very receptive audience. Our trip home took 2 days, as we got weathered-in when we reached Wetaskiwan, Alberta. By Tuesday, however, the roads were bare and we made it back to Cochrane without incident.
Now, we are looking forward to having several weeks at home before hitting the road again. Evansburg Baptist Church, Evansburg, Alberta, has invited us to present a cowboy gospel concert on Sunday evening February 17th. Hopefully, the weather and the roads will be better for travel. In the meantime, we'll keep busy at our home church, Cambrian Heights Baptist Church, where we now serve as a deacon family.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Songs of Faith Ministries
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