With the completion of the meetings in Coldwater, our sojourn in Ontario has come to an end. As we head back down the trail to Alberta, we will have plenty of time to reflect on the events of the past several weeks. Our meetings in Coldwater brought us into contact with folks who have been praying for a Baptist church to be established in their community. For the first time, we had children attend our meetings and they were a great delight. Again, although numbers were not large, the results were positive. It was evident that the Lord’s hand was upon our efforts in this community.
Our Bible teacher, Kevin Peacock, returned to Cochrane, Alberta, Friday morning and we are planning on spending a few days in the area to rest. We also plan on having a debriefing session with Pat and Nadine Armstrong before we part company for the summer. Please keep them in your prayers as they undertake the organization of follow up Bible studies with the folks we met over the past few weeks.
This has been an intense ministry tour for us and, although our bodies are tired our spirits have been strengthened by the work. We have done our best and now it is up to the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of those with whom we came in contact. While we are looking forward to getting home, our heartfelt prayer is that the Lord will continue His work in this area.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Songs of Faith Ministries
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
PENETANGUISHENE
Howdy Folks!
Our time in Penetanguishene was profitable to the extent that we made our presence known in the community. Folks did not come to the meetings, except for the last night. A woman, who attends the Alliance church in Midland, came on the last night. I was able to sing at the retirement residence to about half of their residents. There’s a good possibility for a small group Bible study in the future.
We also were able to talk to some of the locals about the town and surrounding communities. Potentially, the area is ripe for Bible studies and small group ministries. While we were not able to attract folks to our meetings, we the time spent in Penetanguishene was worthwhile. It is a logical community to focus on along with Midland and Coldwater. Opportunities are plentiful and the need is great.
As we leave Penetanguishene, we travel down the road to Coldwater. Again we set up in the community centre parking lot. We’re thankful that we brought along a generator. At least we have electricity to run the toaster. A water and sewer hookup would be nice but we can get along with out them.
After a year of planning and praying, it’s come down to our last three meetings. Team members are tired but haven’t lost their enthusiasm for the work. We are looking forward to the last three meetings in Coldwater and then heading back to Alberta.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Our time in Penetanguishene was profitable to the extent that we made our presence known in the community. Folks did not come to the meetings, except for the last night. A woman, who attends the Alliance church in Midland, came on the last night. I was able to sing at the retirement residence to about half of their residents. There’s a good possibility for a small group Bible study in the future.
We also were able to talk to some of the locals about the town and surrounding communities. Potentially, the area is ripe for Bible studies and small group ministries. While we were not able to attract folks to our meetings, we the time spent in Penetanguishene was worthwhile. It is a logical community to focus on along with Midland and Coldwater. Opportunities are plentiful and the need is great.
As we leave Penetanguishene, we travel down the road to Coldwater. Again we set up in the community centre parking lot. We’re thankful that we brought along a generator. At least we have electricity to run the toaster. A water and sewer hookup would be nice but we can get along with out them.
After a year of planning and praying, it’s come down to our last three meetings. Team members are tired but haven’t lost their enthusiasm for the work. We are looking forward to the last three meetings in Coldwater and then heading back to Alberta.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Monday, May 25, 2009
MIDLAND MEETINGS
Howdy Folks!
Another series of meetings in yet another Ontario community. Kevin Peacock joined us in Midland and brought the team up to full strength again. Gary Smith remained in Winnipeg and has organized follow-up meetings in Kenora. We are looking forward to the results of his activities over the next several weeks.
We had our highest attendance in Midland. Twelve local folks attended the second night. They represented three or four denominations, yet expressed interest in having an organized Bible study in their community. Thus far, we seem to be attracting churched people, who are looking for more exposure to the Bible. The Lord has a definite purpose for our presence in this area. Each night brings a confirmation of the need that is not being met by many of the local churches
At the halfway point of this tour, we are tired but steadfast in our conviction that we are where the Lord wants us to be. We are looking forward to the next series of meetings in Penetanguishene and Coldwater, before heading home to Alberta. I’ve managed to pick up a gig at the local senior citizen residence in Penetanguishine Hopefully, I will be able to use this opportunity to publicize our meetings in the area.
Throughout these last several weeks, we have had some great experiences as we ministered the Word. We’ve seen a lot of country and met a lot of people. All this would not be possible without your faithful prayers.
On the trail for Him
Mike and Suzann Burns
Another series of meetings in yet another Ontario community. Kevin Peacock joined us in Midland and brought the team up to full strength again. Gary Smith remained in Winnipeg and has organized follow-up meetings in Kenora. We are looking forward to the results of his activities over the next several weeks.
We had our highest attendance in Midland. Twelve local folks attended the second night. They represented three or four denominations, yet expressed interest in having an organized Bible study in their community. Thus far, we seem to be attracting churched people, who are looking for more exposure to the Bible. The Lord has a definite purpose for our presence in this area. Each night brings a confirmation of the need that is not being met by many of the local churches
At the halfway point of this tour, we are tired but steadfast in our conviction that we are where the Lord wants us to be. We are looking forward to the next series of meetings in Penetanguishene and Coldwater, before heading home to Alberta. I’ve managed to pick up a gig at the local senior citizen residence in Penetanguishine Hopefully, I will be able to use this opportunity to publicize our meetings in the area.
Throughout these last several weeks, we have had some great experiences as we ministered the Word. We’ve seen a lot of country and met a lot of people. All this would not be possible without your faithful prayers.
On the trail for Him
Mike and Suzann Burns
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
NORTHERN ONTARIO
Howdy Folks!
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been on the road for over two weeks. During that time, we have traveled over 3,000 km and held six services. Attendance numbers were not large, but the response has been genuine and enthusiastic.
After the meetings in Kenora, we headed the caravan east again. Our next stop would be Azilda, Ontario, a small community on the outskirts of Sudbury. We arrived late Saturday afternoon and, after meeting with the pastor, set up the sound eauipment. Azilda Baptist Chapel is an old school house with some limitations but, as the pastor said: “It’s paid for.”
In spite of the holiday long weekend, the church was nearly full on Sunday morning. Our posters had been put up in the town and drew a few folks to the service. Being an older congregation, there was no problem with the old hymns and gospel songs. With a little explanation, even the cowboy poetry was well received.
After the service, we packed up again and headed to the Muskoka region for our next series of meetings. We parked in a provincial park and spent some time reorganizing and cleaning up the trailer. The weather is starting to warm up and we are settling into trailer living. For the next few days, we will be putting up posters for our meetings in Penetaguishine and Coldwater. These communities are not very far a part and, hopefully, we will be able to draw folks to our meetings over the next two weeks.
Keep up the prayers as we minister in this area.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been on the road for over two weeks. During that time, we have traveled over 3,000 km and held six services. Attendance numbers were not large, but the response has been genuine and enthusiastic.
After the meetings in Kenora, we headed the caravan east again. Our next stop would be Azilda, Ontario, a small community on the outskirts of Sudbury. We arrived late Saturday afternoon and, after meeting with the pastor, set up the sound eauipment. Azilda Baptist Chapel is an old school house with some limitations but, as the pastor said: “It’s paid for.”
In spite of the holiday long weekend, the church was nearly full on Sunday morning. Our posters had been put up in the town and drew a few folks to the service. Being an older congregation, there was no problem with the old hymns and gospel songs. With a little explanation, even the cowboy poetry was well received.
After the service, we packed up again and headed to the Muskoka region for our next series of meetings. We parked in a provincial park and spent some time reorganizing and cleaning up the trailer. The weather is starting to warm up and we are settling into trailer living. For the next few days, we will be putting up posters for our meetings in Penetaguishine and Coldwater. These communities are not very far a part and, hopefully, we will be able to draw folks to our meetings over the next two weeks.
Keep up the prayers as we minister in this area.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Friday, May 15, 2009
THE KEEWATIN CONNECTION
Howdy folks;
We arrived in Kenora early Saturday afternoon (May 9th) and parked the trailers behind the Keewatin Arena. They told us we could set up the sound system on Sunday afternoon. This gave us a chance to inspect the community of Keewatin and take a drive into Kenora. The city sure has changed since we were here ten years ago. The paper mill has shut down and unemployment is high in the area. In the short time we are here, it will be hard to get an accurate picture of the economic situation. It is clear, however, the tourism is the major employer for most folks.
The attendance at our first service was small but we managed to add a few people each night. Gary Smith’s messages were right on the mark and folks said they enjoyed the old hymns and gospel songs, as well as the cowboy poetry. Sometimes a little explanation was needed so that they understood the cowboy terms but, all in all, the message in the poems got through.
There was some interest in having Bible studies and, at least, one couple indicated that they would serve as a contact for an eventual church plant. In as much as Keewatin could be serviced from Winnipeg, this is a very positive outcome for our ministry over the past three days.
The next leg of our trip will require long days on the road, as we must reach Azilda, Ontario, by Saturday. Our route will take us along Lake Superior and will be a very scenic drive. Again, it has been many years since I’ve driven this highway and I’m looking forward to the experience.
We certainly appreciate all your prayers on our behalf. Every day is a new adventure and we experience God’s leading and His blessing.
On the trail for Him
Mike and Suzann Burns
We arrived in Kenora early Saturday afternoon (May 9th) and parked the trailers behind the Keewatin Arena. They told us we could set up the sound system on Sunday afternoon. This gave us a chance to inspect the community of Keewatin and take a drive into Kenora. The city sure has changed since we were here ten years ago. The paper mill has shut down and unemployment is high in the area. In the short time we are here, it will be hard to get an accurate picture of the economic situation. It is clear, however, the tourism is the major employer for most folks.
The attendance at our first service was small but we managed to add a few people each night. Gary Smith’s messages were right on the mark and folks said they enjoyed the old hymns and gospel songs, as well as the cowboy poetry. Sometimes a little explanation was needed so that they understood the cowboy terms but, all in all, the message in the poems got through.
There was some interest in having Bible studies and, at least, one couple indicated that they would serve as a contact for an eventual church plant. In as much as Keewatin could be serviced from Winnipeg, this is a very positive outcome for our ministry over the past three days.
The next leg of our trip will require long days on the road, as we must reach Azilda, Ontario, by Saturday. Our route will take us along Lake Superior and will be a very scenic drive. Again, it has been many years since I’ve driven this highway and I’m looking forward to the experience.
We certainly appreciate all your prayers on our behalf. Every day is a new adventure and we experience God’s leading and His blessing.
On the trail for Him
Mike and Suzann Burns
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
SADDLED UP AND READY TO RIDE
Howdy Folks
It’s hard to believe, but the tour has begun. We left Cochrane on Friday morning and arrived in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan later that evening. After getting set up at the back of the church, we met with Pastor Bob Butt and his wife Laura. Both are graduates of the Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane. We had a good time sharing events that have happened and updating them on people they knew. It didn’t take us long to shut it down for the night and get some sleep.
On Saturday, I was able to get the sound system set up and tested for the Sunday services. Calvary Baptist Church is an older building and I had a little trouble finding power sources for the equipment. Pastor Bob explained the “secret” to getting the outlets to work and then I was able to get everything turned on. Pat and Nadine Armstrong arrived in the afternoon and I helped them set up. Now that the team is together, it seems like we’re actually making progress.
The attendance at the Sunday morning worship service was lower than usual as quite a few the regulars were traveling. The pastor encouraged the folks to invite others out to the evening concert. They did and the evening attendance was much greater than they had expected and included a number of visitors. For the most part, Calvary Baptist is a traditional church and, needless to say, they enjoyed the old hymns, gospel songs and cowboy poetry. After the concert there was a time of fellowship and most of the people stayed and visited.
We left Moose Jaw on Monday morning after having breakfast with the pastor and a few of the congregation. The trip across Saskatchewan was uneventful, except for the wind which made us use a lot gas pulling the trailers. Hamiota is a small prairie town and we will be parked in the campgrounds for a few days before heading to Kenora, Ontario. Pat’s mother and sister live in Hamiota and he is taking the opportunity to visit them. Since this is our first major stop since leaving Cochrane, it will give us an opportunity to do some maintenance on the trailer. After being stored for the winter, there are some screws to be tightened, hoses to be checked, etc., etc.
Keep praying for us as we start the church planting meetings in Kenora. We have no idea what the Lord has in mind, but we are confident that He is leading and the results will be according to His will.
On the trail for Him
Mike and Suzann
It’s hard to believe, but the tour has begun. We left Cochrane on Friday morning and arrived in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan later that evening. After getting set up at the back of the church, we met with Pastor Bob Butt and his wife Laura. Both are graduates of the Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane. We had a good time sharing events that have happened and updating them on people they knew. It didn’t take us long to shut it down for the night and get some sleep.
On Saturday, I was able to get the sound system set up and tested for the Sunday services. Calvary Baptist Church is an older building and I had a little trouble finding power sources for the equipment. Pastor Bob explained the “secret” to getting the outlets to work and then I was able to get everything turned on. Pat and Nadine Armstrong arrived in the afternoon and I helped them set up. Now that the team is together, it seems like we’re actually making progress.
The attendance at the Sunday morning worship service was lower than usual as quite a few the regulars were traveling. The pastor encouraged the folks to invite others out to the evening concert. They did and the evening attendance was much greater than they had expected and included a number of visitors. For the most part, Calvary Baptist is a traditional church and, needless to say, they enjoyed the old hymns, gospel songs and cowboy poetry. After the concert there was a time of fellowship and most of the people stayed and visited.
We left Moose Jaw on Monday morning after having breakfast with the pastor and a few of the congregation. The trip across Saskatchewan was uneventful, except for the wind which made us use a lot gas pulling the trailers. Hamiota is a small prairie town and we will be parked in the campgrounds for a few days before heading to Kenora, Ontario. Pat’s mother and sister live in Hamiota and he is taking the opportunity to visit them. Since this is our first major stop since leaving Cochrane, it will give us an opportunity to do some maintenance on the trailer. After being stored for the winter, there are some screws to be tightened, hoses to be checked, etc., etc.
Keep praying for us as we start the church planting meetings in Kenora. We have no idea what the Lord has in mind, but we are confident that He is leading and the results will be according to His will.
On the trail for Him
Mike and Suzann
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