Howdy folks,
The trip from Cody to the Canadian border took two days. We fought a crosswind most of the way, which slowed us down. After few days in Regina visiting with friends, we drove to Moose Jaw for the services at Calvary Baptist Church. Pastor Butt had arranged the service so that we had time to present some special music and a cowboy poem. Folks in the church remembered us from our visit with Pat and Nadine Armstrong last spring. We enjoyed their fellowship and appreciated the opportunity to minister.
We arrived home late Monday night tired but thankful for the many blessings we received during the past six weeks. During the tour we conducted nine church services in addition to performing for two days at the Cowboy Entertainer Gathering in Townsend, MT. Our journey covered two states (Montana and Wyoming) and we drove 4,231 km (2,629 miles).
Since arriving back in Cochrane, we have unpacked the trailer and repaired the hail damage. For the next few weeks we will assess our tour and prayerfully consider where the Lord would have us go in the Fall. There are many small churches in Montana and Wyoming where our ministry would be well received.
While we will certainly enjoy our time at home, we will continue to seek the Lord’s will for our Fall tour. Your prayers on our behalf will be important to the success of our ministry.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
SMALL BUT FAITHFUL
Howdy Folks!
It doesn’t seem possible, but we have come to the end of this tour. New Hope Southern Baptist Church in Cody, WY was our last stop before we start our homeward journey. Pastor Larry and folks at New Hope gave us a warm welcome and let us set up the trailer in their parking lot. The church is located in a quiet residential area and we were quite comfortable.
To say that the church is small would be an understatement. It is a remodeled house with a small addition built to accommodate a Sunday school class. The sanctuary is only about 600 sq. ft and they can squeeze about 30 people inside. In the past several years, they have had few special events and the congregation has dwindled to only 12 members. Hopefully, we have been able to be a source of encouragement to these faithful few. They did their best to invite others to the service and we even got a write-up in the Cody Enterprise the newspaper founded by Buffalo Bill in 1899.
During our stay in Cody we learned that there is an active campground ministry in the RV parks and campgrounds. Cowboy church services are held during the summer. At present, however, there is only one couple doing these services and they are praying for 10 more people to come and help them with this ministry. We promised to keep in touch and pray about the possibility of being involved in this ministry next summer.
On Tuesday, July 13th we start our homeward journey. Although we are looking forward to getting back to Cochrane we are saddened to leave the work here in Montana and Wyoming. Because of the positive responses of the churches and the many invitations to return, however, we know we will be back again. Over the years, each tour has brought new insights and challenges, but never any doubts about why we need to stay on the trail sharing the Gospel message wherever He leads.
On the trail for Him,
Mike & Suzann
It doesn’t seem possible, but we have come to the end of this tour. New Hope Southern Baptist Church in Cody, WY was our last stop before we start our homeward journey. Pastor Larry and folks at New Hope gave us a warm welcome and let us set up the trailer in their parking lot. The church is located in a quiet residential area and we were quite comfortable.
To say that the church is small would be an understatement. It is a remodeled house with a small addition built to accommodate a Sunday school class. The sanctuary is only about 600 sq. ft and they can squeeze about 30 people inside. In the past several years, they have had few special events and the congregation has dwindled to only 12 members. Hopefully, we have been able to be a source of encouragement to these faithful few. They did their best to invite others to the service and we even got a write-up in the Cody Enterprise the newspaper founded by Buffalo Bill in 1899.
During our stay in Cody we learned that there is an active campground ministry in the RV parks and campgrounds. Cowboy church services are held during the summer. At present, however, there is only one couple doing these services and they are praying for 10 more people to come and help them with this ministry. We promised to keep in touch and pray about the possibility of being involved in this ministry next summer.
On Tuesday, July 13th we start our homeward journey. Although we are looking forward to getting back to Cochrane we are saddened to leave the work here in Montana and Wyoming. Because of the positive responses of the churches and the many invitations to return, however, we know we will be back again. Over the years, each tour has brought new insights and challenges, but never any doubts about why we need to stay on the trail sharing the Gospel message wherever He leads.
On the trail for Him,
Mike & Suzann
Monday, July 5, 2010
TEN SLEEP COWBOY CHURCH
Howdy Folks
Wow! What a week this has been in Ten Sleep, Wyoming. Daily temperatures reached 105 F, we joined in their July 4th celebrations, went to a rodeo and held cowboy church on the rodeo grounds. We were surrounded by the rodeo stock and, during the service they ran wild horses into the arena. What a setting for a cowboy church! Cowboy hats, jeans, boots, and spurs were the attire for the day. This is cowboy country and we felt the cowboy church was a real highlight of our tour.
The Ten Sleep Southern Baptist Church has only about 30 members. They draw from the ranches in the area, as well as the town (population 305). The church has been without a pastor for quite a while but now has an interim pastor. There are also several competent and active deacons that serve the church. We were invited back next year and, if we are in the area, this will sure be a stop on our tour.
We leave for Cody on Tuesday, July 6th, for our last service in Wyoming. I have been given some names and contact information for event organizers in the Cody area (including cowboy churches). Hopefully, I will be able to contact these people and book some engagements for 2011. It seems that doors continue to open to our ministry in the U.S. as we continue to reach out to the churches in the rural areas and smaller communities.
Please pray for us as we start the long journey back to Cochrane. After nearly six weeks on the road, we are getting tired and are looking forward to getting home to rest. While this has been one of our better-organized tours, the number of performances and services has kept us very busy. Remember it’s your prayers that keep us on the trail.
On the trail for Him,
Mike & Suzann
Wow! What a week this has been in Ten Sleep, Wyoming. Daily temperatures reached 105 F, we joined in their July 4th celebrations, went to a rodeo and held cowboy church on the rodeo grounds. We were surrounded by the rodeo stock and, during the service they ran wild horses into the arena. What a setting for a cowboy church! Cowboy hats, jeans, boots, and spurs were the attire for the day. This is cowboy country and we felt the cowboy church was a real highlight of our tour.
The Ten Sleep Southern Baptist Church has only about 30 members. They draw from the ranches in the area, as well as the town (population 305). The church has been without a pastor for quite a while but now has an interim pastor. There are also several competent and active deacons that serve the church. We were invited back next year and, if we are in the area, this will sure be a stop on our tour.
We leave for Cody on Tuesday, July 6th, for our last service in Wyoming. I have been given some names and contact information for event organizers in the Cody area (including cowboy churches). Hopefully, I will be able to contact these people and book some engagements for 2011. It seems that doors continue to open to our ministry in the U.S. as we continue to reach out to the churches in the rural areas and smaller communities.
Please pray for us as we start the long journey back to Cochrane. After nearly six weeks on the road, we are getting tired and are looking forward to getting home to rest. While this has been one of our better-organized tours, the number of performances and services has kept us very busy. Remember it’s your prayers that keep us on the trail.
On the trail for Him,
Mike & Suzann
Monday, June 28, 2010
SUNSHINE AT LAST
Howdy Folks!
This is the Wyoming we had expected. The temperature has climbed to the high 80’s and we’ve started to dry out.
Heart Mountain Cowboy Church in Powell was held in a barn and, for the very first time, there were horses in the stalls during the service. Four young adults and an older couple from Powell joined the regulars and we had a great service. I think the horses even enjoyed it. The pastor was quite happy and we are praying that this might be the jumpstart he needed to get the church off the ground.
We spent an extra day in Lovell and I was able to replace the skylight on the trailer. We are still waiting for the roof vent, but I have managed to tape over the holes and it doesn’t leak. After a short drive we arrived in Greybull, WY, and set up our trailer behind the church. Grace Southern Baptist Church was founded in 1954 but is still a small flock congregation. They have been without a pastor since September 2009, and were in the process of calling a new pastor. I was asked to take both the morning and evening service, which I was happy to do. The morning service was quite well attended and folks enjoyed the Gospel music and cowboy poetry. Visitors from several other churches in Greybull came out for the evening service and we had a good time sharing the Gospel and enjoying their fellowship.
We’ll spend a couple of days in Greybull before moving on down the trail to Ten Sleep. After four weeks on the road, there’s a pile of laundry to be washed and general maintenance of the trailer to be done. The church has provided us with access to their mission house, and we’ll take advantage of their generosity.
Our time in Greybull has been uplifting. The genuine acceptance of our ministry has encouraged us to continue the work the Lord has given us to do. As we look back on the last four weeks, we are overwhelmed by the reception we have received from the Southern Baptist churches in Montana and Wyoming. Although we experienced some hail damage to the truck and trailer, the Lord has remained faithful and we are looking forward to what ever He has in store for us as we continue our tour.
On the trail for Him,
Mike & Suzann
This is the Wyoming we had expected. The temperature has climbed to the high 80’s and we’ve started to dry out.
Heart Mountain Cowboy Church in Powell was held in a barn and, for the very first time, there were horses in the stalls during the service. Four young adults and an older couple from Powell joined the regulars and we had a great service. I think the horses even enjoyed it. The pastor was quite happy and we are praying that this might be the jumpstart he needed to get the church off the ground.
We spent an extra day in Lovell and I was able to replace the skylight on the trailer. We are still waiting for the roof vent, but I have managed to tape over the holes and it doesn’t leak. After a short drive we arrived in Greybull, WY, and set up our trailer behind the church. Grace Southern Baptist Church was founded in 1954 but is still a small flock congregation. They have been without a pastor since September 2009, and were in the process of calling a new pastor. I was asked to take both the morning and evening service, which I was happy to do. The morning service was quite well attended and folks enjoyed the Gospel music and cowboy poetry. Visitors from several other churches in Greybull came out for the evening service and we had a good time sharing the Gospel and enjoying their fellowship.
We’ll spend a couple of days in Greybull before moving on down the trail to Ten Sleep. After four weeks on the road, there’s a pile of laundry to be washed and general maintenance of the trailer to be done. The church has provided us with access to their mission house, and we’ll take advantage of their generosity.
Our time in Greybull has been uplifting. The genuine acceptance of our ministry has encouraged us to continue the work the Lord has given us to do. As we look back on the last four weeks, we are overwhelmed by the reception we have received from the Southern Baptist churches in Montana and Wyoming. Although we experienced some hail damage to the truck and trailer, the Lord has remained faithful and we are looking forward to what ever He has in store for us as we continue our tour.
On the trail for Him,
Mike & Suzann
Monday, June 21, 2010
SEVERE WEATHER
Howdy Folks!
What a week this has been! On the 16th of June a hailstorm rolled through Columbus, MT. Hail stones the size of golf balls took out the roof vents on the trailer, broke the mirrors and pitted the hood on the pickup. All in all it was a pretty wild night and we are thankful that the damage was not more extensive. Next, when we arrived in Lovell, WY, they had a heavy rainstorm the night before. Parking the trailer was a nightmare because of all the standing water and mud in the church parking lot. It seems we are traveling during a very active weather system. Please pray that the Lord keeps us safe as we continue our tour in Wyoming.
Now for some good news. We were able to set up our trailer and meet with the pastor, Mike McKnight, of Faith Southern Baptist Church in Lovell. This is an older church with a declining congregation. Pastor Mike has suffered eight heart attacks and is limited in his physical activity. Although there were no visitors at the service, we had a great time fellowshipping with the congregation, as well as the pastor and his wife. More and more we are finding that we can be a tremendous blessing and source of encouragement to these small congregations.
Pastor Mike has started a cowboy church in Powell, WY, which we will visit on Tuesday night. We are looking forward to worshiping with the ranchers, farmers, and, of course the cowboys in the area. After the cowboy church we travel to Grey Bull, WY. The church is without a pastor and we will be filling in for the morning worship service. Since this is also cowboy country, we are looking forward to meeting and worshiping with these folks.
Your prayers continue to be vital to our ministry, as we share our songs, poems, and testimony as the Lord leads and open doors. It’s comforting to know we have folks praying for us, especially during a hailstorm or tornado watch.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
What a week this has been! On the 16th of June a hailstorm rolled through Columbus, MT. Hail stones the size of golf balls took out the roof vents on the trailer, broke the mirrors and pitted the hood on the pickup. All in all it was a pretty wild night and we are thankful that the damage was not more extensive. Next, when we arrived in Lovell, WY, they had a heavy rainstorm the night before. Parking the trailer was a nightmare because of all the standing water and mud in the church parking lot. It seems we are traveling during a very active weather system. Please pray that the Lord keeps us safe as we continue our tour in Wyoming.
Now for some good news. We were able to set up our trailer and meet with the pastor, Mike McKnight, of Faith Southern Baptist Church in Lovell. This is an older church with a declining congregation. Pastor Mike has suffered eight heart attacks and is limited in his physical activity. Although there were no visitors at the service, we had a great time fellowshipping with the congregation, as well as the pastor and his wife. More and more we are finding that we can be a tremendous blessing and source of encouragement to these small congregations.
Pastor Mike has started a cowboy church in Powell, WY, which we will visit on Tuesday night. We are looking forward to worshiping with the ranchers, farmers, and, of course the cowboys in the area. After the cowboy church we travel to Grey Bull, WY. The church is without a pastor and we will be filling in for the morning worship service. Since this is also cowboy country, we are looking forward to meeting and worshiping with these folks.
Your prayers continue to be vital to our ministry, as we share our songs, poems, and testimony as the Lord leads and open doors. It’s comforting to know we have folks praying for us, especially during a hailstorm or tornado watch.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
Monday, June 14, 2010
RAIN, SNOW AND SUNSHINE
Howdy folks;
We left Townsend in sunshine and arrived in White Sulphur Springs in a heavy rainstorm. That night the temperature dropped and it snowed. The mountain peaks we see from the RV park were covered with snow. The rain lasted for another three days and then we were back in sunshine again. Montana weather seems to be same as that in Cochrane. It’s a good thing we brought along the right clothes for all the changes in the weather.
The owners of the Conestoga RV Park in White Sulphur Springs are Christian friends and I was able to exchange some product and a couple of evenings entertaining the campers for our park rent. Having a full hookup has made our stay here more comfortable and sure beats a WalMart or church parking lot.
Both the morning service and the evening concert at the Mountainview Community Church were very well attended. There was a good mix of church members, folks from the town, and campers from the RV Park. The church only seats 75 people and averages about 30 people each week. To see the church nearly full was a great encouragement to the pastor and his wife. Suzann and I have had a long association with this church. Five years ago, when we first came to White Sulphur Springs, they had no pastor and were ready to close the doors as the congregation had dwindled to 5 people. About 30 people attended our first concert in the church and, over the years they have managed to retain many of them. Now they have a pastor and the church is growing and has a positive influence in the community.
We will be leaving White Sulphur Springs for Lovell, WY, and will be breaking new ground with our ministry. For the next 4 weeks we will be sharing our songs and poems for the first time in all the remaining churches on our Wyoming tour. Many of these churches do not have pastors or have just called a pastor. Our prayer is that we can be a blessing to the folks in these congregations and, particularly, to the individuals who are striving to keep the doors of their churches open.
Thanks for your faithfulness in praying for us as we travel. Ours is not a typical Gospel music ministry, as we target small rural churches. We’re thankful for the many doors that have opened and for the privilege to serve in this way. We would also encourage you to pray for each of the churches on our tour schedule. Together, we can make an impact for Jesus in Montana and Wyoming.
On the trail for Him,
Mike & Suzann
We left Townsend in sunshine and arrived in White Sulphur Springs in a heavy rainstorm. That night the temperature dropped and it snowed. The mountain peaks we see from the RV park were covered with snow. The rain lasted for another three days and then we were back in sunshine again. Montana weather seems to be same as that in Cochrane. It’s a good thing we brought along the right clothes for all the changes in the weather.
The owners of the Conestoga RV Park in White Sulphur Springs are Christian friends and I was able to exchange some product and a couple of evenings entertaining the campers for our park rent. Having a full hookup has made our stay here more comfortable and sure beats a WalMart or church parking lot.
Both the morning service and the evening concert at the Mountainview Community Church were very well attended. There was a good mix of church members, folks from the town, and campers from the RV Park. The church only seats 75 people and averages about 30 people each week. To see the church nearly full was a great encouragement to the pastor and his wife. Suzann and I have had a long association with this church. Five years ago, when we first came to White Sulphur Springs, they had no pastor and were ready to close the doors as the congregation had dwindled to 5 people. About 30 people attended our first concert in the church and, over the years they have managed to retain many of them. Now they have a pastor and the church is growing and has a positive influence in the community.
We will be leaving White Sulphur Springs for Lovell, WY, and will be breaking new ground with our ministry. For the next 4 weeks we will be sharing our songs and poems for the first time in all the remaining churches on our Wyoming tour. Many of these churches do not have pastors or have just called a pastor. Our prayer is that we can be a blessing to the folks in these congregations and, particularly, to the individuals who are striving to keep the doors of their churches open.
Thanks for your faithfulness in praying for us as we travel. Ours is not a typical Gospel music ministry, as we target small rural churches. We’re thankful for the many doors that have opened and for the privilege to serve in this way. We would also encourage you to pray for each of the churches on our tour schedule. Together, we can make an impact for Jesus in Montana and Wyoming.
On the trail for Him,
Mike & Suzann
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
ON THE TRAIL IN MONTANA
Howdy folks;
Well, the tour has started with a bang! For two days, I performed at the Cowboy Entertainer Gathering in Townsend, MT. It was good to be back at the Townsend Gathering after an absence of two years. There were old friends to great and new friends to meet. The caliber of the western music performers at this gathering was top notch and I got to perform with a number of them. The old bass got quite a workout and I even played the harmonica. As a featured performer on the Friday night show, I was able to share several of my original songs. All in all, it was a great event and one not to be missed.
The highpoint of the weekend for us, however, was the Cowboy Church service at the Elkhorn Community Fellowship. This was the first service in the church since it was closed over two years ago. A young church planter and his wife, Eric and Jessica Crusch, are working hard to relaunch the church in Townsend. We also enjoyed the company of Baptist folks from Louisiana, South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia. They had come to work on the church building. It had fallen into disrepair and needed sprucing up. It is likely that Eric and Jessica will start to hold regular Sunday services while they continue to work in the community to reestablish this work in Townsend.
In reflecting on the weekend, it certainly confirmed the work that the Lord has called us to do. Throughout the western states there are many small communities with small churches and new works that need encouragement. If we can be a source of that encouragement and be of some help to them, then our labour has not been in vain.
Please pray for the Elkhorn Community Fellowship in Townsend that they will be able to keep the doors open and that the Lord’s work will prosper. As we continue our tour, pray for Suzann and I that we will be able to reach out to folks with the Gospel message and encourage believers in their walk with Christ.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
Well, the tour has started with a bang! For two days, I performed at the Cowboy Entertainer Gathering in Townsend, MT. It was good to be back at the Townsend Gathering after an absence of two years. There were old friends to great and new friends to meet. The caliber of the western music performers at this gathering was top notch and I got to perform with a number of them. The old bass got quite a workout and I even played the harmonica. As a featured performer on the Friday night show, I was able to share several of my original songs. All in all, it was a great event and one not to be missed.
The highpoint of the weekend for us, however, was the Cowboy Church service at the Elkhorn Community Fellowship. This was the first service in the church since it was closed over two years ago. A young church planter and his wife, Eric and Jessica Crusch, are working hard to relaunch the church in Townsend. We also enjoyed the company of Baptist folks from Louisiana, South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia. They had come to work on the church building. It had fallen into disrepair and needed sprucing up. It is likely that Eric and Jessica will start to hold regular Sunday services while they continue to work in the community to reestablish this work in Townsend.
In reflecting on the weekend, it certainly confirmed the work that the Lord has called us to do. Throughout the western states there are many small communities with small churches and new works that need encouragement. If we can be a source of that encouragement and be of some help to them, then our labour has not been in vain.
Please pray for the Elkhorn Community Fellowship in Townsend that they will be able to keep the doors open and that the Lord’s work will prosper. As we continue our tour, pray for Suzann and I that we will be able to reach out to folks with the Gospel message and encourage believers in their walk with Christ.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
TOUR INFORMATION
Howdy Folks!
For those of you who follow and pray for our Songs of Faith Ministries, here is our confirmed tour itinerary.
June 4-5 - Cowboy Entertainer Gathering, Townsend, MT (featured performer of Saturday evening show)
June 6 - Elkhorn Community Fellowship, Townsend, MT (special service to relaunch church)
June 13 - Mountainview Community Church, White Sulphur Springs, MT (morning worship service and evening concert)
June 20 - Faith Southern Baptist Church, Lovell, WY (morning worship service)
June 22 - Heart Mountain Cowboy Church, Powell, WY (cowboy church service)
June 27 - Grace Southern Baptist Church, Greybull, WY (morning worship service)
July 4 - Ten Sleep Baptist Church, Ten Sleep, WY (cowboy church service at local rodeo)
July 11 - New Hope Southern Baptist Church, Cody, WY (morning worship service)
July 18 - Calvary Baptist Church, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan (morning worship service)
Please pray that:
- we will be a blessing to the folks in these churches, as we share the good news of God's never ending love;
- we will stay rested and healthy; and,
- the Lord will continue to provide for all our physical and financial needs as we travel.
If you want more information, please visit our web sit itinerary page. You can keep up with our activities on our Blog, which is updated weekly.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
For those of you who follow and pray for our Songs of Faith Ministries, here is our confirmed tour itinerary.
June 4-5 - Cowboy Entertainer Gathering, Townsend, MT (featured performer of Saturday evening show)
June 6 - Elkhorn Community Fellowship, Townsend, MT (special service to relaunch church)
June 13 - Mountainview Community Church, White Sulphur Springs, MT (morning worship service and evening concert)
June 20 - Faith Southern Baptist Church, Lovell, WY (morning worship service)
June 22 - Heart Mountain Cowboy Church, Powell, WY (cowboy church service)
June 27 - Grace Southern Baptist Church, Greybull, WY (morning worship service)
July 4 - Ten Sleep Baptist Church, Ten Sleep, WY (cowboy church service at local rodeo)
July 11 - New Hope Southern Baptist Church, Cody, WY (morning worship service)
July 18 - Calvary Baptist Church, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan (morning worship service)
Please pray that:
- we will be a blessing to the folks in these churches, as we share the good news of God's never ending love;
- we will stay rested and healthy; and,
- the Lord will continue to provide for all our physical and financial needs as we travel.
If you want more information, please visit our web sit itinerary page. You can keep up with our activities on our Blog, which is updated weekly.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
HERE WE GO AGAIN
Howdy folks,
Today I'm sitting in my office looking out the window at another snowstorm. Spring time in Alberta is never predictable. We've had warm summer-like temperatures and a snow storm all in the same week! The bad news is the weather. The good news is that we are still in Cochrane and not on tour. Camping in a travel trailer during a snowstorm is not a pleasant experience.
This spring has been very busy and, as a result, we won't be leaving for our ministry tour until June. Pat Armstrong, our friend from Ontario, graduates from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in May. In April, he was ordained to the Gospel ministry and sent out as a missionary by Cambrian Heights Baptist Church in Calgary. I had the privilege of participating as a member of his ordination council and Suzann prepared the lunch for the council members. A week later, I delivered the charge to the church at his ordination service. Finally, we will be attending his graduation and reception. All in all, it has been a busy few weeks for Suzann and I.
Our tour dates are starting to fill up. We are looking forward to ministering in Montana and Wyoming at several Southern Baptist churches. After a couple of year's absence, I have been invited to perform at the Annual Cowboy Entertainer Gathering in Townsend, MT. Suzann and I are looking forward to meeting up with saddle pals we haven't seen for some time. Before leaving Cochrane, we will make our annual pilgrimage to Clearwater Cowboy Church in Caroline, Alberta. It's always a blessing to worship with these folks.
Please check out our itinerary and remember us in you prayers as we travel. For the most part, we will be ministering in churches new to our ministry.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
Today I'm sitting in my office looking out the window at another snowstorm. Spring time in Alberta is never predictable. We've had warm summer-like temperatures and a snow storm all in the same week! The bad news is the weather. The good news is that we are still in Cochrane and not on tour. Camping in a travel trailer during a snowstorm is not a pleasant experience.
This spring has been very busy and, as a result, we won't be leaving for our ministry tour until June. Pat Armstrong, our friend from Ontario, graduates from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in May. In April, he was ordained to the Gospel ministry and sent out as a missionary by Cambrian Heights Baptist Church in Calgary. I had the privilege of participating as a member of his ordination council and Suzann prepared the lunch for the council members. A week later, I delivered the charge to the church at his ordination service. Finally, we will be attending his graduation and reception. All in all, it has been a busy few weeks for Suzann and I.
Our tour dates are starting to fill up. We are looking forward to ministering in Montana and Wyoming at several Southern Baptist churches. After a couple of year's absence, I have been invited to perform at the Annual Cowboy Entertainer Gathering in Townsend, MT. Suzann and I are looking forward to meeting up with saddle pals we haven't seen for some time. Before leaving Cochrane, we will make our annual pilgrimage to Clearwater Cowboy Church in Caroline, Alberta. It's always a blessing to worship with these folks.
Please check out our itinerary and remember us in you prayers as we travel. For the most part, we will be ministering in churches new to our ministry.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A RESOLUTION FOR 2010
Howdy Folks;
For the most part, I suspect that I’m like most of you when it comes to making New Year’s resolutions. I haven’t made any in years. The other day, however, I was talking to a preacher friend about our respective ministries and he shared this truth with me: “We have but one life to live and one life to give.” As Christians, what better resolution could we make for 2010 and beyond? At the start of this New Year, I have been reminded again that the commission Jesus gave to His disciples (Matthew 28:1920) is not a suggestion; we have been saved to serve.
During 2009, like many other Gospel ministries, we have seen first hand the effects of this economic downturn. Folks are suffering from financial fatigue and are worried about the future. As the fortunes of this life ebb and flow, however, we can take comfort in knowing that the Hand that feeds the sparrow is the One who holds tomorrow. With this in mind, Suzann and I are looking forward to what the Lord has in store for Songs of Faith Ministries in 2010.
Since returning home last November from our Fall tour, I have been busy developing a Sunday school teacher training program for Cambrian Heights Baptist Church. With the assistance of practitioners from the church, the program has been completed and is now being reviewed by the leadership team prior to its implementation. Hopefully, this can be accomplished in the next several months. The availability of this program fills a need for the training of Sunday school teachers in our local church.
The next several months will be taken up with scheduling our annual Spring tour, organizing the program, learning new songs and writing some more cowboy gospel poetry. While we don’t know yet where the Lord will lead us, we have every confidence that He has a plan and will make it known in His time. Our job is to be ready to answer the call when it comes.
Suzann and I are always aware of the many prayers that are offered on our behalf as we travel. Our prayer partners are a vital part of our ministry. As we anticipate another year of service, therefore, we solicit your continued prayers on our behalf. Please pray that the Lord will open doors to new churches and other venues where we can share our Gospel witness the cowboy way.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
For the most part, I suspect that I’m like most of you when it comes to making New Year’s resolutions. I haven’t made any in years. The other day, however, I was talking to a preacher friend about our respective ministries and he shared this truth with me: “We have but one life to live and one life to give.” As Christians, what better resolution could we make for 2010 and beyond? At the start of this New Year, I have been reminded again that the commission Jesus gave to His disciples (Matthew 28:1920) is not a suggestion; we have been saved to serve.
During 2009, like many other Gospel ministries, we have seen first hand the effects of this economic downturn. Folks are suffering from financial fatigue and are worried about the future. As the fortunes of this life ebb and flow, however, we can take comfort in knowing that the Hand that feeds the sparrow is the One who holds tomorrow. With this in mind, Suzann and I are looking forward to what the Lord has in store for Songs of Faith Ministries in 2010.
Since returning home last November from our Fall tour, I have been busy developing a Sunday school teacher training program for Cambrian Heights Baptist Church. With the assistance of practitioners from the church, the program has been completed and is now being reviewed by the leadership team prior to its implementation. Hopefully, this can be accomplished in the next several months. The availability of this program fills a need for the training of Sunday school teachers in our local church.
The next several months will be taken up with scheduling our annual Spring tour, organizing the program, learning new songs and writing some more cowboy gospel poetry. While we don’t know yet where the Lord will lead us, we have every confidence that He has a plan and will make it known in His time. Our job is to be ready to answer the call when it comes.
Suzann and I are always aware of the many prayers that are offered on our behalf as we travel. Our prayer partners are a vital part of our ministry. As we anticipate another year of service, therefore, we solicit your continued prayers on our behalf. Please pray that the Lord will open doors to new churches and other venues where we can share our Gospel witness the cowboy way.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
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