Howdy Folks;
It was a great week in Dillon, MT. We were able to catch up with our friends and fellow performers at the Gathering. It was a bittersweet time, however, as this was the last Gathering to be held in Dillon. I led the cowboy church service on Sunday morning and we had some great gospel music and poetry. That evening we ministered to the folks at the Beaverhead Baptist Church in Dillon. They have a young enthusiastic pastor and, although they are only a small congregation, they are very solid. Hopefully, we will be able to get back next year.
Our trip to Blackfoot, ID, was uneventful. The weather was holding beautifully in the upper 80F range. Hard to believe it is fall, but they say more seasonal temperatures are coming. We parked at a small community RV Park in Shelley, ID. The intention was to spend a few days at Shelley until we could find an RV Park to rent space for the month of October. As it turned out, our sister-in-law’s neighbour has a full hookup trailer spot on his property and offered it to us free, if we would watch the house while they were on vacation. The Lord does provide!
The New Hope Community Church in Soda Springs, ID, has invited us to minister. This additional opportunity fills our schedule to the brim. Our philosophy has always been to serve wherever we are led and we praise God for every door that opens. Each year a few more cowboy churches are added and we are seeing other new works started in the smaller communities in Eastern Idaho.
As I’m writing this Blog, the weather has changed. The temperature has really dropped and it is raining. They say it will last for about three days and then warm up some. In spite of the weather, we are looking forward to our month of ministry in the Blackfoot area. The warm reception we receive from the US churches more than makes up for a drop in the outside temperature.
On the trail for Him
Mike and Suzann Burns
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
OVER THE MOUNTAINS WE GO
Howdy folks;
Well, we've been on the trail nearly a week and have covered a lot of territory. After crossing the border, we headed for Salmon, Idaho. The plan was to take Highway 93 from Missoula to Salmon. Good plan, high mountain passes!!! We crawled over two high passes and, at times, I wondered if our outfit would make it to the summit. Then I found out that going up was one thing, but coming down was another. I was sure glad the brakes on the truck had been replaced before we left Cochrane.
We arrived in Salmon a little later than expected and set up the trailer in the parking lot of the Salmon Valley Baptist Church. The weather was still holding and it is a beautiful fall. This is probably the most gorgeous valley we stay in and we look forward to the opportunity to minister here. Since I had the big bass with me, I offered to play with the praise team on Sunday morning. The folks in the church were a little surprised at first, but seemed to enjoy the addition to the praise team. Pastor Mike Palmer left enough time in the service for several gospel songs and, of course, a cowboy poem. As always, the congregation enjoyed the old hymns and quickly began to sing along.
That evening we traveled 28 miles to Lemhi and crossed the Lemhi River eight times according to Suzann's count. The Lemhi River Cowboy Church has grown in the three years it has been in existence. Folks from miles around the community attend on a regular basis. Attendance ranges from 50 to 80 on a Sunday evening. It was a great time of fellowship as we greeted old friends and met new ones.
We plan on spending a few days in Salmon before heading to Dillon, Montana. The Cowboy Poetry Gathering will take up the rest of the week. Sunday evening we have been invited to minister at the Beaverhead Southern Baptist Church in Dillon. This will be a good way to end a week of ministry.
Please continue to pray for good weather and roads as we travel. Also, several doors have opened to our ministry since we left Cochrane and your prayers for these new opportunities would be greatly appreciated.
On the trail for Him
Mike and Suzann
Well, we've been on the trail nearly a week and have covered a lot of territory. After crossing the border, we headed for Salmon, Idaho. The plan was to take Highway 93 from Missoula to Salmon. Good plan, high mountain passes!!! We crawled over two high passes and, at times, I wondered if our outfit would make it to the summit. Then I found out that going up was one thing, but coming down was another. I was sure glad the brakes on the truck had been replaced before we left Cochrane.
We arrived in Salmon a little later than expected and set up the trailer in the parking lot of the Salmon Valley Baptist Church. The weather was still holding and it is a beautiful fall. This is probably the most gorgeous valley we stay in and we look forward to the opportunity to minister here. Since I had the big bass with me, I offered to play with the praise team on Sunday morning. The folks in the church were a little surprised at first, but seemed to enjoy the addition to the praise team. Pastor Mike Palmer left enough time in the service for several gospel songs and, of course, a cowboy poem. As always, the congregation enjoyed the old hymns and quickly began to sing along.
That evening we traveled 28 miles to Lemhi and crossed the Lemhi River eight times according to Suzann's count. The Lemhi River Cowboy Church has grown in the three years it has been in existence. Folks from miles around the community attend on a regular basis. Attendance ranges from 50 to 80 on a Sunday evening. It was a great time of fellowship as we greeted old friends and met new ones.
We plan on spending a few days in Salmon before heading to Dillon, Montana. The Cowboy Poetry Gathering will take up the rest of the week. Sunday evening we have been invited to minister at the Beaverhead Southern Baptist Church in Dillon. This will be a good way to end a week of ministry.
Please continue to pray for good weather and roads as we travel. Also, several doors have opened to our ministry since we left Cochrane and your prayers for these new opportunities would be greatly appreciated.
On the trail for Him
Mike and Suzann
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
SUMMER AT LAST!
Howdy Folks;
After weeks of cold and wet weather, summer has arrived. Those hot days and cool nights we've come to enjoy living in the foothills of the Rockies are here at last. Needed yard work and outside house maintenance is finally getting done.
For the most part, Songs of Faith has taken a break from the road. Only short day trips to local churches and small groups have been on the agenda. We enjoyed an opportunity to minister to the folks at the Clearwater Cowboy Church located in Dovercourt, Alberta. Sure enjoyed pickin' and singin' with their praise team and presenting some special music and cowboy poetry. We have many good friends in the congregation and appreciate their prayerful support of our ministry.
A group of volunteers from the USA called Campers-On-Mission have been helping with the renovations at Cambrian Heights Baptist Church. Their trailers are parked at the Canadian National Baptist Convention headquarters in Cochrane. They invited me to present a devotional program to their group. They are a wonderful group of people and it was a blessing to share with them.
Last week, I had an opportunity to meet with a local pastor who hosts an internet southern gospel music program. He wanted our CDs to play on his program. We were happy to share our music with him and look forward to hearing from folks who catch the program on the net. For those of you who listen to internet radio you can go to www.bertradio-online.com and sign up. The program is called Sunday Side Up. There is a new 2 hour show every week and I can tell you it is great music.
Thanks for your prayers and we look forward to seeing some of you on the trail real soon.
On the trail for Him
Mike and Suzann
After weeks of cold and wet weather, summer has arrived. Those hot days and cool nights we've come to enjoy living in the foothills of the Rockies are here at last. Needed yard work and outside house maintenance is finally getting done.
For the most part, Songs of Faith has taken a break from the road. Only short day trips to local churches and small groups have been on the agenda. We enjoyed an opportunity to minister to the folks at the Clearwater Cowboy Church located in Dovercourt, Alberta. Sure enjoyed pickin' and singin' with their praise team and presenting some special music and cowboy poetry. We have many good friends in the congregation and appreciate their prayerful support of our ministry.
A group of volunteers from the USA called Campers-On-Mission have been helping with the renovations at Cambrian Heights Baptist Church. Their trailers are parked at the Canadian National Baptist Convention headquarters in Cochrane. They invited me to present a devotional program to their group. They are a wonderful group of people and it was a blessing to share with them.
Last week, I had an opportunity to meet with a local pastor who hosts an internet southern gospel music program. He wanted our CDs to play on his program. We were happy to share our music with him and look forward to hearing from folks who catch the program on the net. For those of you who listen to internet radio you can go to www.bertradio-online.com and sign up. The program is called Sunday Side Up. There is a new 2 hour show every week and I can tell you it is great music.
Thanks for your prayers and we look forward to seeing some of you on the trail real soon.
On the trail for Him
Mike and Suzann
Monday, June 22, 2009
HOME AT LAST
Howdy folks!
Well, after several days in Winnipeg visiting with my brother George and conducting a service at the Union Gospel Mission, we headed for Regina. The service at the mission was a different experience, but we had a blessed time sharing our Gospel witness with the folks in the inner city area of Winnipeg. After the service, we had an opportunity to meet with the pastor of New Life Sanctuary. This is a dynamic and growing church and we look forward to hearing from them in the future.
Our trip to Regina was accompanied by a tail wind, so we made good time and gas mileage. From Regina to Cochrane was a long day, but we arrived home in the late afternoon. We traveled nearly 9,000 km without incident and, although we were really tired, our spirits were rejoicing as we looked back on the many blessings we had received.
The next few days were spent unloading the trailer and getting organized for ministry opportunities in Alberta. On Sunday, June 21st, we travelled to Acme, Alberta, to minister at the Acme United Church. This was there annual Cowboy Sunday and we had a great time singing and sharing our gospel poetry. This is a small ranching/farming community so our western style was well received. There were many visitors from the community and the church was full.
Tour dates for the fall have not been confirmed as yet. Hopefully, we will be able to set up an itinerary for September and October. We are open to the any opportunities and are just waiting on the Lord's leading in this matter. In the meantime, we will keep our options open knowing that where the Lord leads is where we will be needed.
I've heard from many folks who prayed for us as we ministered in Ontario. We are trusting that you will continue to pray as we seek to share the Gospel the cowboy way.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
Well, after several days in Winnipeg visiting with my brother George and conducting a service at the Union Gospel Mission, we headed for Regina. The service at the mission was a different experience, but we had a blessed time sharing our Gospel witness with the folks in the inner city area of Winnipeg. After the service, we had an opportunity to meet with the pastor of New Life Sanctuary. This is a dynamic and growing church and we look forward to hearing from them in the future.
Our trip to Regina was accompanied by a tail wind, so we made good time and gas mileage. From Regina to Cochrane was a long day, but we arrived home in the late afternoon. We traveled nearly 9,000 km without incident and, although we were really tired, our spirits were rejoicing as we looked back on the many blessings we had received.
The next few days were spent unloading the trailer and getting organized for ministry opportunities in Alberta. On Sunday, June 21st, we travelled to Acme, Alberta, to minister at the Acme United Church. This was there annual Cowboy Sunday and we had a great time singing and sharing our gospel poetry. This is a small ranching/farming community so our western style was well received. There were many visitors from the community and the church was full.
Tour dates for the fall have not been confirmed as yet. Hopefully, we will be able to set up an itinerary for September and October. We are open to the any opportunities and are just waiting on the Lord's leading in this matter. In the meantime, we will keep our options open knowing that where the Lord leads is where we will be needed.
I've heard from many folks who prayed for us as we ministered in Ontario. We are trusting that you will continue to pray as we seek to share the Gospel the cowboy way.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
Sunday, June 7, 2009
BACK IN THE WEST
Howdy folks;
Thus far, the trip home has been uneventful. We ran into snow near Sudbury, so much for global warming. For the most part, the weather has been cold and wet. We are looking forward to some of that Alberta sunshine.
We arrived in Winnipeg in good time and plan on spending a few days with my brother George. This Sunday morning we are doing a service for New Life Sanctuary. While in Winnipeg, I hope to contact some of the pastors and others in the area. Hopefully, we will be back on the road by Monday.
Having spent nearly five weeks on the road, it will be good to be back in Cochrane. Our vision of Canada has changed. Even those communities that are “well churched”, folks are still hungry for the Gospel. It is imperative that we, as Canadians, take up the challenge of reaching these communities for Christ.
We have several days of travel left and solicit your prayers on our behalf. This has been a revealing tour and has given us new insight into the great need in our country for the Gospel. Continue to pray as we reach out for Christ the cowboy way.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Thus far, the trip home has been uneventful. We ran into snow near Sudbury, so much for global warming. For the most part, the weather has been cold and wet. We are looking forward to some of that Alberta sunshine.
We arrived in Winnipeg in good time and plan on spending a few days with my brother George. This Sunday morning we are doing a service for New Life Sanctuary. While in Winnipeg, I hope to contact some of the pastors and others in the area. Hopefully, we will be back on the road by Monday.
Having spent nearly five weeks on the road, it will be good to be back in Cochrane. Our vision of Canada has changed. Even those communities that are “well churched”, folks are still hungry for the Gospel. It is imperative that we, as Canadians, take up the challenge of reaching these communities for Christ.
We have several days of travel left and solicit your prayers on our behalf. This has been a revealing tour and has given us new insight into the great need in our country for the Gospel. Continue to pray as we reach out for Christ the cowboy way.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Friday, May 29, 2009
HOMEWARD BOUND
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
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
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
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