Howdy folks!
Well, we're back in Idaho and cooler temperatures. Fall has arrived in the mountains. We've been busy. Although we only traveled a short distance from Green River, WY, with the mid-week service in Rock Springs, WY, it made for a full week.
Although the Circle C Cowboy Church in Rock Springs is struggling, there is a good group of folks on which to grow the work in the future. We parked the trailer by the pastor's house and had an opportunity to share our experience with cowboy churches and, hopefully, offer some positive feedback of encouragement. Of late, this interaction with pastors is becoming a very important part of our ministry.
After Rock Springs, it was on to Downey, ID, and the Marsh Valley Bible Church. While our stay in Downey was short, we were able to visit with the pastor and his family. There are a number of small works in this part of Idaho and, most are looking for pastors. Join us in praying that the Lord will raise up workers for these churches. Sunday morning service was well attended and, we even met up with some folks who had been to our concerts in the past. Now that there are "groupies", the pressure is on to learn some new songs and write a few more cowboy poems. That will have to be my winter project.
For the next few days, we will be parked in Shelley, ID, and, then it's off to Salmon, ID, for two cowboy gospel services. Then the tour will be nearly over and, it will be time to head home. Thanks to all of you who have been praying for us, while we've been on the trail. The Lord willing, we hope to able to share our stories with you when next we meet.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
News From Rock Springs, Wyoming
Howdy folks!
Looks like we've about turned the corner on this tour and are slowly heading home. Seems like it was only yesterday that we left Cochrane and now it's time to turn the outfit north. We've met some wonderful folks, enjoyed the Christian fellowship, rejoiced in the Lord's handiwork and received more blessings than we can count. God is sure good!
The services at Emmanuel Baptist in Rock Springs, WY, surpassed all our expectations. Both services (8:30 and 11:00 a.m.) were full, as the church folk came out in number to support our ministry. Because we did not have to rush away after the services, we had time to visit and share our witness. In all, it was a very enjoyable time and, Suzann and I felt blessed to have had the opportunity to minister to these folks.
We head for Green River, WY, and the Circle C Cowboy Church later this week. This is a new work and we are looking forward to sharing with these folks. There is a high degree of anticipation about our coming and we are praying that this will be an outreach event to bring new people into the church. Join us in prayer and let's expect great things from God!
For the rest of this tour, we will be ministering at churches for the first time. While return visits are always nice and comfortable, it's exciting to plow new ground. Everywhere we travel, folks respond enthusiastically to the old hymns, gospel songs and cowboy poetry. Keep us in your prayers!
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann
Looks like we've about turned the corner on this tour and are slowly heading home. Seems like it was only yesterday that we left Cochrane and now it's time to turn the outfit north. We've met some wonderful folks, enjoyed the Christian fellowship, rejoiced in the Lord's handiwork and received more blessings than we can count. God is sure good!
The services at Emmanuel Baptist in Rock Springs, WY, surpassed all our expectations. Both services (8:30 and 11:00 a.m.) were full, as the church folk came out in number to support our ministry. Because we did not have to rush away after the services, we had time to visit and share our witness. In all, it was a very enjoyable time and, Suzann and I felt blessed to have had the opportunity to minister to these folks.
We head for Green River, WY, and the Circle C Cowboy Church later this week. This is a new work and we are looking forward to sharing with these folks. There is a high degree of anticipation about our coming and we are praying that this will be an outreach event to bring new people into the church. Join us in prayer and let's expect great things from God!
For the rest of this tour, we will be ministering at churches for the first time. While return visits are always nice and comfortable, it's exciting to plow new ground. Everywhere we travel, folks respond enthusiastically to the old hymns, gospel songs and cowboy poetry. Keep us in your prayers!
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Cookin' In Wyoming
Howdy folks!
For the last week we have been cookin' in 90 degree weather here in Lander. The good news is that it cools down at night, which makes for good sleeping weather. The air conditioner has been working overtime. With little rain (I think a few drops fell last Friday), it sure is a dry country.
The cowboy gospel concert at the Warm Valley Baptist Church in Pavillion, WY, was a real family affair. Folks from the community and surrounding area gathered for the concert at 6 p.m. and stayed for a full course roast beef supper after the concert. The church building is made of logs and the interior is all knotty pine. Why, they even have a rack by the front door for all the cowboy hats. The church has grown since last year and, we enjoyed catching up with how the Lord has been working. A hilight this year was the vacation bible school, where 14 young people accepted the Lord as their personal Saviour. Pavillion only has a population of 126, but God has raised up a strong witness in that community.
We had planned to move on the Rock Springs, WY, early this week but there were no spots open in the RV parks. Wyoming is like Alberta in terms of the oil boom, housing is in short supply. As a result, we will stay in Lander until Friday (Sept. 7) and park on the church parking lot for a couple of nights in Rock Springs. Emmanuel Baptist has two services on Sunday morning, so it will be necessary to set up the sound system on Saturday. This will be our first visit to Emmanual and we are looking forward to fellowshiping with these folks.
That's about it for this week. Time is slipping by and we are almost half way through this tour. While it will be good to be home, we are excited about sharing the Gospel message in Idaho and Montana. Your prayers are greatly appreciated as we minister in song and poem, the cowboy way.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann
For the last week we have been cookin' in 90 degree weather here in Lander. The good news is that it cools down at night, which makes for good sleeping weather. The air conditioner has been working overtime. With little rain (I think a few drops fell last Friday), it sure is a dry country.
The cowboy gospel concert at the Warm Valley Baptist Church in Pavillion, WY, was a real family affair. Folks from the community and surrounding area gathered for the concert at 6 p.m. and stayed for a full course roast beef supper after the concert. The church building is made of logs and the interior is all knotty pine. Why, they even have a rack by the front door for all the cowboy hats. The church has grown since last year and, we enjoyed catching up with how the Lord has been working. A hilight this year was the vacation bible school, where 14 young people accepted the Lord as their personal Saviour. Pavillion only has a population of 126, but God has raised up a strong witness in that community.
We had planned to move on the Rock Springs, WY, early this week but there were no spots open in the RV parks. Wyoming is like Alberta in terms of the oil boom, housing is in short supply. As a result, we will stay in Lander until Friday (Sept. 7) and park on the church parking lot for a couple of nights in Rock Springs. Emmanuel Baptist has two services on Sunday morning, so it will be necessary to set up the sound system on Saturday. This will be our first visit to Emmanual and we are looking forward to fellowshiping with these folks.
That's about it for this week. Time is slipping by and we are almost half way through this tour. While it will be good to be home, we are excited about sharing the Gospel message in Idaho and Montana. Your prayers are greatly appreciated as we minister in song and poem, the cowboy way.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Still In Lander, WY
Howdy folks!
Looks like we've settled in to life in the trailer. This week we are parked in Lander, WY. It's central to churches we will visit in this area. So, we plan on staying here until we move to Rock Springs, WY, around September 3rd.
The cowboy concert at the Lander Valley Baptist Church was a real blessing. Since it was our second visit, we had a good time meeting up with folks who had been praying for us over the past year. We were also able to join them for the Sunday morning worship service. I presented some special music and, of course, some of my cowboy wisdom! Seems folks enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the old hymns and stories. They had the traditional celebration dinner after the service and, we really enjoyed the time of fellowship.
The need in this area is self-evident. Many small communities have no gospel witness. Without question, the cowboy state sure needs more cowboy churches. In my discussions with pastors and church leaders, they all agree with my observations but, are frustrated by the the lack of church planters. Pray for us as we travel about the area and, please pray that the Lord will raise up workers to meet the need in the cowboy state.
As we start the third week of our tour, we are ever remindful of God's blessings. Each door He opens is an adventure, as we follow the trail He has set before us. Keep us in your prayers!
On the trail,
Mike and Suyzann
Looks like we've settled in to life in the trailer. This week we are parked in Lander, WY. It's central to churches we will visit in this area. So, we plan on staying here until we move to Rock Springs, WY, around September 3rd.
The cowboy concert at the Lander Valley Baptist Church was a real blessing. Since it was our second visit, we had a good time meeting up with folks who had been praying for us over the past year. We were also able to join them for the Sunday morning worship service. I presented some special music and, of course, some of my cowboy wisdom! Seems folks enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the old hymns and stories. They had the traditional celebration dinner after the service and, we really enjoyed the time of fellowship.
The need in this area is self-evident. Many small communities have no gospel witness. Without question, the cowboy state sure needs more cowboy churches. In my discussions with pastors and church leaders, they all agree with my observations but, are frustrated by the the lack of church planters. Pray for us as we travel about the area and, please pray that the Lord will raise up workers to meet the need in the cowboy state.
As we start the third week of our tour, we are ever remindful of God's blessings. Each door He opens is an adventure, as we follow the trail He has set before us. Keep us in your prayers!
On the trail,
Mike and Suyzann
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
From the Wyoming Front
Howdy Folks;
We've been on the trail now for a week and, it seems like had never been home. Life in the trailer is sure becoming routine. We took an extra day on the drive to Riverton, WY, and spent a night in Cody, WY. If there was ever a place to have a cowboy church, Cody would be ideal. I planted the seed in the ear of the Director of Missions for that area. He agreed and promised to follow up with the pastor of the local SB church.
The gathering in Riverton was smaller than usual. Because of the gas prices, all of the other performers were from Wyoming. Talk about stress, I had to represent the whole country of Canada.
The cowboy church service at the United Baptist Church in Riverton was very special. I had filled their pulpit for three weeks last year and we had made quite a few friends. Their new pastor is very keen for the Lord and the church has really begun to grow. Needless to say, we had a fun time and as Suzann says, I got too folksy with the congregation. She calls it dygressing but I call it embellishing.
Ww're looking forward to the next few weeks in the Riverton area. Our concert at the Lander Baptist Church in Lander, Wy, is being well advertised and the pastor is excited about the outreach possibilities it presents. We'll also be back at the little log church in Pavillion, WY, and expect to have another foot stompin' good time singing the old gospel songs and hymns.
As we travel, we continue to hear from folks who have been praying for us. What a blessing to know that we have all that prayerful support.
Well, that's it for now. Keep prayin' and we'll keep singin' and preachin'.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann
We've been on the trail now for a week and, it seems like had never been home. Life in the trailer is sure becoming routine. We took an extra day on the drive to Riverton, WY, and spent a night in Cody, WY. If there was ever a place to have a cowboy church, Cody would be ideal. I planted the seed in the ear of the Director of Missions for that area. He agreed and promised to follow up with the pastor of the local SB church.
The gathering in Riverton was smaller than usual. Because of the gas prices, all of the other performers were from Wyoming. Talk about stress, I had to represent the whole country of Canada.
The cowboy church service at the United Baptist Church in Riverton was very special. I had filled their pulpit for three weeks last year and we had made quite a few friends. Their new pastor is very keen for the Lord and the church has really begun to grow. Needless to say, we had a fun time and as Suzann says, I got too folksy with the congregation. She calls it dygressing but I call it embellishing.
Ww're looking forward to the next few weeks in the Riverton area. Our concert at the Lander Baptist Church in Lander, Wy, is being well advertised and the pastor is excited about the outreach possibilities it presents. We'll also be back at the little log church in Pavillion, WY, and expect to have another foot stompin' good time singing the old gospel songs and hymns.
As we travel, we continue to hear from folks who have been praying for us. What a blessing to know that we have all that prayerful support.
Well, that's it for now. Keep prayin' and we'll keep singin' and preachin'.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann
Monday, August 6, 2007
SADDLED UP AND READY TO GO
Howdy Folks!
This will probably be my last posting before we hit the trail again. Our plans are to leave August 14th for Riverton, WY. The annual Wind River Cowboy Poetry Gathering takes place from August 17th to 18th. This will be our third visit in as many years and, we are looking forward to greeting old friends and meeting new ones. The old bass (now called Stella) gets a real workout, but it sure is fun.
While in Riverton, we will minister at several Southern Baptist churches in the area. These will be return visits and we are looking forward to the fellowship with the pastors and the folks in their congregations. Last Sunday, I had a chance to try out my new cowboy poem at Cambrian Heights Baptist Church in Calgary. It was well received and reinforced the need for Christians to reach out to the lost.
Suzann is progressing slowly and more feeling is returning to her right side. Folks have commented that she hasn't lost her sunny disposition. No doubt, her postive attitude will speed up her recovery. Thank you to everyone who prayed for her and we would ask that you continue to pray for her complete recovery.
The time we've been able to spend in Cochrane has been brief but enjoyable. Taking the time to rest between tours was absolutely necessary. But now, we are eager to get back on the road sharing our witness wherever the Lord opens the door.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann Burns
This will probably be my last posting before we hit the trail again. Our plans are to leave August 14th for Riverton, WY. The annual Wind River Cowboy Poetry Gathering takes place from August 17th to 18th. This will be our third visit in as many years and, we are looking forward to greeting old friends and meeting new ones. The old bass (now called Stella) gets a real workout, but it sure is fun.
While in Riverton, we will minister at several Southern Baptist churches in the area. These will be return visits and we are looking forward to the fellowship with the pastors and the folks in their congregations. Last Sunday, I had a chance to try out my new cowboy poem at Cambrian Heights Baptist Church in Calgary. It was well received and reinforced the need for Christians to reach out to the lost.
Suzann is progressing slowly and more feeling is returning to her right side. Folks have commented that she hasn't lost her sunny disposition. No doubt, her postive attitude will speed up her recovery. Thank you to everyone who prayed for her and we would ask that you continue to pray for her complete recovery.
The time we've been able to spend in Cochrane has been brief but enjoyable. Taking the time to rest between tours was absolutely necessary. But now, we are eager to get back on the road sharing our witness wherever the Lord opens the door.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
RESTIN' AND RELAXIN'
Howdy Folks;
We've been back in Cochrane for a few weeks and have taken the time to rest and relax before hitting the trail again. As some of you know, Suzann suffered a mini-stroke while we were in Nebraska. She spent a week in the hospital in Calgary undergoing some tests. Fortunately, there was no permanent damage, but it will take several months before she is back to normal. Thanks to all of you who prayed for her recovery.
Since we've been home, I entertained at the stampede breakfast at the Westland Community Church near Cochrane, provided special music anc cowboy gospel poetry at the Ranchland MD Cowboy Church near Longview, Alberta and this Sunday (Aug 5th) will be at our home church, Cambrian Heights Baptist Church in Calgary conducting the morning worship service.
All the available dates for our fall tour are full. We are booked into churches in Wyoming and Idaho and have been invited to Cowboy Poetry Gatherings in Riverton, WY and Dillon, MT. Check out our itinerary on www.songsoffaithministries.com and if you're in the area, drop in to a service. We'd love to see you.
We'll be starting to pack up the trailer for a departure date of August 14th. Pray for our safe travel and, especially, that the Lord will continue to meet our every need.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann Burns
We've been back in Cochrane for a few weeks and have taken the time to rest and relax before hitting the trail again. As some of you know, Suzann suffered a mini-stroke while we were in Nebraska. She spent a week in the hospital in Calgary undergoing some tests. Fortunately, there was no permanent damage, but it will take several months before she is back to normal. Thanks to all of you who prayed for her recovery.
Since we've been home, I entertained at the stampede breakfast at the Westland Community Church near Cochrane, provided special music anc cowboy gospel poetry at the Ranchland MD Cowboy Church near Longview, Alberta and this Sunday (Aug 5th) will be at our home church, Cambrian Heights Baptist Church in Calgary conducting the morning worship service.
All the available dates for our fall tour are full. We are booked into churches in Wyoming and Idaho and have been invited to Cowboy Poetry Gatherings in Riverton, WY and Dillon, MT. Check out our itinerary on www.songsoffaithministries.com and if you're in the area, drop in to a service. We'd love to see you.
We'll be starting to pack up the trailer for a departure date of August 14th. Pray for our safe travel and, especially, that the Lord will continue to meet our every need.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann Burns
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