Howdy folks!
It's been a long time since I provided folks with an update of our activities. For the most part, we are sticking close to home. If you've been following the weather in Alberta, you know it's been bitterly cold and hiway travel is not recommended. Nevertheless, we set out for the Cowboy Church in St. Albert, Alberta, last Saturday (January 26th). Since we couldn't make the trip in November as planned, this was our first visit to the Church. Over 90 people showed up for the service that night and we had a blessed time of fellowship singing the old hymns and gospel songs, enjoying cowboy poetry and eating. The later seems to be a regular feature of Cowboy Churches on both sides of the border. It turns out that this was the official launch of the their Cowboy Church and, from the show of support, it is off and running.
On Sunday morning we presented some special music and cowboy poetry at Grace Family Church in St. Albert. Attendance was down because of more nasty weather. That didn't stop the folks from singing along and enjoying the cowboy poetry. I was able to introduce my new cowboy poem to a very receptive audience. Our trip home took 2 days, as we got weathered-in when we reached Wetaskiwan, Alberta. By Tuesday, however, the roads were bare and we made it back to Cochrane without incident.
Now, we are looking forward to having several weeks at home before hitting the road again. Evansburg Baptist Church, Evansburg, Alberta, has invited us to present a cowboy gospel concert on Sunday evening February 17th. Hopefully, the weather and the roads will be better for travel. In the meantime, we'll keep busy at our home church, Cambrian Heights Baptist Church, where we now serve as a deacon family.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Songs of Faith Ministries
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Keepin' Busy
Howdy folks!
Finally, we're getting caught up with the work around the house. The yard is cleaned up for the winter and all the outdoor furniture has been put away until next year. Why, we've even started painting the inside of the house. I know it won't be finished by Christmas, but it's a good start. So, things are sure shaping up around the old home place.
We've integrated back into Cambrian Heights, our home church. Singing and playing with the worship teams and helping out wherever and whenever we can. It's sure good to be back on familiar range. Over the winter, we try to stay close to Cochrane with the ministry. This month (November) we will be presenting special music at the Clearwater Cowboy Church, Caroline, Alberta, anniversary service. Also, we've been invited to present a program of cowboy gospel music and poetry at the cowboy church in St. Albert, Alberta.
Our 2008 tours are now in the works. We've had contact with a number of pastors in the U.S. and, continue to look to the Lord to open the doors for the ministry. Pray with us that His will be done in our lives.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann
Finally, we're getting caught up with the work around the house. The yard is cleaned up for the winter and all the outdoor furniture has been put away until next year. Why, we've even started painting the inside of the house. I know it won't be finished by Christmas, but it's a good start. So, things are sure shaping up around the old home place.
We've integrated back into Cambrian Heights, our home church. Singing and playing with the worship teams and helping out wherever and whenever we can. It's sure good to be back on familiar range. Over the winter, we try to stay close to Cochrane with the ministry. This month (November) we will be presenting special music at the Clearwater Cowboy Church, Caroline, Alberta, anniversary service. Also, we've been invited to present a program of cowboy gospel music and poetry at the cowboy church in St. Albert, Alberta.
Our 2008 tours are now in the works. We've had contact with a number of pastors in the U.S. and, continue to look to the Lord to open the doors for the ministry. Pray with us that His will be done in our lives.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann
Monday, November 5, 2007
From the Home Office
Howdy folks;
It's been a couple of weeks since my last entry. Today I'm sitting in the home office looking out the window at the first snowfall of the season. The sun is shining on the mountains, which are white with snow. What a beautiful sight. In the past weeks, we've been to Winnipeg to celebrate my brother's 60th birthday. We also made time to visit with some friends in Regina. Now, it's back to work putting the 2008 program together. I need to learn some new songs and write some new cowboy poems. Keep praying for Songs of Faith as we book our schedule for next year.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann Burns
It's been a couple of weeks since my last entry. Today I'm sitting in the home office looking out the window at the first snowfall of the season. The sun is shining on the mountains, which are white with snow. What a beautiful sight. In the past weeks, we've been to Winnipeg to celebrate my brother's 60th birthday. We also made time to visit with some friends in Regina. Now, it's back to work putting the 2008 program together. I need to learn some new songs and write some new cowboy poems. Keep praying for Songs of Faith as we book our schedule for next year.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Thursday, October 18, 2007
THANKS AGAIN
Howdy folks!
Now that we’re back in Cochrane, I thought I’d review the “toings and froings” of Songs of Faith Ministries during 2007.
It has been an incredible year. We’ve had some really great opportunities to minister. Our travels have taken us to cowboy poetry gatherings, churches and concerts in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Nebraska, Kansas and Saskatchewan. We’ve also had opportunities to sing at RV parks, school assemblies and senior centres in some of these states. So, we’ve seen a lot of country.
Our ministry has expanded beyond cowboy poetry gatherings and special music presentations this year. We have begun to present full cowboy gospel concerts as outreach events for local churches. Folks who attend these concerts, sing the old gospel hymns and songs and hear cowboy gospel poetry. Without exception, the response has been positive. I guess there is a little bit of cowboy in everyone.
We’re looking forward to spending time at home and, worshiping in our home church after so many weeks away. Thank you to so many of you for your prayers as we traveled this year.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Now that we’re back in Cochrane, I thought I’d review the “toings and froings” of Songs of Faith Ministries during 2007.
It has been an incredible year. We’ve had some really great opportunities to minister. Our travels have taken us to cowboy poetry gatherings, churches and concerts in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Nebraska, Kansas and Saskatchewan. We’ve also had opportunities to sing at RV parks, school assemblies and senior centres in some of these states. So, we’ve seen a lot of country.
Our ministry has expanded beyond cowboy poetry gatherings and special music presentations this year. We have begun to present full cowboy gospel concerts as outreach events for local churches. Folks who attend these concerts, sing the old gospel hymns and songs and hear cowboy gospel poetry. Without exception, the response has been positive. I guess there is a little bit of cowboy in everyone.
We’re looking forward to spending time at home and, worshiping in our home church after so many weeks away. Thank you to so many of you for your prayers as we traveled this year.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann Burns
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Back Home Again
Howdy folks!
The past two weeks have been very busy. Our stay in Salmon, ID, was a real blessing. Sunday morning we presented some special music and cowboy gospel poetry at the Salmon Valley Baptist Church. We had a great time worshiping and fellowshiping with the folks in the congregation. That evening we drove to the Lemhi River Cowboy Church in Lemhi, ID, for a Mexican potluck supper and a cowboy church service. The Lemhi Grange Hall serves as the location for the church and is an ideal venue. Farmers, ranchers, cowboys and, even a few town folks packed the the hall for the service. The old hymns, gospel songs and cowboy poetry seemed to find resonance in this setting. What a way to end our fall tour and, what a special blessing for Suzann and I.
We were able to spend a few days in Salmon, before heading to Dillon, MT, for their annual Cowboy Poetry Rendezvous. The Salmon Valley Baptist Church has a parking spot for trailers, including a sewer hookup and we were quite comfortable during our stay. At the Dillon Gathering, in addition to the regular day time shows, I was able to perform in the evening shows and conduct the cowboy church service on Sunday morning. This is a real cowboy gathering and we were able to catch up with old friends and make new ones. As the gathering ended, we looked forward to being back in Cochrane and with our friends at Cambrian Heights Baptist Church in Calgary.
Coming off the trail is always hard, but we've looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us in 2008. We have made many contacts and can hardly wait for the Lord to open new doors for our ministry. As we close out this tour, we are reminded that a lot of folks are praying for us. There is no doubt in our minds that this is why we stay safe on the road and have all of our needs met. Please, continue to pray that the Lord will direct our paths and keep us on the trail for His Glory.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann
The past two weeks have been very busy. Our stay in Salmon, ID, was a real blessing. Sunday morning we presented some special music and cowboy gospel poetry at the Salmon Valley Baptist Church. We had a great time worshiping and fellowshiping with the folks in the congregation. That evening we drove to the Lemhi River Cowboy Church in Lemhi, ID, for a Mexican potluck supper and a cowboy church service. The Lemhi Grange Hall serves as the location for the church and is an ideal venue. Farmers, ranchers, cowboys and, even a few town folks packed the the hall for the service. The old hymns, gospel songs and cowboy poetry seemed to find resonance in this setting. What a way to end our fall tour and, what a special blessing for Suzann and I.
We were able to spend a few days in Salmon, before heading to Dillon, MT, for their annual Cowboy Poetry Rendezvous. The Salmon Valley Baptist Church has a parking spot for trailers, including a sewer hookup and we were quite comfortable during our stay. At the Dillon Gathering, in addition to the regular day time shows, I was able to perform in the evening shows and conduct the cowboy church service on Sunday morning. This is a real cowboy gathering and we were able to catch up with old friends and make new ones. As the gathering ended, we looked forward to being back in Cochrane and with our friends at Cambrian Heights Baptist Church in Calgary.
Coming off the trail is always hard, but we've looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us in 2008. We have made many contacts and can hardly wait for the Lord to open new doors for our ministry. As we close out this tour, we are reminded that a lot of folks are praying for us. There is no doubt in our minds that this is why we stay safe on the road and have all of our needs met. Please, continue to pray that the Lord will direct our paths and keep us on the trail for His Glory.
On the trail,
Mike and Suzann
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Back In Idaho
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
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
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
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