Howdy Folks!
It's been a week since we completed the Experiencing God course. Now, we're heavily involved in organizing the Experiencing God Weekend Event at our home church, Cambrian Heights Baptist Church, Calgary. Plans are shaping up and registration for the event is in progress.
Last Sunday, February 24th, Tom King the pastor of the Clearwater Cowboy Church made a presentation of his cowboy poetry at our morning worship service. I led the music, backed up by the Sagebrush Orchestra (some talented musicians from our church). It was a grand time of worshipping and praising the Lord cowboy style. Folks said the service reminded them of an old-fashioned tent meeting. Tom has MS and is raising funds to pay for an experimental drug, that has shown some promise in treating the disease. Needless to say, the folks at Cambrian Heights were very generous in their financial support for Tom.
Between our expanding church activities, Songs of Faith concerts and organizing our next US tour, it's been a busy few months. We're still waiting on the Lord to open doors in Canada for our ministry. While the response from the churches has been very slow, we are confident that there is work for us to do in Canada, particularly, in the many small rural communities. Join us as we pray for the Lord's leading in this matter.
On the trail for Him,
Mike & Suzann Burns
Songs of Faith Ministries
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
ABOUT OLD HYMNS
Howdy folks!
In this day of new praise and worship music and video projectors, the old hymns are becoming an endangered species. But as we sing these new songs to the Lord, let's not forget the old ones. It's the sturdy old hymns of the faith that strengthen and steady us when we're weary and worn. They're the ones we sing when we face adversity and uncertainty or, when rising troubled in the night. Because many of these hymns are chock full of theology, they fill our souls with the timeless truthfulness and accuracy of the Scriptures. They enable us to pray and give us a pulpit for preaching to others. As we join our voices to sing these hymns composed by believers from every era and branch of Christendom, we connect with generations now gone in a united anthem of praise to the Lord.
Well, in the last week, we've had an opportunity to sing many of the old hymns and gospel songs. Since the Hymn Jams had outgrown our house, we moved to our local church. About thirty folks gathered in the Fellowship Hall of Cambrian Heights Baptist Church in Calgary, Alberta, last Friday night (Feb. 15th), to sing and fellowship in the old-fashioned way. Stories were told about favourite hymn and, as we sang. memories brought on a few tears. Amid the laughter and tears, we had a great time praising the Lord.
Then, on Sunday (Feb. 17), Suzann and I travelled to Evansburg, Alberta, for a cowboy gospel concert. A near capacity crowd of town folks, local ranchers and farmers and, even some cowboys, joined us at the Evansburg Baptist Church for a time of down-home singing, rhymes from the range and a no-frills gospel message. What a time we had in the Lord as we sang, the old hymns, laughed and remembered. Again, there were a lot of smiles and even a few tears, as folks joined in and sang the night away.
We look forward to each of these opportunities. No church is too small or isolated. Every door that opens is another chance to encourage God's people and win the lost to Christ.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
Songs of Faith Ministries
In this day of new praise and worship music and video projectors, the old hymns are becoming an endangered species. But as we sing these new songs to the Lord, let's not forget the old ones. It's the sturdy old hymns of the faith that strengthen and steady us when we're weary and worn. They're the ones we sing when we face adversity and uncertainty or, when rising troubled in the night. Because many of these hymns are chock full of theology, they fill our souls with the timeless truthfulness and accuracy of the Scriptures. They enable us to pray and give us a pulpit for preaching to others. As we join our voices to sing these hymns composed by believers from every era and branch of Christendom, we connect with generations now gone in a united anthem of praise to the Lord.
Well, in the last week, we've had an opportunity to sing many of the old hymns and gospel songs. Since the Hymn Jams had outgrown our house, we moved to our local church. About thirty folks gathered in the Fellowship Hall of Cambrian Heights Baptist Church in Calgary, Alberta, last Friday night (Feb. 15th), to sing and fellowship in the old-fashioned way. Stories were told about favourite hymn and, as we sang. memories brought on a few tears. Amid the laughter and tears, we had a great time praising the Lord.
Then, on Sunday (Feb. 17), Suzann and I travelled to Evansburg, Alberta, for a cowboy gospel concert. A near capacity crowd of town folks, local ranchers and farmers and, even some cowboys, joined us at the Evansburg Baptist Church for a time of down-home singing, rhymes from the range and a no-frills gospel message. What a time we had in the Lord as we sang, the old hymns, laughed and remembered. Again, there were a lot of smiles and even a few tears, as folks joined in and sang the night away.
We look forward to each of these opportunities. No church is too small or isolated. Every door that opens is another chance to encourage God's people and win the lost to Christ.
On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann
Songs of Faith Ministries
Thursday, January 31, 2008
WINTERING IN!
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
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
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
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