May/June 2022
March/April 2022
Update from Honduras
January/February 2022
Look Back over the Top 10's
2014
The Christmas Holidays are already upon us, and it doesn't seem like that long ago I was posting of what I was hoping the Lord would do. What a blessing to look back on this year and give glory to God what he has done!
Tangible Blessings of the Year
The biggest tangible blessing of the year no doubt is our Miracle Truck. God has been so good in providing it for us and there are many many days that my wife and I just look at each other then look at the truck and just shake our heads. God gave it to us through an individual who chooses to remain anonymous, and we are just so thankful for them.
Also we are so thankful for so many anonymous gifts this year alone. These gifts make up a percentage of our yearly income, we are just overwhelmed and blessed. You know you are, and the Lord does to!!
Intangible Blessing of the Year
If anyone had ever asked us on the road, "Brother, is there anything we can pray with you and your family about??" Undoubtedly our response would be the same, we would love to have another child. We have earnestly sought the Lord about this and our response has been "in His timing" Earlier this year, we found that we were expecting, to later find out that my wife had miscarried. But we praise the Lord for His grace and timing because my wife is doing well and we are expecting another on June 15th 2015.
Spiritual Blessing of the Year
To see dozens come the Lord in salvation in revival services, camps, VBS's and various avenues. This year I do not have record of how many salvation decisions were made but we rejoice anyhow. We know at one point someone was getting saved approximately 1 every 3 days but not sure what the final exact total was. God knows and thats all that matters.
Favorite Memory of the Year
Has to come from my Facebook Post on June 13th which reads...
the "amazingness" continues...blessed to have a father and mother in tears and come and let me know that their son had just got saved last night!! #AMEN along with 2 other teens that we're saved that day!! Also to see teenagers at an altar last night audibly weeping over the souls of lost family and friends!! #HALLELUJAH #CampCoBeAc
Favorite Jasmine Statement of the Year
After singing "Give Me That Old Time Religion" at the Fannin Road Camp Meeting, Jasmine has been singing it this way (over and over)
"Give me that OLD TIME AND AGING" (3x's)
"It was good for my Father" (3x's)
and it's good enough for me!!
2015
Jasmine Burden favorite places she said in this order Heaven, Disney World, and Chik-fi-la! So I thought looking back over this year what was the best of the best for us!! So here it is...
Best Event- June 15, Janae was Born
Best Day- October 20, Jasmine asked the Lord to save her
Most Thought Provoking Statement: God is has given me these things (possessions) FOR A REASON -Bro. Barnhouse
Verse of the Year: John 13:34,35
Sentimental Moment of the Year: My brothers VickandDrea Burden destination wedding
Memory of the Year- After over 10 years doing VBS’s together, doing another VBS with my friend David Corn
Still Stunned Event of Year- Lord blesses with 54% support
Book of the Year- Communicating for Change by Andy Stanley
Fruitful Day of the Year- Young People at Camp Red Arrow
Busiest Month of the Year: SEPTEMBER
Hotel Chain of the Year: Holiday Inn Express
Restaurant of the Year: Geisha Sushi Bar/Tom & Chee
Most Improved Restaurant of the Year: Bob Evans
Deal of the Year: Apple Watch for FREE!!
Vacation of the Year: Disney World
2016
Verse of the Year- Prov. 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
Memory of the Year- Leading a young man to the Lord, who had one of the best sinners prayers ever, “I BELIEVE”
Miracle of the Year- Over 12k raised for language school and 70% of monthly support & preaching through a dry socket
Neat Experience of the Year- Bible Study with those at Supreme Court offices in Montgomery, AL.
Notable First: Mine: Flew 1st class
Tabitha: cooking Thanksgiving Turkey
Hotel Chain of the Year- Candlewood Inn and Suites
'Sentimental' Moment of the Year- Saying goodbye to our Hyundai Elantra and Cardinal 5th Wheel
Tabitha's Store of the Year- #Ulta & Jane.com
Restaurant of the Year- #Chick-fil-a!!!
Surprise of the Year: Granny's penny for Jesus/ Amazon Echo
Restaurant Meal of the Year- Duck Club Sandwich with Vazquez's in Charleston, SC
Scariest Time of the Year- Lingual nerve severed during wisdom tooth extraction
Most Provoking Statement- “The Devil is the master of getting us to care about things that do NOT matter”
Deal of the Year- 2 iPhone 7’s, & 7plus, all for around $220
Neat Moment of the Year: Going to Nate VanDussen's Nintendo themed man cave
Pic of the Year- it was with Swem's at the zoo (pic below)
Tech Item of the Year: Mine: Apple Pencil/ iPhone 7Plus
Tabitha: Misfit Shine 2
App of the Year: iExit & Echo
Game of the Year: Mine: Super Mario Run
Tabitha: Best Fiends
Jasmine: Spot It
Janae: Rock, Paper, Scissors
2017 Missing
2018
After 302 nights away from home and after checking into 42 different hotels..
We have narrowed down our "Just for Fun Faves" from the '18
2018 WINNERS- BURDEN PICKS
HOTEL OF THE YEAR
Homewood Suites
Holiday Inn Express
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FAST FOOD RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Chick fil-a
MOE’S
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SIT DOWN RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
JIMMY THREE FINGERS
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MOST IMPROVED RESTAURANT
CHILIS
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AIRLINE OF THE YEAR
DELTA
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ELECTRONIC PICK OF THE YEAR
BOSE NOICE CANCELLATION BLUETOOTH HEADSETS
________________________________________________
FAVORITE TOURIST SPOT OF THE YEAR
TIE
NIAGARA FALLS
ALCATRAZ
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DESSERT OF THE YEAR
Kelly Wampler of New York’s Cupcakes
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MEMORY OF THE YEAR
Living in Nicaragua for around 3 months.
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MEMORABLE SERVICE OF THE YEAR
MARCH 29TH Thursday night Emerald Coast Baptist Church
2019
After around 332 nights away from home...
After checking into 54 different hotels and prophets chambers..
Preaching around 285 times…
Preaching behind 55 different pulpits in 55 different meetings…
We have narrowed down our "Just for Fun Faves" from the '19
2019 WINNERS- BURDEN PICKS
HOTEL OF THE YEAR
HYATT HOUSE
DOUBLE TREE
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FAST FOOD RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Chick fil-a
QDOBA
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SIT DOWN RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
THE BAY (SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL)
CC's CITY BROILER (COLUMBIA, MO)
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NEW FOODS TRIED
HALLOUMI
MOUTABEL
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BEST DAY OF THE YEAR
September 18- Janae’s Salvation at Eagle Heights Baptist Church
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ELECTRONIC PICK OF THE YEAR
NEBULA CAPSULE
AIR PODS PRO
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FAVORITE TOURIST SPOT OF THE YEAR
ADRIANS PICK
PALACE OF THE EMIRATES
TABITHAS PICK
GLOBAL VILLAGE DUBAI
JASMINES PICK
GREAT WOLF LODGE
JANAES PICK
DISNEY WORLD
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DAY OF THE MOST TEARS
JULY 27- DROPPING OFF JASMINE AT TRI-STATE BIBLE CAMP
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MEMORY OF THE YEAR
PREACHING BACK AT MY ALMA MATER
WATCHING TEENS IN WV PLAY FOOTBALL WITH A COW TONGUE #honorableMention
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DAY LEAST DESIRED TO REPEAT
2 INSTANCES OF BED BUGS AT HOTELS
2020
2020 began in Honduras for the first 3 months, then a quick exit to get to the United States then to quarantined spring then to getting COVID then on to doing ministry like never before. It has been a whirlwind of challenges and excitement all combined into one! Every year the family sits around and talks about our favorite meetings and memories and here is what we came up with.
⚡️⚡️2020 WINNERS- BURDEN PICKS⚡️⚡️
✅ HOTEL OF THE YEAR
🥇HYATT PLACE
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✅ FAST FOOD RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
🥇Culvers- for the 1st time ever Chick fi La is dethroned for a reasons that I cannot explain fully in this post, but Chick fi la does come in a very close 2nd.
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✅ MOST IMPROVED RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
🥇HWY 55 Burgers and Fries _______________________________________________
✅ SIT DOWN RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR (TIE)
🥇DENNY’S of Honduras
🥇Ribs Smoky BBQ (San Pedro Sula)
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✅ NEW FOODS TRIED
⭐️Piroshky Piroshky
⭐️Poke Bowls
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✅ BEST DAY OF THE YEAR
🥇Moved into our new house December 18
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✅ ELECTRONIC PICK OF THE YEAR (TIE)
🥇Home Pod Mini
🥇Nintendo Switch Lite (I know its not new, but this year we have
used them more than ever)
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✅ FAVORITE TOURIST SPOT OF THE YEAR
⭐️ADRIANS PICK
Shipshewana, IN
⭐️TABITHAS PICK
Pikes Place Market
⭐️JASMINES PICK
Amish Country Field Trip
⭐️JANAE'S PICK
Teen Extreme Camp (she loved the SportsCenter that much)
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✅ PROJECT OF THE YEAR
⭐️Starting a Podcast with my brothers
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✅ MEMORY OF THE YEAR
⭐️ All Together Conference Omaha, NE
⭐️Crazy Fun Family Video made during COVID
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✅ DAY LEAST DESIRED TO REPEAT
🥺Coming to a 5th wheel trailer full of mice
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✅ FAVORITE MEETING OF THE YEAR
⭐️ Iglesia Bautista IND. Piedra Del Angulo San Pedro Sula
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✅ FAVORITE GOAL MET OF THE YEAR
⭐️bitha and I losing over 70lbs combined
November/December 2021
September/October 2021
July/August 2021
May/June 2021
March/April 2021
January/February 2020
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas and a Quick Home Update,
Our life is changing by the hour literally. New news fades so quickly that it is hard to keep up. We have written R.I.P. on our RV. To say we had a mouse problem would be an understatement. My wife and I have jokingly said we had ‘domesticated mice’ they do not run fast to get out of the way and they had pretty much made their home in the ‘hvac’ of the RV and did not show much desire to move out. We have gone through alot of stuff and thrown much out and have been at the laundromat for a good while as well. At the end of it all, we have given the RV away to a person who wants a ‘fixer upper’ job and we have been living in an Airbnb since Thanksgiving.
We have searched for homes in the Raleigh area and have realized that #1 the housing market is booming #2 our budget and the area of Raleigh are not jiving. The Lord has opened up the door for a townhouse rental in Knightdale (near Raleigh) So far everything seems to be promising. We have signed paperwork and praying that we can get into the rental before Christmas. There are many variables that need to come about, but if you could pray with us about it that would be a blessing. The townhouse is suitable and fits in the budget, so we are praying there are no hiccups.
Its been a crazy last couple of weeks, but we do believe the Lord had in mind to get us into an actual house and this is the path he had for us to go about it. Thanks for all who pray and Merry Christmas!
Prayer Request and Change
Big Change for the Burden Crew.
The overwhelming majority of my married life, it has been the RV life. We are very thankful for our past RV’s the Lord has provided for us to keep our family together during the very important years of the development of our children and the establishing of ministry.
Today we said goodbye to our faithful Travel Supreme friend. After 8 years, of RV life we took a step of faith and looked for a home in Raleigh. Though we still plan on traveling as a family full time, we were finding the RV was not sufficient to take the ‘neglect’ we gave it during our days of being away out of the country and out of the state.
The little mice that invaded our trailer aided the speed of our decision 😁…but there were many factors that made us choose this path. I am thankful for a wife who loves the Lord and me therefore she has rolled with such a unique life for all these years.
As a matter of prayer, we are currently homeless 😁…which is a joke, but kind of not. We are living in an Airbnb in Raleigh till we can find a place of our own. We have a VERY promising lead that may become available after Christmas, but we have nothing in writing as of yet. Our kids only know RV life therefore after we moved into our very nice 3Bedroom Airbnb house, the very first day they are planning ‘sleepovers’ in each others rooms 😆. They are always together, and so they feel it is must to stay in the same room. It’s been a roller coaster week of emotions, but we are thankful to the Lord as He has given us enough light to take the next step!! God bless!
August/September 2020
COVID-19 Message
Due to the public nature of our ministry, I thought is was appropriate to make the following announcement: As of yesterday, I have tested Positive for COVID. All the ministries that need to be contacted have been alerted.
I was in Nebraska when I felt the first symptoms. At the first sign that my symptoms were similar to COVID, I scheduled a test. During the times of my symptoms, I preached two more times. I was preaching a Racial Unity conference in a football field near Omaha. I literally walked on to the field to preach then I was escorted back to my vehicle. Thankfully, we were able to minimize my contact during such a unique event. Currently, we have canceled all meetings for the next 2 weeks and thankfully we have made the long trip home from Nebraska to NC safely. Tabitha and the girls have experienced no COVID symptoms and we are praying that it remains that way.
I am 99% sure I know where I was infected with COVID, although that does not reverse it affects, it does bring me some understanding that when the proper safety protocols are in place and practiced we have not been in any compromised health situations, however when health guidelines are not followed we do see the obvious result. With that being said, I just wanted to encourage those who are following certain protocols to keep on doing it…IT IS WORTH IT!
I am thankful that as of today, I am feeling much better than I was early this week. My main symptoms were fever, chills, nausea, extreme fatigue and occasional shortness of breath. My case has been mild in comparison to others who have had tremendous obstacles to overcome. I believe God is sovereign and 2020 is not causing God any confusion. The meetings we have scheduled in the remainder of 2020 are in the Lord’s Hands and we are going to be as wise as possible navigating how the rest of the year works for us. Thank you for the continued prayers for our family.
FYI Message for Summer and Fall Meetings
I believe we can all agree that the Gospel Message is what is most important, therefore we want NO distraction from something that is so important.
Over the past months there have been many conversations had and opinions shared about the current state of our nation. Pandemic and Racial Tensions have been on the forefront of most people’s minds. I believe it is prudent to have some bit of understanding of where our family stands on some of these issues in order to avoid someone being unintentionally offended and thus hindering the message of the Gospel going forth with clarity.
Before you read the below list, please understand this is not a post that tries to persuade any person to a position nor do I seek to argue my positions. Everything below is a personal decision, and as the leader of my home, I try to make the best decisions as it relates to my family. The most hurtful thing EVER said to my family was said by a lady in absolute ignorance. This ‘FYI message’ is simply an attempt to help us both to be sensitive to another brother and sister that the message of the Gospel would not be hindered.
Concerning the Pandemic
My family wears masks. We are well aware of the cautions that surround “mask wearing”. We do not blindly accept all that the media portrays; however, as a personal decision we wear them the majority of times in buildings. For some people in the community it is very much appreciated. Therefore, I see it as inconsistent to state that I would do anything to reach people for the cause of the Gospel and not be willing to wear a mask. I wear them for ourselves and to avoid possibly offending a brother.
My family does not shake hands or give hugs. Given the current climate of where we travel and the states we cover, we consider it prudent not to shake hands with anyone and specifically for our girls not to give hugs. We remain friendly and approachable but if we make one special exception then we will be inclined to make another.
Going to people’s homes will be on a case by case basis. It would be highly appreciated that if we are invited to anyone’s home (outside of the pastor or pastoral staff) that we would be given advanced notice.
Concerning Racial Tensions
I am an evangelist. I preach the Bible and Biblical principles and though I have passionate thoughts about the racial divide in our country, please understand that I strive to be absolutely Biblically based in ALL preaching and teaching.
On my personal YouTube page, I do post more in depth views of seeing racism through a Biblical lens. I do not make a habit of speaking on those issues specifically unless I am asked; however, preaching on any obstacle to the Gospel is still a very high priority.
I would appreciate a quick conversation with the pastor upon my arrival to make sure you understand where I am concerning some of these racially charged issues. I, as well, want to be sensitive to your people and the cultural context to which you minister. The quick conversation would help me to possibly decline some conversations with your members or be better equipped to be of help in these areas. Racial things are in the forefront of people’s minds, and I want to make sure I do not hurt the name and body of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I would like to think of myself as approachable. I would like to think that as brothers and sisters in Christ we could have ‘controversial’ conversations and still rely on the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to maintain a relationship. With that being stated, if there are any questions, please do not hesitate to clink the CONTACT US link and give me a call or “shoot”me a text or email. My prayer is that the body of Christ does not divide during any of these issues, but is drawn together!
First Virtual Young Adult Conference! EXCELLERATE
Cancellations Updates and Future Plans
We had to Evacuate...and thank the Lord we made it home.
Live Video Update