October/November Update

Pray!! Pray!! That is what I have heard repeated in reference to our nation and for our churches. We are asking for fervent prayer warriors on behalf of the ministry as well. This fall we have been tested in many areas and we are beckoning Gods people to pray for our family like never before. 

Spanish Language school is quickly coming around the corner and the Enemy is trying to derail what God has called us to do. It has been a blessing to see the Financial goal thermometer go higher and higher At the time of this letter we stand around 3k dollars away from our goal.  Our prayer is to exceed that amount because of some lodging changes that had to be made during the application process. We have been overwhelmed by the amount individuals who have stepped up and been such a blessing to us, it has meant so much to us.

The preaching schedule has been fantastic, we have been involved in many missions conferences and challenging churches about world wide missions. Although tears and filled altars do not directly indicate God's Spirit being always evident, the responses to the messages particularly during Missions Conferences have been very encouraging. 

Specific prayer requests include obviously language school, but also for the selling of our trailer. Last year an incident occurred making our 5th wheel not fit for the travel schedule we maintain. We have prayed much and believe it's time to retire it, please pray we can get a small amount for it therefore we can look to purchase another in the very near future. Our family is staying encouraged and faithful in a large part by those who are reading this letter right now, God bless and thanks so much!  

October Update

Pray!! Pray!! That is what I have heard repeated in reference to our nation and for our churches. We are asking for fervent prayer warriors on behalf of the ministry as well. This fall we have been tested in many areas and we are beckoning Gods people to pray for our family like never before. 

Spanish Language school is quickly coming around the corner and the Enemy is trying to derail what God has called us to do. It has been a blessing to see the Financial goal thermometer go higher and higher At the time of this letter we stand around 3k dollars away from our goal.  Our prayer is to exceed that amount because of some lodging changes that had to be made during the application process. We have been overwhelmed by the amount individuals who have stepped up and been such a blessing to us, it has meant so much to us.

The preaching schedule has been fantastic, we have been involved in many missions conferences and challenging churches about world wide missions. Although tears and filled altars do not directly indicate God's Spirit being always evident, the responses to the messages particularly during Missions Conferences have been very encouraging. 

Specific prayer requests include obviously language school, but also for the selling of our trailer. Last year an incident occurred making our 5th wheel not fit for the travel schedule we maintain. We have prayed much and believe it's time to retire it, please pray we can get a small amount for it therefore we can look to purchase another in the very near future. Our family is staying encouraged and faithful in a large part by those who are reading this letter right now, God bless and thanks so much! 

August Update

What a power packed summer! God’s hand was very evident during the summer ministry months, we were reminded to never underestimate what God can do in a VBS! So many young people were saved this summer through not only that venue but also camps and other special youth rallies. God blessed with around 60 saved over this past summer and many strong decisions of surrender were made as well. Thank you to so many who daily pray for God to use us. 

On a personal note, this was a challenging summer as it pertains to my personal dental health. Though social media many might be aware that I had my wisdom teeth out during the middle of the summer. (not a wise plan) During the process of time, I not only got a dry socket but also my lingual nerve was damaged causing my tongue to go numb, as it still is to this day. I was going to see a specialist concerning the numbness but from much prayer I’m beginning to get feeling back in my tongue. At first it affected my speech, but praise the Lord, my speech is not effected anymore. God blessed that I did not miss one preaching engagement during the summer because of it.

Language School is only 5 months away. As as reminder, our goal was $12,000 dollars to have in the bank whereby we could be able to take care of our expenses during the time we would be attending language school. We stand in the neighborhood of $7,000 with more promised beyond that. We are thrilled at what God is doing through His people, in making Spanish Language school very much a reality.

This fall we begin preaching many Missions Conferences, Special Meetings, and other Youth Meetings. Please pray specifically for the rest of our support and that we would be effective in the places we minister over the next couple of months .Thanks to all who pray and support and Lord willing you will continue to see your investment turn into eternal fruit. 

May Update

The dates are set!! Lord willing the Burden family will be at the Rio Grande Bible Institute starting January 7th - May 17th 2017. Lord willingthis will begin to equip us to learn the Spanish Langue to be able to have more of impact during our International Evangelistic Trips. We will continue to have a normal schedule as an evangelist right until January and will continue to have a normal schedule beginning June 2017. 

This is a huge step of faith for our family as we step away from revivals and other meetings to further sharpen our sword in the ministry of evangelism. We are encouraged by the support that has been given to us for those specific 5 months. It’s not difficult to figure out since we are without meetings that we are without our normal income, but the 12k that we are raising to sustain our family during that time, is coming in faster than we imagined. We stand about 6 months away from the start of language school and we are around 5k of the 12k needed, thats almost half way!

Our monthly ministry support goes towards our international travel expenses. When the Lord laid on our heart to raise support to do such a thing, I foresaw skepticism, but we have been encouraged by the embracing of the ministry of international evangelism. We stand at 74% of needed support to spend 3 months of our calendar year overseas. We want to go preach for missionaries overseas without them having to spend one penny on ANY of our expenses or needs, but rather leave them an offering or some financial token of our love and appreciation for them. We are amazingly close and thank God for that.

Currently we just finished a string of 4 consecutive revivals that were “dynamite” and now we are on the brink of summer full of VBS’s, Camps, and Youth Conferences. Thanks for all who pray and support and Lord willing you will continue to see your investment turn into eternal fruit.

Pensacola Christian College on Evang. Adrian Burden

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Evangelist from Pensacola Christian College.

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March 2016 Prayer Letter

Doing the work of an evangelist continues to move forward with the Burden family. Proclaiming the gospel through Church Evangelistic Outreaches, Family Conferences and Revivals so far this year. We were blessed to have a family “staycation” this past January. We were able to stay at home for a while and recuperate physically and be refreshed spiritually from a very eventful summer and fall schedule. 

During the month of January we were able to pray much about our international ministry plans. Many questions have come about during this international evangelism transition. Questions such as, Adrian, are you still scheduling meetings in the US? Are you a Missionary?  What is Adrian’s Honduras thing?  etc…

Please see clearly in this simple letter, that God has called me to be an evangelist. A proclaimer of the gospel and a gift to the local church. My desire is not only to be this in the United States but now to further our reach into Spanish speaking places. I am an evangelist, I still preach for revival in the United States. My prayer is just to be a bilingual evangelist, thereby allowing me to spend approximately a quarter of our year overseas. 

We praise the Lord for the churches who have begun supporting the overseas portion of our ministry. Currently we are at around 60% support and are thrilled to hear of those who see the need, catch the vision and help us accomplish what God has called us to do. Between our regularly scheduled meetings, we have presented in Missions Conferences and other services and are blessed by the response of many folks.

Our next step is language school and currently we are trying to make plans to attend during the beginning of 2017. All of this is by faith, and we ask that you pray with us about it. Since many questions do arise about this, I would love to direct you to our website (located below).  I was interviewed by the Ministry Connection Podcast about International Evangelism. The interview covers many topics but one in particular explains in depth what our vision is. I encourage you to listen and understand what our heartbeat is.  

Burden Ministries International Evangelism Interview

So thankful for God leading us to expand our ministry to overseas as well as stateside. I had the opportunity to be interviewed by the host of the Ministry Connection, Bryan Ries, this concisely lays out our testimony and vision of what God has called us to do. Would be honored if you had a moment to listen. 

You can listen at this LINK

Burden Ministries FAQ

Another page has turned, 2015 is behind the and the new 2016 page has begun. Around 3 years ago God gave us the opportunity to travel internationally preaching the Gospel. It started with mission trips, then moved to campaigns to help missions, then moved to raising partial personal support and now we praise the Lord that we are 54% toward getting ready to head overseas for language school. Lord willing after we have more of a grasp of the language it is our prayer to “do the work of an evangelist” overseas for approximately 25% of our calendar year. 

As I travel, I have talked with many who still are unclear of what exactly “Adrian’s missions thing” consist of. I have made a video at my website that defines what the Lord has laid out for us, but here is a quick FAQ that I hope clears some things up.

What are you planning to do?

Evangelistic Campaigns & Church Plant assists in Spanish Speaking Countries

Where do you plan on serving?

Spanish speaking countries where the Lord opens the door. Currently the door open is Honduras

How long will you be overseas?

At this time around 3 months out of our calendar year. this is only an estimate since we cannot predict with definite clarity 

Will you still preach in the states?

Yes, we still live off of our love offerings as an evangelist, but the support takes care of our needs while overseas. We still maintain a schedule especially during the summer months.

Is your support like a missionary support?

Yes, it is the same. Our support level would be considerably lower since it is only for 3 months out of the year. Hence, with approximately 7 supporters we can be at around 50% support

Where are you going to language school?

There are 3 out of country places we are considering, whether it be Peru, Costa Rica, or Honduras

Best of the Best of 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 21, 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 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 & Chi

Most Improved Restaurant of the Year: Bob Evans

Deal of the Year: Apple Watch for FREE!!

Vacation of the Year: Disney World

Praise the Lord Back in NC

About a week before Thanksgiving time, we were finishing one of our final meetings. We were heading with our truck and trailer toward our NC home. I hit a very large pothole that broke our leaf spring on our trailer (among other things) Due to some scheduling issues, the trailer stayed on the side of the road for about a day and a half. The 1st repair was then made, but unfortunately the entire axle would need to be replaced, which we found out about 100 miles down the road from leaving the repair shop about a week later.  The axle would have to be custom made therefore we left our trailer for about a month there in MD for it to be repaired. 

Praise the Lord about two days ago, we got back to NC with our truck and trailer. The Lord has provided through the insurance company to take care of the repairs and we are so thrilled to see our God move mountains for us once again! Thank you for many who prayed and were very concerned for us, God bless you!

Keep praying for us during this incredible crossroads of ministry for us. We are thrilled about the support the Lord has been bringing in, and our prayer is that the moment the Lord opens the door for language school that we will be there. Lord willing our language school will be in Honduras, therefore we can immersed in the language and still have the opportunity to be involved in ministry. Pray that God's will be done!

The Summer in Review

Summer as always proves to be the busiest time of year, when you add the dynamic of having a child in the middle of it, it definitely adds a whole new dynamic. God blessed with many opportunities of teen camps. I was able to ministers from groups from Chicago to Kansas to New Jersey and much in between. Many decisions were made including many teenagers hearing and responding to the Gospel. People that have been prayed for for a long time have been saved, what a joy to be part of that.  During the summer I was able to do another VBS with one my best friends Evangelist David Corn and his family. We were able to spend a couple of down days together as well watch God do a work as we ministered together at my home church in Edenton, NC. Its so good to see him be so mightily used of God.

Our family with Evangelist David Corn and his family

Now as we enter into fall time of year the Lord has blessed with the opportunity to be in Missions Conferences. We have enjoyed sharing the work of what he has called us to do, and we have been happy to see the response of people understanding the need of the evangelist overseas. Please pray for us as we try to convey the burden to other churches that we might get our support raised and head to language school. If you are curious about what the Lord has called us to do, please view our video at the MISSIONS link of our website. 

Short Thought on our Country's Present State

The Lord has allowed to preach in 35 of the 50 states behind literally hundreds of pulpits and different church venues and camps. In the past 11 years (8 full time) I’ve noticed a lot of nonsense in our world but there is still a REMNANT that is serving the Lord with all their heart. 

I know pastors and evangelists who believe in Revival.

I know a pastor who walks the aisles of his church praying for his congregation at 5:30a

I know churches where the congregation is a conglomeration of prodigal sons and God is using all of them.

I know pastors all over who preach the Word and not their opinions

I know youth groups who fast and pray that God would work in their hearts

I know teens who weep over the lost 

I know teenagers who have forsaken scholarships to pursue God’s call

I know laymen who took their families to Bible college to pursue God’s call

I know churches that loves missions and are doing everything they can to reach the lost.

I know church members who can still pray like those of old and hear from God

I know church members who are striving to keep their families unspotted from the world

I know evangelist who still preach the gospel like it ought to be preached

Everyone there is STILL A REMNANT that are still serving the Lord, people may think I’m just optimistic, Im not optimistic, I just choose to live by faith and not by sight!! Lets be encouraged and seek God for revival like never before!

June/July Update

Why my daughter's name is so Significant?

How good the Lord has been! From a couple who was strongly encouraged to adopt for medical infertility reasons to having 2 kids, we certainly Praise the Lord for His goodness toward us!

Mrs. Audrey Gatling's name still lives on

I want to hi-light how Janae Audrey got her name. 
I preached my first conference at 16 years old, by that time I had been trained and discipled by my Sunday School Teacher, Bro. Milton Gatling. In that class, I learned how to be a passionate yet compassionate preacher. Through the years of preaching all throughout the country and world, it has always been an encouragement to "check in" once in a while with him to let him know how things are progressing. God used him to be such an encouragement in 2 specific areas. I can almost hear him say, "be a man of integrity, be a man of character" He not only taught me that but also lived it as a godly example. Him and his wife's relationship is what I desire for my wife and I as we continue to serve the Lord! 

My wife's perspective: I have to add that Adrian and I knew the Gatlings separately. When I was single and living in Virginia, the Gatlings took me under wing. I often sat with them at church, and Mrs. Gatling would partner with me on visitation when she could have gone with her husband. She was a loving example of Christian womanhood. I will always be grateful for the Gatlings taking interest in me during that time in my life.

A couple of years ago Bro. Gatling's wife was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Though we fervently prayed for her healing, God saw it best to take her home to heaven. This event so broke our hearts, as this woman of God who had been such a help to me, went on to heaven. 

My wife and I desired that at least her earthly name should live on, the Gatlings have been such a blessing to us therefore our 2nd daughter's name is Janae AUDREY Burden after Mrs. Audrey Gatling!

March/April Update

Honduras Trip Recap Feb 2015

Praise the Lord for another safe and profitable trip to Honduras this year. This past trip makes my fourth trip out to Central America and it was such a blessing. While there I had the opportunity to preach a week long revival there at the main church in La Esperanza. The minimum attendance was in around 150 each night. There was a sweet spirit present especially on the Friday night of the revival. I rejoice over the young man who was saved on Wednesday night. 

During that week, I also preached a youth rally every afternoon for the kids/teens, but if I wasn't busy enough already I also had the opportunity to preach on 2 TV stations multiple times throughout my visit. This trip did not lack the opportunities I had to preach!  I had the opportunity to distribute Bibles in the town of Santa Rosa. What a privilege to hand out Bibles in the marketplace, in the hospitals, at bus stops, and even on the city bus as well. And while sharing the Gospel in a grocery store, the owner (after a month of being witnessed to) was saved during the visit!

God has strengthened my faith concerning the daunting task of learning a new language. For one of the first times ever, I was able to have a "deeper" conversation with one of the Honduran pastors. I was able to go beyond the "Hi and How are you" stage and actually learn about his life and family. That was very encouraging. I have in no way arrived, but that was certainly an encouragement.

Continue to pray for the ministry there that God's hand would still rest upon it. Also pray for us, we have alerted churches of our desire of international missions and we praise the Lord for the missions conferences we have been invited to thus far, to present our burden. What a blessing and privilege to be in HIS work!!

GOING FORWARD IN '15

Exodus 14:13-15

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

 Here is the scene: The children of Israel had just left Egypt, they're against their first major test of faith: The Red Sea! Moses is calming the people by reminding them of the promises of God, in verse 16 the Lord tells them "Wherefore criest thou unto me?" it was time for them to move forward!! After that point, Moses lifts up the rod and they go through the Red Sea.

APPLICATION: When in the center of God's will, and after we have sought the Lord's face repeatedly about the next step, when he gives the direction it's time to move forward. I can only imagine the Lord saying, "Why do you keep asking me about this? I told you to go ahead and do it!" Moses was where he was supposed to be and Moses stayed sensitive to the Lord's leading, and God told him where to go, FORWARD!! 

At the dawn of 2013, I was reflecting over the past year and looking to the future, one main aspect I was reconsidering was our involvement in International Missions. Since that time to this, I personally give glory to God for the fact that not only have we been overseas multiple times, but have also preached revivals and hosted trips for others to go as well! And have more scheduled for 2015. Now the Lord has led to another time of evaluation of our overseas efforts. 

Starting this year, our family is raising support to spend 25% of our calendar year overseas. Due to the nature of our ministry in evangelism, we do not want to interfere or distract from our already scheduled revivals and other meetings, but on our free Sundays and Wednesdays, we desire to articulate our vision and goals for evangelism not only in the states but also overseas.  

Our vision stated simply:

1. Raise enough support to sustain us the 3 months we would be overseas.
2. Attend Spanish Language School for more effectiveness overseas.
3. Get on the field in Central America (and other Spanish speaking countries)  and assist Church Planting and hosting evangelistic Campaigns in these needy areas.

"GO FORWARD!" was the command and even though it was a giant leap of faith, it became necessary if Moses was to see God's miraculous hand at work.

Frankly, I am very comfortable in evangelism, I love preaching, I love the meetings and churches we are able to minister in. I believe God would still have me to do this, especially in the area of youth evangelism, but I would be ignoring a God given passion if I ignored the call to international ministry.  Many ask me, "Adrian, are you going to be a full-time missionary?"  My response is pretty typical, I smile and say, "God only knows the answer to that, but do not be surprised."  I believe there is a place for evangelist overseas,  and its our desire to step out by faith here and GO FORWARD!

Blessings of the Year 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!!

Thanks Pastor Jim Lester!!

Favorite Picture of the Year

Credits go to Mrs. Sherry DeFord for capturing one of our Favorite Pictures of our family.

God has been so good to our family and we give Him glory. 2105 holds a lot of surprises for the Burden family and all I can say is stay tuned and pray for us!!

September Prayer Letter

PAST

As always the summer has proven to be the busiest yet the most fruitful time of the year. Trying to encapsulate in a paragraph all the camps, VBS’s, and revivals is in an impossibility. Seeing around 30 kids, teens, and adults come to Christ, receiving embraces of parents who have been praying for their teenager’s salvation, watching as teens audibly weep over the souls of their friends and loved ones, responding to texts messages of teens begging for counsel of how to live for God, and last but not least taking 17 people to Honduras to experience first hand missionary life. Yes, all that was squeezed into three months! Thank you so much for those who have prayed for us because the summer definitely was fruitful.

PRESENT

We have been back in the states for a couple of weeks now, and trying to catch our breath between meetings. I encourage you to read posts on our website concerning  the Honduras trip itself and look on social media at the hashtag #missionstripbm. Praise the Lord we are able to pull our trailer to the majority of our meetings now, and that has made such a huge difference in the stability and the comfort level of my family. My wife has thoroughly enjoyed cooking and cleaning her own place after almost five years of living out of a suitcase.  

FUTURE

The schedule during the fall is looking to be great one with Christian School Revivals, Revivals, Youth Conferences, and even Camp Meetings. Please be in prayer as we seek the Lord’s will to increase our overseas influence and involvement. The Lord has placed a definite passion for oversea works and we want to be wise how we proceed, please pray with us about this matter.

Camp Meeting at Fannin Road Baptist Church              Old Fashioned Sunday