Rod Burton Music

Hey y’all!

Kelly and I hope that your Christmas and New Years celebrations were the best ever. We had a great time with family and friends, and were able to get some rest in preparation for an incredible 2010. We pray that your year is blessed beyond measure, and that you experience God in such a way this year, that you’ll not be able to contain yourself. 2010 is the year for radical revival! Take a Stand and let the world hear your voice!

The new year brings incredible challenge and change to our family and to our ministry. While we continue to work on my solo ministry and songs, several new opportunities have come into our path for 2010. Here’s my new year summation!

The Branson Conventionis an amazing ministry that is growing and taking on a life of its own. In the early idea stage I had no idea it would ever become what it has, or would ever put us in the position we’re now in. The doors this event has opened just boggle the mind and we’re so cautious to be sure that the focus stays on the message andthe ministry. There’s a potential here of this becoming one of the largest annual evangelistic meetings in the region around Branson, and people are excited about the move of God in that area.

Kelly is the editor of SGNScoop (www.sgnscoops.com) which is an online all digital magazine about and for the Christian lifestyle. While it focuses a lot on the southern gospel/Christian country genre, it also centers around life conditions by Christians of all interests. They just launched this magazine in September, and the December issue (about 2nd chances) had nearly 20k downloads for the month alone. It too is becoming an outlet that is carrying ministry to thousands of people every week and has the potential of becoming the largest/one of the largest Christian music publications out there. It’s owned by the parent company SGM Radio (www.sgmradio.com) which is the #1 SG Internet station in the world and has roughly 750k visitors to their site each month. They have a stable of writers for monthly articles andtheir most read author had over 500k readers for December. That writer is Kelly. God has blessed her with some amazing talents.

YMR Music Production (www.YMRMP.com) is the parent company we’ve created to own the Branson Gospel Music Convention (www.bransonGMC.com) andseveral other concert promotions aroundthe country. Our “Givethe Gospel” initiative targets an area and a local charity that we can go in, hold a concert and give any profits to the charity, or in some cases lower ticket prices and collect food…giving the food to local food banks.

I’ll be announcing within weeks a new recording company and recording label that I’m starting. I’m working with one of the top session players and producers in Nashville to create a company for artists. Our target artists are those ministries that have made a presence but have not reached a top tier level yet. They’re looking for good honest people who can help them grow their ministries by helping to produce solid recording projects at reasonable prices, but also give solid advice and direction on how to take their ministries up a notch. I’ll be headed to Nashville in early February to start the process of my new recording on this label. This has the potential of taking some very well established ministries and helping them to grow their influence across the world.

Finally (for now…keep watching) is the Hinson Revival. Eric Hinson is one of the original Hinsons that took gospel music by storm and still is known for so many classics like “The Lighthouse”. Our goal is to take that sound that people across the world love and grew up on andbring it back to them with a ministry of grace and hope. There are so many that have stumbled and fallen away from their faith…and they need to hear that message of grace. Both Eric andI along with his wife April have our own solo ministries and we’ll continue that. We’ll incorporate some of our solo songs in the start of a program, then endthe 1st half with a Hinsonclassic. After a brief intermission, we’ll come back with a full 2nd half of Hinson songs and ministry of grace and of restoration. We’re lining up concerts across the country andknow this will be a great opportunity to share the word with folks.

So…God has laid out our 2010 with a lot of activity. On top of these things, we’re confident we’ll be moving. We’ve known it was coming and now feel like the time has come. It’ll likely be summer, but we’ll be looking to put the house up soon. We don’t know yet where we’re going. We know it’ll either be the Nashville or Branson areas…but it’s still an open question. Our prayer is to see His guidance and be where He would have us be.

We’ve been asked again lately “how can we help?” The absolutebest help you can be to us is your prayers. We really are faced daily with challenges and attacks on what we feel God is leading us to. These are spiritual attacks, physical, emotional…anything that can disrupt or knock us off track. Just pray for peace, clarity anddetermination that we’ll run this race with courage, and finish strong. There’s a lot at stake here…lives hang in the balance. Pray that we keep the focus on who and where it needs to be. You can help by telling others about what we’re doing. Get a group of folks andcome be with us Branson June 28th – July 2nd. It’s a great time of ministry and fun, and what a better place for a vacation than Branson leading right in to their big 4th of July celebration?! We have some great tour packages available, just ask! Let folks know about concert dates andcome be with us. Invite us to your church or concert. Now you have 2 choices…Rod Burton, or Hinson Revival!  And please call  your local gospel radio and request my songs. The current one “Take A Stand” is still doing well. Also, send a note to the folks at Enlighten by clicking HERE. Let them know you appreciate all they do and ask them to play a song by Rod Burton!

The final way to help is one that we don’t really talk a lot about. Rod Burton Music is a registered not for profit organization. If you feel like you’d like to help us financially, we certainly appreciate it and would honor your gift. Donations can be made online or through the mail to Rod Burton Music.

We’ll be leaving home shortly with stops that include the Bahamas (never sang on a cruise before…never been on a cruise before!), Branson andNashville. There’s more exciting news that we’re just putting the final touches on…but it’ll involve us leaving the country to carry a message of hope. Be watching for that!

Till next time…

Take A Stand!

Hey there folks!

It’s been a while since the last update. We’ve been on the road almost non-stop to include a trip to Kentucky (it is the promised land, you know) for a concert with The Roarks in Harlan. Both Paul Roark and I are from Harlan, so it was a nice treat. The attendance was less than hoped..but we were competing against BOTH the county and city high school football teams being in the state playoffs! Still, we had a good crowd, a great time of ministry and brought in some good food for two of the local food pantries. We’re looking forward to being back there again soon!

We also spent time in Branson (getting ready for the Branson Gospel Music Convention 2010), Pigeon Forge with Christmas in The Smokies and even a trip to Orlando to visit Mickey and Friends with the family. It’s been an exhausting couple of months, and we’re thankful for the opportunities and for being home over the next few weeks to enjoy some Christmas cheer! The schedule starts back up in January with lots of dates being added. Be sure and check out the SCHEDULE page and e-mail me if you’d like to schedule a time for us to come and be with you in 2010!

My latest single Take A Stand is on the top 80 chart this month for Singing News. That’s the ‘big’ chart for SG, but it’s also in the top 100 for January on the Christian Voice chart and still in the top 20 on several other charts. God has really used that song to bring a lot of folks our way and to challenge believers to take a stand for what we know to be right. It still humbles me to sing that song and have people all over the country stand up as a show of their commitment. It’s also brought a lot of new folks to be aware of our ministry, which is a great plus. Be sure to call and request it OFTEN at your local station, and send e-mails to Enlighten by clicking HERE ! The folks there at Enlighten have been very supportive, be sure and let them know you appreciate it!

Be sure and check out the latest edition of SGN Scoops magazine. December is all about 2nd chances and it’s a fabulous edition. I know I MIGHT be a little biased since Kelly is the editor (and had the total concept for this theme), but it really is great. Just click HERE to download your very own copy!

You know we’re entering a time where there’s a lot of noise and hurried activity for finding the perfect gift and decorating the perfect tree. I love this time of year…I really do. It’s a time for family and friends, but mostly a time for being thankful for the best gift of all. This season may be measured by sales on black Friday, but it’s not about retail or re-gifting. It’s about a tiny baby, born in a manger, to save the world. He came to bring peace and life to a lost and dying world. He may have started out in a rough spot there in the stable, but He sits at the right hand of The Father today…and intercedes on our behalf.

One of my favorite stories from the Bible is when Mary went to visit Elizabeth before Jesus was born. She needed a safe place, a place to allow her to yield to this incredible work that God was doing in her. The best part was that when Elizabeth heard Mary enter the house and call to her, John leaped in her womb. He knew even before birth the amazing presence of the almighty God.

Take time this season to remember the reason…the REAL reason we celebrate. The song says “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me”. In reality, peace was delivered to us in the form of a baby, but there can never be real peace on earth, till Jesus reigns as Lord.

From our family to you…

Merry Christmas

Hey there folks…

Yes..I know you just heard from me yesterday. But I’ve got some very special news that I needed to share with you guys.

Several months ago I told you about my Easter Sunday morning experience. While getting ready for service that morning and watching the news, I really felt impressed that I needed to release “Take A Stand” to radio because the message needed to be heard. Even though the song wasn’t the typical ‘radio’ style song, I really do believe that “The state the world is in today, must break the Saviours heart.” I called Rick Hendrix and told him my heart…and my need for that message to get out. I told him then that charting the song was not my goal…but getting it heard was.

Today I got the call from Shane who works with Rick, to let me know that my song…Take A Stand, is number 75 on the December Singing News charts. While I’ve been on several other charts with multiple songs, the Singing News chart is the top in this genre. While making a chart was not my goal, it’s a great blessing to our ministry and work. We’ll be working with Rick and Shane to get moved up on the chart…the more airplay I get with the song, the more people who hear the challenge to stand up for what we KNOW to be right. I appreciate all the DJs and stations who’ve played this song and ask that you continue to help me get the message out.

This time in our lives is crucial to our faith, our beleifs and our existence. The world needs to hear it’s not only OK for Christians to have a voice, we need to be heard loudly. We do need to love folks back to the cross..but we don’t need to be meek about it. We all know people who are dying everyday and going to hell. That fact alone is enough to challenge a nation to spread the word that Jesus saves. This song is the way to help spread that word and encourage others. Please help me spread the message by calling your local gospel stations and requesting it and by contacting Enlighten and asking them to play it.

I also want to send a special thank you out to Bobby Carter of The Jay Stone Singers. Bobby wrote Take A Stand several years ago and he and Jay brought it to me and thought it’d be a good match for my voice. Bobby and Sharona are singing the background vocals on it too. I thank him for his heart, and for being my brother.

That’s it for now…keep praying and keep working!

Take A Stand!

Rod

Hey there folks…

Sad to report that we can officially say fall is here. Even more sad is the fact that we’ve seemed to skip right over fall and into an early ick! I love seasons, but I just prefer that the good ones hang around a bit longer.

We’ve been just crazy busy these past few weeks. The NQC ‘jet lag’ has finally let up and we’re into full swing Branson GMC mode! There are several large concerts we’re working on, Kelly is busy building an empire over at SGN Scoops and oh yea, we’ve got all the family life work! It’s enough to make you crazy! Thankfully, we’re already there..so we’re used to it.

The Branson GMC event is already shaping up to be incredible. We’ve lined up names like Hissong, Young Harmony, Beyond the Ashes, Kenny Bishop, Dino, the legendary Blackwood Quartet…and there are many, many more. If you were there last year, you know that it was a great time of ministry and music. Branson 2010 just promises to be even more. You can even make your reservations at the Hilton Convention Center Hotel already, but hurry…cause the rooms at our reduced rate are very limited!  We’ve also got a great concert coming up in Harlan, Ky on November 13th. This is our “Coming Home to Harlan” event and will feature The Roarks (Paul is from Harlan), me (obviously from Harlan) and Out of Ashes who live in Harlan. This will be a great night of fun and ministry, but also a chance to help the community. The tickets are only $5 plus we’ll be collecting a canned good at the door that will be donated to Christs Hands Food Pantry and The Cawood Church of God Food Pantry. If you’re in that area or close…be sure to come be withus. Another great series of events is that I’ll be doing several concerts with The Blackwood Quartet to support local charities around the country. The first will be in Lebanon, Mo on Friday night, November 6th. Along with me and The Blackwood Quartet, Ascension Quartet from the Springfield area will join us in support of the Pregnancy Support Center in Lebanon. During these tough economic times, charities are sometimes the hardest hit. We want to give back to our communities and those that are in the business of helping others. Oh…and by the way…we’re going to Pigeon Forge right after Thanksgiving for 3 great days. So surely you can come see us at one of these events! See the SCHEDULE for more details on all this and MORE! Be sure to keep checking the schedule as things change quickly.

With the winter setting in we’re used to a schedule that slows down. This year…THANK GOD…that’s not the case. We’ve got lots of events and opportunities to minister even through the winter time. I believe there’s an increased urgency in getting the message of grace out to the people, so this is the time. During the time we are home I have to keep the bus in a place that keeps it out of the elements and plugged in to avoid freezing. With the change in jobs, I lost my spot with the plug in…so I’ve had to locate an alternative. I have found what I think is a nearly perfect spot. It’s enclosed…which will help minimize any issues with batteries through the cold, has an electrical hook up to keep the water bays warm and avoid the need for a plumber, and has a great entry/exit to easily get in and out. I’ll be dropping it off after this weekend and have nearly 24 hour access, 7 days a week to come and go as I need. The only downside is that it’s $225 a month to store it. While I’ll only need the storage for about 5 month, that’s still a lot of money to be going out. But I feel like this is the door that has been opened and I’m thankful to have it. While I don’t usually do this…I am going to ask that you consider helping us with that debt. The 5 months will be about $1100 and anything you can do to help off set that would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know if you feel led to help!

The title of this post is from a song that came out a few years ago. The whole thing is “If You Want To Hear God Laugh, Tell Him Your Plans”. I love that! You see I was always one who had all the answers and course of action all figured out. I knew where things would go and how they would look when we got there. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that sometimes God has a different idea about things than I do. Sometimes He allows me to walk down a path just to fall in the hole…so He can show me the way I should have gone. Sometimes He tries to guide me down the right path, but I’m too bull headed to listen. Either way, I’ve found some especially funny circumstances lately with how God moves on things. His ways are not my ways…may be the under statement of a lifetime. You see many times my choices have caused hurt and pain to others. Many times I’ve decided that I know best about “X” things, and end up causing more mess than I could ever dream. But even when I lose control, God is in control. Though I may be driving down a hill like a snowball headed for…God is standing right there at the drop off point, ready to pick up the pieces that used to be me and put them back together again. And not once does He say…”told you so”. His love is not judgemental. His ways of healing are kind and gentle, not in your face and demeaning. If there are ever places we need to try to be like Him, it’s here. We need to love people back to the cross when they fall, not throw a sign around their neck, put a big “A” on their forehead and walk through the town yelling “UNCLEAN”. No…we need to show the love of a Saviour. We need to share the hope of salvation and grace. That’s what Jesus died for….YOU. Not for what He wants you to become, but for what YOU are. He can take the worst you have, and make the most out of it. And He will. All you really have to do is, surrender.

Of course once all that stuff is done…I do think He sits back and chuckles at some of the ‘things’ or ‘places’ we find ourselves. I actually think I may have made Him laugh out loud a few times, just at the silliness I created by not bending. How about you?

Till next time…

TAKE A STAND!

Hey there folks!

We just got home from a 12 day road trip and I’m still trying to catch up on everything. While I love being out…spending that much time on a bus is hard on anybody. But we had great times, great services…and God just continues to amaze me in all He does.

After a couple of dates week before last with The Blackwood Quartet, we were in Hammond, Indiana for an anniversary service. We had a great time with the folks there..and some great food. As we were leaving, they brought us 4 boxes of food to take with us to NQC. We had fried chicken, ham, desserts…you name it. It was such a blessing..and we ate it all week!

The week at NQC was amazing. Very busy, lots of meetings, lots of time with other artists and members of the industry. We did manage though to squeeze in some time with great friends too (just not enough!). Saturday night after NQC we were in Morehead, Ky with Ed Crawford and The Mystery Men. It was a lot of fun..and we had one young lady give her heart to God..that was worth the trip, all by itself. Sunday was time with family in Richmond, Ky…then it was off for home. Traffic and weather made it a long trip, but we got here safely and have spent the last day trying to catch up on 1000 things.

There is so much happening in our lives and ministries right now. Many of the meetings at NQC were about The Branson Gospel Music Convention and all the things coming next June. You’ve got to make your plans now. Just go to the site and register. Several meetings were around my music and ministry and we did find out that “Take A Stand” is close to charting on the Singing News charts. While this wasn’t the goal for this particular tune…I’m thrilled that so many people are getting to listen to it. SO…call your local station. Tell them you want to hear “Take A Stand” by Rod Burton. If they don’t have it…send me a note..and I’ll get it to them. Also contact the folks over at Enlighten. They reall do listen when you call/write them and ask for the songs.

I had the chance this past Saturday to sing that song for the folks at SkyAngel. They provide an incredible service with quality family entertainment. Visit them by clicking HERE and take a look at what they offer. We NEED to bring good Christian values into our home and SkyAngel is THE WAY to do it. The showcase brunch at NQC had me, Kenny Bishop, The Nelons, Legacy 5 and Kim Hopper. It was such an honor for me to share that song, and I appreciate those folks for asking me to be a part. Please visit them and tell them I sent you. You’ll be glad you did!

You know..change is in the air. Today is the last full day of summer…fall just around the corner. I always like fall, but know that it brings on winter. But that’s how it goes…the seasons change, and we adapt. I talked to an old friend today. He shared with me some change that he and his bride are going through. Pete and Donna have been friends for a long time…and have had an impact on my life. Pete sang with me in a regional group in Dayton Ohio called Destined. They’re good people…and they love God. Donna has just found out that she has stage 4 cancer…and has only months to live unless God moves. As I talked to him…I was speechless. Now you know that’s not easy for me…but I was. What do you say to someone who is about to face a trial that surpasses anything I’ve dreamed of? How do you comfort someone who knows that his life’s love, won’t be there much longer. As Christians we have a promise of tomorrow, but living in this world and our flesh makes that hard to deal with sometimes.

As I talked to Pete…I thought about changes we go through. Life sometimes will throw us a curve and sometimes knock us down. I’m sure that when these folks married many years back (Pete is much older than I am!), they never dreamed that they’d face this type of curve down the road. But now they’re looking at a time certain where he’ll have to say goodbye for a bit. How do you do that? If you had months to live…what would you do? I think I’d want to spend it doing what God has put me here to do. I’d certainly want to share that with my wife and kids. But how do you prepare to say goodbye?

Jesus knew He was going to die. He told those around Him…and most of them didn’t believe it. They went about their tasks and really didn’t get it till all the stuff broke loose. Kind of like we do, they live for the moment and then deal with the curve. The Father knew He was sending His Son to die for us. And though I know that God doesn’t feel the pain of uncertainty like we do, what did He feel? Sorrow? Hurt? But He prepared and carried on. He allowed things to happen for a reason. But if you’re not The Almighty, how do you prepare for this kind of hurt? Do you allow life to just stop and wait, or do you live it to the fullest, knowing that there’s a great day coming when no tears will dim our eyes?

I’ve found as I’ve gotten older that I in some ways envy those who get to go home. I don’t want to leave my family, but the thought of being in the presence of the most Holy God…just quickens my heart to go. Knowing that loved ones gone on will be there and be waiting, makes me want to see my dad again. To see my grandparents…and so many others. But I’m ready to go. I know that when I leave this side, I’ll step into a place that knows no night. I know that all sorrow and pain will be left behind, and I’ll stand in the presence of an almighty King. What about those who have no hope? How do they prepare? How do they cope?

If you’re reading this today…how will you prepare? Not just for death..but for life? Jesus said I am the way…the truth…what do you base your truth on today? If tomorrow you were told you have months to live, how would you prepare for them? I can’t imagine being any more hopeless, than being one who has no hope. Someone shared something this past weekend that says the gospel can be explained in 10 seconds with no problem. Jesus came to give us life, died to give us redemption and rose to give us hope. That’s it…end of story. Where do you place your trust today?

Pray for Pete and Donna. Pray that they’ll have comfort and peace. That everything will happen in Gods time..and that they’ll use this time to share with others what it means to be ready.

Till next time…

Take A Stand!

Rod

Hey there folks!

Ok…expect this NOT to be one of my typical newsletters. I’m not going to tell you about the dates we’re doing or where we’re going. I’m not going to talk about the radio single or even give you the link to write ENLIGHTEN AND REQUEST TAKE A STAND (ok..couldn’t pass that one up). This is a different kind of newsletter.

I’m sick. I’m sick beyond belief about some things that are going on around me. I’m sick of how many artists and ministers that I personally know who are under attack at their core. I’m sick that people I care about are being torn apart in their home lives, their work lives, their personal lives, all because they are committed to carrying a message of hope and grace. I’m sick of the outright spiritual warfare that is being waged on believers around this world. And finally, I’m sick of all the apathy that exists in the Christian community where some care more about who’s sitting in ‘their’ pew than who is going to hell!

Over the past several months I’ve been a personal witness to several episodes of attack against artists that we work with or know well. This has come in a variety of forms, everything from attacks aganst their health and finances, to direct attacks against their lives (remember the bus bombing). I’ve seen their families attacked…their marriages, their ministries…all come under fire because of their determination to take a stand and live what they know to be truth. I’m sick of these attacks!

You see…I really believe we’re living in a place where these things are just going to get worse. The more we work for the Kingdom of God…the more we’re going to face adversity. The more steps of boldness we take, the more satan will come against us to bring us down. As artists and ministries…we often are so consumed with carrying the message and making a difference that we protect our fronts, but leave our flanks exposed. This happens most often when we’re in the mode of constant ‘giving out’ and not taking in enough. We’ve all done it..I’ve been there. We get so busy we don’t take time for personal ministry. We get so involved in what we’ve got going that we don’t take time for the word. That leaves us exposed…and open for attack. And most of the time that attack comes in so quickly and without warning that we’re totally caught off guard and often staggered by the force of the impact. It’s enough to bring some ministries to a grinding halt, especially if they don’t have a good core support system of family and friends, but also of other artists.

Being on the road and in ministry is not all it’s cracked up to be. Most folks see the travelling around on a nice bus and looking all pretty in our stage clothes…and they feel like they know the life we’re leading, and that it’s a really cool deal. IT IS. But that’s only a small part of the real life. They don’t see all the long hours, little sleep and loads of work that go on behind everything. They don’t see the struggles and the worries that accompany this vocation just like any secular position. Artists need artists to survive. We need to have people around us that know what it’s like and know how we feel. They are the ones to call in the middle of the night and say…I’m hurting. I’m down…I’ve got a problem. We need to be able to reach out to trusted individuals and say “pray for me…I’m having a bad time”. Now we need to be able to do that without fear of it showing up in a press release the next morning…but that’s a different rant. I would encourage EVERY artist to build that relationship with others so that you have someone to call. Somebody said…well you should just pray, God is there. Well of course He is. But sometimes you need someone on the other end of the phone, or sitting across from you…that’ll just reach out and slap you if needed. Now God has done that to me in the past…but sometimes having that physical smack can get your attention more quickly.

As ministries continue to reach out to the lost, we need people who will stand “in the gap” for us. I never really understood that saying for a while..what gap? Cumberland gap? Now I get it…there’s a divide that we sometimes face when we’re out there pushing a message and a ministry. The attacks are sure to come…but if we’ve got people standing behind us, praying for our peace…our sanity, for the favor of God in our lives. That helps to fill that chasm that gets created in our spiritual foundation. That doesn’t excuse our lacking in any way…we still need to be on our guard and be prepared. But when the battles been raging and we’re weak, having someone there to hold up our arms so that we can fight on is crucial. If you know personally some folks that are in ministry..whether evangelistic by  travelling around all over or your local pastors and ministry teams, adopt them. Reach out to them…let them know that you’re supporting them with your prayers. Then do it. Pray for them…lots. Lift them up at all times during the day…send them notes of encouragement, anything. Support them financially..they (we) need it. Do something…anything…to further the message of grace.

If you stop for 10 seconds you can name a dozen people that you personally know who are lost. Do it…count them. When was the last time you spent 10 seconds praying for them? I’m not trying to be preachy…but we’ve got a problem in the ‘church’ today. We’ve focused on so much organization and structure that we’ve completely forgotten about allowing God to move in the way HE needs to move. Some churches we visit have things some timed and programmed that even if God showed up, they wouldn’t let Him on the schedule of service events. We’ve spent so much time as a church drinking the milk without really getting in to the meat. We’ve spent too much time being ’seeker friendly’ that we left out who we’re supposed to be seeking. We hold revivals in our churches that amount in some cases to little more than a feel good get together. We’d accomplish the same thing if we had a church cookout and a good softball game. A real revival is whats needed in the church…one where people are drawn into services by the overwhelming presence of God. We need a revival where people can simply be in the same area as we are and know that we’re Christians. Not by the clever T-shirts or religious symbols on jewelry, but by a saturation of the manifestation of God. People were healed by shadows when Jesus walked the earth…what’s your shadow gonna do except provide a little shade? It’s time to get off our butts and get on our knees…back to what is really important about a relationship with
God. I’m not against church social activities…I don’t even mind the ‘holy grounds’ coffee bar in some of the bigger churches around. But aside from building big numbers with attractive activities, how are we building an army to fight for the lost?

Yes…this has been a different sort of newsletter for me. But I’ve gotten 1 too many calls about another attack against people that I care about and respect. It’s time for Christians to rise and take a stand. It’s not just a good set of lyrics..it’s a call to battle. Before I ask if you’re answering the call…let me ask you this; are you even hearing the call to action? Sadly a lot of Christians have become so accepting of the world and what it gives, that we’re deaf to the cries of those who are lost and going to hell. Listen…can you hear it?

Take A Stand…

 Rod

 www.rodburtonmusic.com

http://www.twitter.com/rodburtonmusic

Hey there folks!

I hope that everyone is having a great first day of September. It’s hard to believe that August is gone..and soon our summer will be too. We’ve been seeing very cool temperatures here in Illinois this past couple of weeks. I told someone the other day that if this global warming keeps up, I’m going to freeze to death!

Things have been very busy these last couple of weeks. We’ve set several new dates all the way out into next year and have some special things coming soon. Next week I’ll get the chance to share the stage with the legendary Blackwood Quartet for 2 nights! On the 10thI’ll be with them in Muncie, Indiana and on the 11th in Scotsburg, Indiana. It’s a treat for me to get to be withthem and especially with Ron Blackwood. Ron has become a great friend to me and my family, and it’s an honor to get to work with him. Be sure and check out the SCHEDULE to see all the new dates and times added. And be sure to check back often as we’re adding new dates all the time. If you’d like me to come be a part of your church or event, just call or e-mail me and we’ll work it out.

Another great event that is coming is a cruise to the Bahamas this January. This is the 1st time we’ve been on a cruise, but I’m really looking forward to it. We’ll spend 5 great days at sea and visiting various ports in the Caribbeansun. You can’t beat that in January. I really need some folks to sign up and go with us, so send me an e-mail or call me right away! Spots are going fast and I would love to have you there.  And coming this November is a special concert that I’m really excited about. On Friday night, November 13th, we’ll present a special concert at The Harlan Center in Harlan, Ky. This is home to me…so we’re calling this the Coming Home to Harlan concert. Another original Harlan countian is Paul Roark of the Roarks. They’ll be there that night as well and we’ll have Harlansown Out of Ashes with us. It’s going to be a great time and the tickets are only $5. We’ll also collect a canned good at the door that will be donated to the local food pantry. I hope this is the 1st of several concerts to come in Harlan, so please send this off to anyone you know in that area and tell them to get their tickets now! They can contact me or WFSR radio there in Harlan. That number is 606-573-1470. Just ask for Paul and he’ll get you some information. Last but not least is the 2010 Branson Gospel Music Convention. Plans are underway and it’s going to be a great time. It’s not too early to get your tickets, I expect it to be sold out for 2010.

My new single Take A Stand is doing well at radio. It’s very important that you call your station and request it, and also to call or write to Enlighten Radio on XM and Sirius. You can send these folks an e-mail by clicking HERE and asking them to play Take A Stand by Rod Burton. The message of this song just continues to stir peoples hearts across the nation. Please take a minute to request those songs now. Call your local stations…if they don’t have it on the Rick Hendrix compilation disc, let me know…I’ll get it to them.

I’ve noticed a difference in the way I see things lately. It’s amazing to me the times we live in and the things we’re seeing develop around us. I think this is the time more than ever that Christians have to let our voices be heard. It’s in everything we do…our lives, our families…the influences we’re seeing come against family values and what is right just grows every day. We’ve got to stand up for what we know to be true. Now is the time…not tomorrow. There are plenty of things that YOU can do. For one…call and request that song. We need to be challenged today. Another is to take a close look at what your family and kids are watching, listening to, etc. I’m not saying they should only watch christian programming or only listen to christian radio. But have you seen or heard some of the things your little children watch? What about your teens? We need to guard against what influences all our lives. That’s why I love Enlighten on XM/Sirius. They deliver a strong message that is positive. Another great influence is SkyAngel Television. This company offers quality FAMILY entertainment direct to your TV set. It’s not meant to replace your cable or satellite, but to enhance it. You really owe it to yourself to check it out. Just let me know and I’ll get info for you on how you can become part of the SkyAngel family. We need these influences in our home. We need to hear positive Christian influences around us.

I read an article today about a Pastor from Arizona who has made the news again because he’s preaching that he’s praying for Obama to die and go to hell. What a nut job! I don’t care what you think about politics or who you like/dislike. It’s loons like this that give Christianity a bad name. This guy is off the charts and is hurting the cause of Christ more every time he opens his mouth. That message is exactly what we don’t need. I don’t care for the politics of Obama, but I care deeply about his soul. I don’t want to see anyone lost, not even a democrat! It’s time that Christians stood up and let our real voices be heard. The last thing we need is another fringe nut being labeled as the ‘christian voice’. The only way to stop this is for us to speak out, loudly. Join me! It’s time for revival in this land…but we’ll never get there as long as we sit back on our attributes and let the world continue to set the message in this land.

We’ll be on the road a lot over the next several weeks. Pray for me and my family…that we’ll be safe, but that also we’ll see change in peoples lives and in their hearts.

It’s not too late…it’s time to Take A Stand!

Hey there folks!

I hope that everyone is having a great summer. We’ve been incredibly busy since the Branson event, and we’re already very engaged in Branson 2010! It’s going to be even bigger and better than 2009, so get ready! Just click HERE to get the info you need to be a part! More to come on that…

This is a busy time of year for us. We’re gearing up for my annual homecoming event this weekend. The Jay Stone Singers will again be with us, to celebrate the ministry that God gave, and share His love with everyone. If you can make it, please join us. Just visit my website for all the details. The new single “Take A Stand” is also doing really well. We did get the initial reports back and several station across the country are playing it in the medium and heavy rotations. In addition, some added it as their top 5 new songs reported to Singing News. That will help it to get a lot of attention. It’s still very important for you to send an e-mail HERE and let the folks at Enlighten know you want to hear “Take A Stand”. Please take a moment and do that now if you will. Also call your local radio stations and ask them to play it as well. The more requests given…the better the response and attention. We’re excited about what God is doing in this ministry, and want to share with everyone His amazing love!

Now to the title! In the last newsletter I gave you a wrap up of Branson and how exciting and energizing that time was for this ministry. We had decided to take a couple weeks away from the planning and get rested up before we started planning for 2010.  That lasted about a day…and on the way home from Branson, we were already in planning mode. You see, God birthed something in  both Kelly and me that week. We’ve been ministry minded for a long time, but there was an awakening that took place during the Branson event. There’s a difference in being called to the Ministry, and being called to the Ministry as your primary focus. For quite some time I have been torn in 2 worlds. There’s the business side that took a lot of focus and energy everyday, then the ministry side that took a lot of focus and energy everyday. Add to that the family, kids, etc…things could get hectic. We knew that God was calling us to a place where we could put more focus on the ministry side of our lives. Once we got home from Branson, that desire just grew. It was difficult to go back and fit into the day time role of Comcast while still driving to build ministry ideas at home. We knew that a change was coming, and we knew that God had a plan, but we had no idea of what was to come.

Once home we began to pray that God would allow a change in our lives. One that would let us focus on the ministry while still taking care of responsibilities. We specifically prayed..and had others pray, that I would either be given a new job responsibility that would not be as demanding, or that I’d be given a severance package that would allow us to move on. We really had no idea that either was possible, and certainly didn’t think there was any hope for the package. But God knew better. Just this past week I went into a meeting where I was offered a package to leave the business.  My first 10 seconds was somewhat a shock. I’ve been in this business for 22 years…and with this company for 10+…now to think that I wouldn’t be….but wait! Almost an audible thought jumped in my mind…and said “This is what you asked for…remember?” That was enough. I had prayed that God would open a door…and He did. I was shocked…which speaks to my lack of faith, that He would answer in the exact way I had prayed and asked. I even had to let the HR person know who was giving me the info that it was ok. She was feeling bad about things…and a little flustered. I told her about the ministry, and that this was a perfect answer to prayer…and to please just not worry about it. She felt better.

So…as of this past week, we are in full time ministry! Now…that doesn’t mean that this is all we do. I’ll be looking at some consulting…have already been approached by a couple of companies to do that. But I’ll be able to set the schedule and work it around my ministry focus, which is exactly what I wanted to do. It’s not to say there won’t be challenges…there will be. But I know that God has prepared us for this time….and it’s been a rough preparation. He has set us in a place that we can finally be used by Him, and I couldn’t be more excited. We will need your help…no doubt. A change like this means a lot of adjustment mentally. I’ve already had Satan attacking me on “what are we going to do” kinds of things. But quickly…I remind Him that my Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills…so I believe I own at least 1! We will need your prayers! We’ll need your contacts in helping to secure concerts and pastors…we’ll need you to call your radio stations…all that will help. We have been contacted already about folks who want to sponsor our ministry monthly…that’s fantastic! We’d love to have you help in any way you can, but most of all, pray for us. I want the things that we’re involved in to do mighty works for God, and I know that He’ll see us through.

There will be lots to share in the coming weeks about the Branson GMC 2010, as well as several other ventures we’re working on. Keep watching here…and please forward this newsletter to all your friends. They can subscribe at the link on the bottom, or by visiting the website. We appreciate all of you so much, and feel blessed to have you be a part of this work. I believe more than ever that it’s time we stand up for what we know is truth. We’re seeing people we love turn away from their faith as a matter of convenience. It’s easier to not follow our hearts, and simply follow the darkness in this world. We as Christians have sat around too long singing “Just As I Am”…it’s a great message, but we need to stand up and say “We’ll NOT be defeated”! It’s time to Rise and TAKE A STAND!

Please check out the dates section at the website, just click HERE and you’ll see the events currently on schedule. Many more are being worked on even now…but please plan to be with us whenever you can! We look forward to seeing you soon.

Till next time…

Take A Stand!

There are a lot of changes going on at Rod Burton Music… obviously one is to the website. Please be patient while we move things around a little & prepare to share some exciting news with you.

In the meantime, we hope you can join us at Rod’s 3rd Annual Homecoming, with our dear friends Jay Stone Singers from Hope Mills, NC:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009
FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH
148 W. 26TH STREET
S. CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL 60411

Hey y’all!

We are back from a fantastic week in Branson at the Branson Gospel Music Convention! This is
the ‘official’ update, so get comfy, grab a cold drink, and HANG ON!

But first…a message from our sponsors. Did want to get in that we’ve added several new dates to the schedule…and I’m looking for several more. Please check with your local churches and send them to my web site. I’d love to come and share the message of hope, grace and restoration. Also…be sure to contact your local radio station and XM/Sirrus Enlighten to request Take A Stand. It’s a song with a message that we need today!

Last week was without a doubt one of the best weeks of my life. Having had many great weeks, that’s not something I say too quickly. The vision of the Branson Gospel Music Convention was simple. We wanted to celebrate the message and the music, and see lives changed both in the seats and on the stage. Last week we saw all those goals accomplished by a higher power than any of us could even imagine.

As most of you know, the convention faced several trials through the months. The biggest was that our partner took off with some of the funds for the event, as well as money that other artists had paid for recording projects. While that was a tough thing to deal with, God made a way and the convention moved on. When we arrived there on Sunday evening, we immediately heard from folks who were having a hard time either finding the place or even getting into Branson. Car troubles, direction issues, deer meat on the road…you name it, our artists and partners were having the problems.

Monday morning we met at the Branson Convention Center with a group of about 40 for prayer. Then the work began. Booths, carpeting, stages, sound, lights…all had to be set and ready by 11am Tuesday. The people doing the work were amazing, and even more amazing was the attitude that everyone worked with. People were excited about what was going to happen that week. There was an anticipation in the air that this was something we’d be talking about for years. There were no egos, no bickering, it was a great experience. Each problem we faced, we found a solution for. Each challenge that was raised, there was an answer provided. Things were coming together and we ending our day about 11pm that night. The stage and sound crew was still working, and didn’t expect to get done till about 2am. They started about noon that day. –Commercial break–The Sonshine Group led by Travis and Shane Roark are some of the best folks I’ve ever worked with. They care…and they’re willing to go the distance, no matter. I’d highly recommend them for any event.

Tuesday was an early call with lots to do before the 1st song was to kick off at 11am. We started the day with an artist only chapel at 9am. I stepped on the stage (that didn’t get done till after 2am) for the first time Tuesday morning and was amazed. There are things in your life that you picture in your head and hope to see them come to be. Usually they don’t quite measure up to that vision…but may be close. As I stood on the stage and looked out over all the seats in that building, I saw exactly what I had pictured in my head. It was perfect…could not have been any more so. Even though the stage I was standing on didn’t exist the week before (Travis found and bought it, driving from Knoxville to PA and then to Branson just for this event), it was set up and laid out exactly as I wanted. The dimensions were right on, the 16ft cat walk was right on, it was perfect. Young Harmony opened with worship and my buddy Bobby Carter delivered a message and challenge to the artists. It was just what we needed to kick start this event.
The booth spaces were filling up nicely and most groups had arrived as planned. The first song was kicked off after prayer at 11am, and the Branson Gospel Music Convention was underway!

Tuesday night had an opening number that I had thought of many months before. I wanted to do something really special and make this a night to remember. We got most of the artists to participate, and at 6pm a live band made of my good friend Gregg Gray from Mansion Entertainment and 3 members of the Country Tonight Band took the stage. They started playing “Won’t That Be A Hallelujah Meeting” as we stood behind the stage. The crowd was estimated to
be about 600…which was only 1/3 of what it could be. While I would love to have seen it packed…I was pleased that the 1st night was as well received. After letting the band ‘vamp’ the intro for a bit, I took the stage singing the chorus to the song. The crowd was clapping and my special back ground singers were down off the stage backing me up. After that chorus I did the 1st verse, which starts with “Oh what a celebration, forgetting where we’ve been”. That was an
incredible time. We’d been in a valley…through issues and pain. But now we were standing on the mountain, lifting praise to an almighty God who had seen fit to use us in this manner. When I finished the verse…the band played and I welcomed the folks to Branson. I thanked them for being a part of history, and for being at the 1st ANNUAL Branson Gospel Music Convention. We’d already decided…this was going to be an annual event. I then had the privilege to introduce my friend…and someone I admire very much, Mr. Eric Hinson to sing the 2nd verse. Eric hit the stage running, and never looked back. His energy is as high as it was when he was on the stage with Kenny and Ronnie, and he was determined to minister to those people that night. We sang the chorus together, then I welcomed all the Branson GMC artists to join us in the song.

Folks came from behind the stage up to join us, and from the hallways into the main auditorium to gather round the stage. It was an awesome site to behold, and the spirit of God was there. We had some of the best know names in Gospel music on that stage Tuesday night. The Blackwoods (commercial break here…Ron Blackwood is one ofthe best men I’ve ever known. God has made him a picture of grace, and he blessed me last week in a great way), The Chuck Wagon Gang and many, many more. All the artists were great and ministered to the crowd till the midnight cry (almost), but nothing compared for me to that opening. It was a celebration that I believe stirred Heaven, and started our week on a very positive note.

Wednesday was the first ever His Choice Talent Search. This was a great event that had folks talking all week. Several artists performed for a chance at recording time with His Choice Music and a spot on the Friday night stage. At 11am we kicked off day 2, and never looked back. Each of the matinee sessions had very good crowds, but the greatest thing was that there were people there who wouldn’t come to the ticketed evening event. They came during the day and were greeted with ministry, and many ended up coming back that evening. Wednesday night was incredible, the ministry was turned up a notch and the crowds were bigger. God was moving in that place, people were seeing their lives changed and we were just half way through the week!

Our new buddy Dino had our board come and have dinner at his cafe after the concert that night. He and Cheryl are wonderful people with a love of Branson and a love for ministry. They also have some of the best food anywhere! The welcomed us themselves that night about 12:30 and visited for quite a while. We appreciate them and their staff for being so kind and generous to us and the event.

Thursday Kelly and I had the chance to leave the convention center for a bit. Our friend Elaine from 2nd Generation took us over to the Jim Bakker show for me to sing. It was great fun…and I appreciate the folks at Morning Side
for all their support. I also go to see just how fresh I look in makeup! Even with big 4 day bags under the eyes, they made me look like I was wide awake! We had a wonderful support network back at the center keeping things going. There were many folks, but Ginger Bond, Brenda Denney, Bobby Carter, Jonathon Edwards and our daughter Paige were essential in running the show. Everything moved right along and we arrived back about 3pm. There were
several special events planned for that night, and lots of preparations to get them ready. We appreciate everyone who played a part in this event. While I can’t name them all, I have to add to the names above and mention Rose and Jerry Capriotti (Kelly’s mom and dad) for helping with the little girls, my Aunt Reba and Treva, my Mom and her husband Larry…all these folks were incredible helps to us.

Thursday night brought the Diamond Awards to Branson. Rob Patz (also a huge help) with SGM Radio put together
a great event and the evening was off and running. Another special event that night was one dear to me. The “Hinson Revival” was on the schedule…but we were keeping it a secret as to what that meant. When the time came for Hinson Revival to take the stage, it was Eric, Sharona Carter from the Jay Stone Singers and me. We had put together a set of classic Hinson songs and hit the stage with “He Can”. The folks in the audience went wild, and we had a blast with that song, “I Could Still Go Free” and “Hallelujah Meeting”. It was such an honor for me having grown up a Hinson fan, to now be able to share those songs with the people at that event. The last song was “The Lighthouse”. As Eric sang the 1st and 2nd verse to that song, I stood and looked at the crowd that was there. We’d grown since Tuesday night. Estimates were 900+, but what had really grown that week was the ministry. People were being fed…people were being changed. It was great to see…and it was wonderful to stand there on the stage looking out at the crowd, and know that God had allowed Kelly and me to be a part of this. The chorus to that song is one that touches me every time…and this
night was no different. The crowd joined in and praises rang from one end of that building to another. God was being honored there that night…and He poured His spirit out on the audience and the artists in the crowd. It was yet another amazing night of praise.

Friday was the final day of the event. Just like every other day we kicked off at 11am and folks were ministered too the entire day. I’m so thankful for every artist that took part in this event. I’m thankful for their hearts…and their willingness to be used. We had regional groups that most had never heard of on the same stage right after the legendary Stamps Quartet. All shared the same message. All shared the same vision. Friday night was a jam packed night of worship. Kenny Hinsons son Wes was there with his group, Ron and The Blackwoods continued to just raise the roof and many regional groups delivered powerful messages of hope and grace to a crowd estimated at 1200. There was a great time of ministry all day and evening, and then end of the night and the event was fast approaching. Another idea I had several months ago was to have a closing number involving as many artists as possible. We had arranged for everyone that could to be available at the end of the night, and my friend David East of The Sounds, along with Bobby and Stone Carter took the stage and started playing a song. Kelly and I went to the stage and thanked folks for joining and standing with us through this week. It had been a long journey, filled with pain and obstacles, but we pushed through. We’d seen peoples lives changed over those 4 days. There was at least one of the hotel workers who had
listened to the music and talked to one of the artists about it. That man gave his life to Jesus that night. His life was changed forever. There were many folks in the day and evening audiences who came and told us the impact the week had on them, lives changed…and there were artists who shared the same story. Artists who had found themselves weary and weak in their ministries had their lives changed. These were regional as well as national artists who were refreshed and revived through the ministry of this event. These are people who will now go out and share a fresh message of hope and grace with countless individuals, sharing the good news and saving grace of Jesus Christ. Lives…will be changed. As David and the guys played, I started singing the verse to a song that has ministered to me for years. My mentor and the man who gave me the love for ministry wrote a song called “I’ll See You In The Rapture”.Charles Feltner wrote a song 40 years ago that was touching hearts in Branson, MO that night. The verse says “If we never meet again, on this earth my precious friend. If to God we have been true, and we’ve lived above our sin. Then for us…there’ll be a meeting, oh there’s going to be a greeting. And I’ll see you in the rapture, some day”. That was the promise we left with those people that night. It was late…the crowd had dwindled some, but the stage and front floor area was filled with artists who were making that promise to each other, and to the crowd. If we don’t see you here again, we’ll see you in the rapture!

Hearts were changed that week, mine was. I have a more clear picture of ministry and my life than ever before. I’m so blessed to have a partner and wife that sees that same vision. We’re already making plans for Branson 2010, and know that God has some incredible things in store for us as we head that direction. Please pray for us, for guidance and wisdom. Pray for those who have stood with us in our board of advisers. Pray for those who will take a more active role as we move ahead. And pray for our ex partner who took from us in an effort to stop this event. Satan used him as a tool meant for harm, but God took that and changed lives last week that will change lives for years to come.

Take A Stand!

Rod