Ok…a great song, and a fact that it’s been WAY too long since I wrote an update to what’s going on around here. Things have been in hyperdrive since the year started and we’re not likely to see a lot of breaks anytime soon.
January we started with the celebration of Kelly’s “Jesus” birthday. Since she’s 33…she feels like this is her year for greatness! I agree with her. We were honored to be asked back to the writers conference at Bloom Trail High School this year. Kelly held some classes for the students about writing and social networking, and since she writes a lot about me, I was asked to come sing. Now understand that this is a public High School in an urban area of Chicago. But that Friday morning, I sang about Jesus to this auditorium of students and administrators. The song I used was “There Is A God” and we had the receptionist in the hallway about to run the aisles. It was an awesome opportunity to share the gospel in a public high school. We plant where we can!
We went on a cruise later in the month. I’d never actaully done a cruise before, but we had some great services and met some wonderful folks on that ship. We’re working on putting together another cruise…so come and go with us. There’s just something about being in the middle of the ocean singing Gospel music!
We spent time in Branson where Hinson Revival had the chance to sing a couple of dates (Click HERE to see some video), and I was the best man for Eric’s wedding. He and April had a beautiful ceremony in a glass church. We were honored to be there and so happy for them.
We left Branson to head for Nashville and start on my new solo CD. “The Difference” is a mix of classic songs (like The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference and Beaulah Land) and new songs that you’re going to love. One of them is called “Son of Man’s Man” and was written just for me by some new friends in Nashville. There’s even a ‘country’ version of the old Imperials song “Water Grave” on this project…with some special surprises coming on that song.
Then Kaity turned 2, so we had to take some time celebrate that. Hard to believe that she’s already 2! We are very blessed to have such wonderful kids.
So, it has been a busy time around here. But we’re just getting started. The next several months are filled with solo concerts and Hinson Revivalconcerts, as well as finishing my solo CD. God has opened some amazing doors for us to share His word and carry the gospel. Be in prayer for us, and make sure you come see us when we’re in your area. If you would like to have me or Hinson Revival at your church or for a concert in your area, contact me. We’d love to be there.
Another new venture for us has just been announced. New Hope Music Productions is a new record label that we’ve just launched. We’re going to be focusing on helping artists grow their ministry with quality recordings and straight forward honesty. There are some amazing artists out there who just need some honest feedback, and that’s what we’ll be doing. I’m working with Darrell Webb who is a long time veteran of the gospel industry and shares my heart for ministry. Together we want to help grow others so that they can carry the message on. There will be more announcements coming about New Hope Music Productions, and I look forward to everything God has to do here!
So that’s a quick summary of the start of our year. Where do we go from here…it just keeps getting better. The Branson Gospel Music Convention is in full swing and shaping up to be an amazing year. If you have not made your plans to be there, do it today. We’ll have a week of ministry, celebration and church. Come and join The Blackwood Quartet, Dino, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Hinson Revival, 2nd Generation, McMillan and Life…and so many more. Check out the web for an updated listing of artists scheduled to be there.
With all this activity, many are sending us congratulations on all that we’re doing. I have to quickly stop those folks and let them know we’re not doing anything. We’ve been blessed to have several opportunities presented to us as a ministry team. Kelly and I are amazed at how God is moving in our lives, but it’s not a bed of roses. We are finding that we are being more challenged every day. We face more obstacles, more doubt, more fears…it’s part of the territory. The more we’re challenged, the more I’m convinced that we’re on the brink of some amazing things in this ministry. I know beyond any doubt that God has His hand on where we are and where we are headed. But we need your help to keep going. Your prayers for us daily are needed. Please continue to pray for our family, wisdom and direction. I’m reminded that in ministry we have to keep encouraging ourselves. To last in ministry we have to learn what David did:”He ENCOURAGED HIMSELF in the LORD”(1 Sam30:6). We can’t expect others to do it for us. We have to stay grounded and focused on His purpose, and not our desires. Please pray with us that we’ll maintain that focus.
I promise to write more than once every other month, learning to work for yourself is sometimes a hard lesson to learn. Please contact your local radio stations and Enlighten and ask them to play not only my music, but also Hinson Revival. Stations should start getting new material from Hinson Revival over the next few weeks, let’s get them started looking for it now!
Till next time…
Blessings!
Rod
Recently:
- Interesting read on digital vs. physical CD sales
- From hopeless…to hope
- I saw God today….
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- Rod Burton Signs Booking Agreement With EHA Nashville
- 2010 Homecoming Concert with Jay Stone Singers Coming in August
- Rod Burton Exits Hinson Revival
- Rod Burton Releases New Recording – The Difference
- Both Hinson Revival and Rod Burton added to Gospel Music Nashville 2010!
