Hey folks….

OK…so I don’t know if this is a real story or not. It may be one of those internet stories that start out as guppies and end up as whales…but it still tells a good story.

HAIRBRUSH EXPERIENCE OF BETH MOORE AT THE AIRPORT
For those of you who do not know Beth Moore, she is an outstanding Bible teacher, writer of Bible studies, and is a married mother of two daughters.

This is one of her experiences:

April 20, 2005, at the Airport in Knoxville, waiting to board the plane, I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing.. I’d had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say this because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you. You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons, not the least of which is your ego.

I tried to keep from staring, but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones. The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy, gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long, clean but strangely out of place on an old man.

I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I’d just had a Howard Hughes sighting. Then, I remembered that he was dead. So this man in the airport… an impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere? There I sat; trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served up on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while, my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him.

Let’s admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man. I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I’ve learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing.

I immediately began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind. ‘Oh, no, God, please, no’ I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, ‘Don’t make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I’ll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don’t make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!’ There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, ‘Please don’t make me witness to this man. Not now. I’ll do it on the plane.’ Then I heard it…’I don’t want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair.’

The words were so clear, my heart lept into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? No-brainer. I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, ‘God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I’m on this Lord. I’m your girl! You’ve never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am going to witness to this man.’ Again, as clearly as I’ve ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. ‘That is not what I said, Beth. I don’t want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair.’

I looked up at God and quipped, ‘I don’t have a hairbrush. It’s in my suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?’ God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God’s word: ‘I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works.’ (2 Timothy 3:17)

I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story, my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man and asked as demurely as possible, ‘Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?’ He looked back at me and said, ‘What did you say?’ ‘May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?’ To which he responded in volume ten, ‘Little lady, if you expect me to hear you, you’re going to have to talk louder than that.’ At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, ‘SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?’ At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Long Locks. Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face, and say, ‘If you really want to.’

Are you kidding? Of course I didn’t want to. But God didn’t seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, ‘Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don’t have a hairbrush.’ ‘I have one in my bag,’ he responded. I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger’s old carry-on, hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man’s hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don’t do many things well, but must admit I’ve had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls. Like I’d done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull. A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man’s hair. Everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair. I know this sounds so strange, but I’ve never felt that kind of love for another soul in my entire life. I believe with all my heart, I - for that few minutes - felt a portion of the very love of God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like someone renting a room and making Himself at home for a short while.

The emotions were so strong and so pure that I knew they had to be God’s. His hair was finally as soft and smooth as an infant’s. I slipped the brush back in the bag and went around the chair to face him. I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knee and said, ‘Sir, do you know my Jesus?’ He said, ‘Yes, I do’. Well, that figures, I thought. He explained, ‘I’ve known Him since I married my bride. She wouldn’t marry me until I got to know the Savior.’ He said, ‘You see, the problem is, I haven’t seen my bride in months. I’ve had open-heart surgery, and she’s been too ill to come see me. I was sitting here thinking to myself, what a mess I must be for my bride.’

Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a divine moment when we’re completely unaware of the significance. This, on the other hand, was one of those rare encounters when I knew God had intervened in details only He could have known. It was a God moment, and I’ll never forget it. Our time came to board, and we were not on the same plane. I was deeply ashamed of how I’d acted earlier and would have been so proud to have accompanied him on that aircraft.

I still had a few minutes, and as I gathered my things to board, the airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming down her cheeks She said, ‘That old man’s sitting on the plane, sobbing. Why did you do that? What made you do that?’ I said, ‘Do you know Jesus? He can be the bossiest thing!’

And we got to share.

I learned something about God that day. He knows if you’re exhausted, you’re hungry, you’re serving in the wrong place or it is time to move on but you feel too responsible to budge. He knows if you’re hurting or feeling rejected. He knows if you’re sick or drowning under a wave of temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed. He sees you as an individual. Tell Him your need! I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering how many opportunities just like that one had I missed along the way… all because I didn’t want people to think I was strange..

God didn’t send me to that old man. He sent that old man to me.

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Again..maybe this story is true…maybe it isn’t..it doesn’t really matter, cause the message is real. God will find the right place for us to minister, that’s the easy part. The hard part is us being willing to serve how He wants us to serve. We spend so much time trying to arrange the opportunity, that we sometimes miss the call. I’m not saying we don’t have to work to get things together. We schedule dates…host events, create world class conventions…it’s all in the name of ministry and it’s all needed. But we have to be careful not to get so caught up in being ministry minded that we miss the chance to share.

How many times have you felt that tug to say something to someone…and you didn’t. Maybe you felt drawn to a stranger that was having a hard time with a door or just looked to be having a hard time with the day. You really felt like you should just be kind…and maybe share a little about your faith…but you didn’t, because you didn’t want to be embarrassed or be wrong. How many blessings have you missed because of your unwillingness to see…but more importantly, what about those folks you could have shared with? If we are the eyes of Jesus to the world…how can they see if we refuse to look at them?

We spend so much time getting worked up over who’s going to win a game, or who will be the NEXT American Idol…all fun things. But when was the last time you got worked up over Jesus? When was the last time you got excited to share with a stranger that they are loved….and that there is hope?

I want to be sure that I focus forward. Not on things of the past…not on things that used to be, but on things to come. He has a plan…and though our ways don’t always match with His…our task is to learn to follow. To be used. To Stand UP…for what we KNOW to be right. Not what we believe to be right…what we KNOW. Will you join me?

Keep us in prayers. The closer we get to the Branson Gospel Music Convention, the more we’re being battled. We’ve got board members on the convention whose home has been robbed, one who had their bus fire bombed at a concert…things we just wouldn’t imagine are happening. Branson will be a place where ministry will be delivered. And all the demons in hell won’t stop that. Keep praying for us, encourage others to come and be with us.

The new single has been shipped with Rick Hendrix. Take A Stand challenges the faithful to stand up for what we know. Please request it at your local stations, at XM/Sirrus….wherever you have a chance. It’s imperative that God’s people hear a call to action. Now is the time…there may not be another.

Be sure to check the schedule…we’ve still got some dates that can be filled, and we’re working on some very special events coming up. I’ll send more about those soon.

Take A Stand…….

Hey there folks,

We’ve just wrapped up a great revival at Fellowship Baptist Church in Chicago Heights, IL. Evangelist Jim Valasquez from Santa Fe was an anointed speaker and we saw 8 people accept Jesus in their lives! It’s amazing how the simple message of salvation will break down even the most resistant hearts. We had a great time with Bro. Jim..and we’re planning a joint set of services out in the Santa Fe area for late October. More to come on that!

Things have been hopping here lately. We’re in full spring swing now which is a great time of year in Illinois. The kids can play outside and really enjoy the time we’re at home. We had great services last week in Ohio and are looking forward to a special Memorial Day weekend Concert at the Monee Free Methodist Church, 25528 S Willow Creek Ln in Monee, IL. Services start there at 10:30 so come and be with us if you can!

The new single release should be going out very soon. Please pray that “Take A Stand” will touch hearts and lives. I want the song to be heard around the world and serve as a call to Christians that we have so little time, and so much to do. As soon as I’ve confirmed that the compilation disc has gone out, I’ll let you know. I want you to call every radio station you can find and ask them to play this song. If there’s ever been a time in this nation where we need God, we need Him now. Truth…is marching on, but we can’t sit back on our yesterday experiences! There’s a move needed today and it’s time for Christians around the world to take a stand!

Please be sure and tell everyone about the Branson Gospel Music Convention! This event will have the chance to change peoples lives and we’re getting more and more excited about it everyday. We’re also running into more and more opposition and obstacles as we go along, but that’s not something that surprises me. I believe God has some great things in store for us in Branson, and we want you to be there. Tickets are selling fast, so be sure and visit the site to get your seats today! If you know if artists that would like to be a part of the event, we do still have a few booth spaces left…but tell them to hurry up!

Be sure to keep a check on the website for dates. We’re adding new dates all the time, but we’d still love to come be with you at your church or event. Just give us a call and we’ll get something on the calendar. Also be sure and pray for our friends little boy Adam. He’s in the hospital now with RSV and needs a healing touch from God. This little guy has had a rough go at life and spent several weeks at the start of his life in this same hospital. Just keep Adam and his family in your prayers.

Lastly..tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer. It’s a day where collectively we can come together and call on our Lord for the needs of our land. I encourage you to take time and just call on His name. So many today want to talk about a “higher power” or a “supreme authority”, go ahead…use the name! Jesus is a name that carries a whole lot of power…and we as a nation need to call on the name of Jesus right now. My good friend Rob Patz over at SGM Radio has put together a blog spot where you can list your prayer requests and thousands of people will pray with you and agree with you tomorrow. So go on over there now by clicking HERE and list your prayer request. Also read through and really reach out to God on behalf of the needs that are listed there. And please pray for us. Pray for this ministry, our family…all that we’re involved with in our ministry efforts. We so appreciate your support and encouragement.

That’s it for now…till next time,

Take A Stand!

Blessings,

Rod
 
www.rodburtonmusic.com
http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic
http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusic

Hey there folks…well, it’s really happened. Just when I’d almost given up…just when I was about to throw in the towel…spring really has arrived here in Illinois! Yep…you heard it here first, it’s going to be in the 70’s tomorrow…then the 80’s. The long range forecast shows nothing lower than about 60 for the next couple of weeks…so time to kick off the shoes and have a party!

Just a couple of quick notes for you this week. First we’ll be on the road this weekend and as always ask for your prayers. We’ll be at The Healing Heart Church in Huber Heights, Ohio on Saturday evening. The service starts at 6pm and will be a great time of ministry and song! There’s also food…so come a little early.  Sunday morning we’ll be at the W Alex Church of God in West Alexandria. Service starts there at 11am. Please come be with us in either or BOTH services! To all my pals from Northridge High School…come see the concert Saturday night and I’ll give you a free T-Shirt! (Course it has my name on it…so, you know).

We’re adding lots of new dates and some very special concert announcements. Be sure to check the web site for updates. We’ll have a great concert in Morehead, KY on Saturday September 19th. Check more info at Strictly Gospel and get your tickets now! The Branson Gospel Music Convention is also getting very exciting…if you haven’t made arrangements to be there, go to the WEB SITE  and get your seats!

There are some very exciting things coming for this ministry. I feel like more than ever before we’re in a place where we’re almost out of time. There’s a new sense of urgency like I personally have never known. The world and our nation are facing some very difficult times and seeing things that I believe truly point to a soon coming King. While that excites me in a way I can’t explain, it also breaks my heart. There are more friends and loved ones turning away from the truth and love of God every day. It’s time that we as Christians stood up for what we believe in. It’s time that we let our voices be heard. We are called with a purpose, we’re chosen and called out to be used in this world. We’re not made to sit back and allow defeat and strife to rule our land. There’s a call going out to the believer, and it’s time that we stand to answer that call.

I’ve decided to release a new song to radio. It’s one that I really never considered sending, primarily because it doesn’t have the commercial feel to it. But what it has is a message and an awakening call to those who call themselves Christians. The song is called “Take A Stand” and was written by my good buddy Bobby Carter. It’s off my last CD and starts with a line that says; “The shape the world is in today, must break the Saviours heart”. I believe that’s true. I believe that the silent majority has stood by too long and watched as evil and wrong take the lead over the good and the right. It’s time for every Christian, to rise and take a stand. While I’m not looking for this song to hit #1 on a chart, my desire is to have it pushed and played so hard that thousands upon thousands of people hear the message. That those believers are inspired to take a stand for what we know to be true. I’ve decided to release it with one of the most effective management teams in the music business…not just Christian music, but all. I want the people to hear this song. I want their hearts to be stirred. Please pray with me that this message reaches people all over the world, and that the truth they take from it is that Jesus is coming soon. We have to be ready…and we have to tell others about His great love. This call is changing the way I look at ministry; and changing the way I look at life.

I want to thank you folks for prayers…we’ve had several reports from people you’re praying for that can testify to the love of God.  We welcome little Camren and Keira into the world, even as we mourn the loss of others. Please pray for the families of Maddie and Thalon. These are a couple of the newest little angels who have recently gone home. Pray that God will provide peace, comfort and wisdom in all these situations.

Till next time….

Ok…so everyone else has this on their site…I may as well too. If you haven’t seen THIS VIDEO do yourself a favor and
check it out, it’s AMAZING.

Now…as I listen to Susan Boyle sing this incredible song (from my favorite musical Les Mis) I was captured. She has an incredible talent and she
just rocked this song…but there was more. She sang this song from her heart. She sang this song from a conviction deep inside her that tells of the
dream she dreamed, and how life has killed the dream she dreamed. If you look and listen to just a bit of her intro you’ll see that she’s not all
polished and together. She’s likely had a struggle wanting to be something but not knowing how to get there. She’s likely had a dream limited by life
and the struggles that have come against her. But here…on this stage…in front of Simon no less, she touched the very core of the dream she has
held for a lifetime.

Now attention all you artists out there. What’s your dream? What touches you so deep in your being that nothing is right without you being able to
share that dream? I have lots of dreams. I want to sing along side Bill Gaither with the GVB (Uncle Bill…CALL ME), I want sing at the Grand Ole
Opry…I want to do a duet with Vince Gill. There are so many things musically I want to do and they are strong in me….but most of all, I want to
share the love of Jesus with just one person. I want just one person to know first hand the grace that brought me out of a pit that had no bottom. I
want just one person to stand in the presence of an all mighty King and know that His blood covered all their sins, and they’re free. I want that more
than any of these things that I can say are dreams….and life tries every way to kill that dream in me. The enemy uses every trick he can to keep us
from fulfilling the calling on our lives. He uses the trapping of all the glory and reward to keep our eyes from the real goal. He uses the lure of
success to take our focus off the true and ultimate goal. As artists we have to hurt with a need to share the message. There are people every time
we take a stage who may be looking at their final chance to miss hell. That moment in time may be the last chance they’ll have before they step into
an eternity of suffering and loss…separated from the Light of the World. If that doesn’t break your heart….and give you a need to share
the word…to share the message and to share the hope of life…then why are you there?

We’ve got tons of great singers in Gospel Music…great entertainers….great performers, and I love them all. I’m a fan…as much a fan as an artist.
I LOVE this music…but more than anything, I have a need that reaches beyond what I sometimes understand….to share with just one more person that
Jesus loves them. No matter where they were….no matter what they did, no matter who they hurt…the grace the He gave covers it all.

We’re in a battle that grows more fierce everyday. The stakes are higher than ever, because more than ever people that we love are walking away from
the truth of God. We have to be more engaged now than ever before…because we’re almost out of time. The things that happen on a day to day basis in
our lives are so meaningless, in comparison to the eternity decisions that countless people will make this very day. What are you doing artists? What
is your passion level? What about the business…the actions….the CDs, the charts….the concerts…the conventions, what about those things have
made you take your eyes off the real reason we sing? It’s natural…we all get caught in the traps and find our focus pulled. But it’s time to stand
up. It’s time that we take a stand for what we believe…and who we are. We’re not just another group…or soloist…or band, We’re selected with a
purpose..chosen for a reason. It’s time to take a stand.

Enjoy this video…I did. It made me cry. Partly because she does such a great job and I love the song. But mostly…because I see in her the face to
face meeting with the dream of a lifetime….and she’s basking in it. Imagine that day soon…when we bask in the presence of His glory….that is
what should have you in tears.

Blessings,

Rod

www.rodburtonmusic.com

http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic

http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusic

Hey there folks!

Hope that everyone is doing well and enjoying some (at least) nicer weather. We actually woke up yesterday morning to snow…which was not a nice way to start my day. But I’m sure that REAL spring is just around the corner, and I can’t wait!

We just returned from a 10 day tour last weekend and had a great time. We started out down in Richmond, Ky with some radio interviews at WCBR and a chance to sing over at a local assisted living center. I really enjoyed both those events, and especially loved sharing with the residents there. They are all very sweet people and we had a great time. It was also a very special time with family. I was able to celebrate my birthday with some of the best cooking anywhere…and we had plenty of left over food to keep us on the bus during the week. I love spending time with my KY family…they make us feel right at home and they feed me all my favorite things!

Sunday we headed towards Pigeon Forge for a week at SGM Fan Fair. If you’ve never been to this event, you should plan for it. It was a great time and we look forward to it next year. On the way down we stopped near Corbin, Ky for fuel and a chance to dump the waste tanks. While I was doing that, a guy in a pick up pulled around and asked what kind of music I was doing. I told him it was Christian/Gospel/Country and he started talking to me about what he believes and his view of God. WOW! So I get to spend quite a little time with this guy…just sharing the gospel straight forward. He had some very interesting thoughts on submitting to the authority of God…but I was able to let him know that we’re all going to bow before His sovereignty, either here…or there. And here’s a MUCH better time to get’r done! I left him with a promise I’d pray for him…and asked him to consider making that commitment. Don’t know his full name…but keep John in your prayers.

We got into Pigeon Forge with no problems…and found the convention center where the event was to take place. When I went in to find out where the ‘ample’ bus parking was located, I was pointed up a hill that at the top had a very sharp curve..leading out onto a open space area. Now it’s not that the parking area was bad…there was plenty of room to park several busses up there…it’s the hill and the curve that made it a challenge. The guy doing the parking was sure we’d get up there with no problem…he’d even go up with me to help me out. So…not being one to back down from a challenge…up the hill we went. Everything went really well till we got to that curve. There was just not room enough to swing that bus around the curve to get to the top. So now…the question was how to get down? I had to back down that hill….and oh…it was now pretty dark. And did I mention there were several cars parked along side at the bottom? It was not a pretty site…but we got down just fine…and parked at the bottom of that hill for the night. The next day they had some trees and brush removed…so I was able to get up the hill (again…not backing down from a challenge!), and we even stayed up there for one night. But there weren’t any lights…and that hill was quite the climb…so we spent the rest of the week parked at an RV site! It was lots of fun…and gave the girls a place to play.

The convention was a great success. There were lots of friends there that we haven’t seen in a while…and we got to meet a lot of new artists as well. The concerts were great and the crowd was really good. We made several new contacts for Branson, as well as for some dates and opportunities to minister. Again…we’ll certainly go back and be a part next year!

Pigeon Forge is a really nice area as well. We had the chance to do a little playing while there. We also got the chance to eat at Tony Gore’s Rib place. Kirk Talley had told me it was even better than Montgomery Inn (which I think is the best in the world), so we tried it out. It was REALLY amazing. If you’ve never been there…you have to give it a try. I’d say the meat is better than MI, while the sauce is a close second. But no doubt…eating at Tony’s is a must when you’re in that area. We also got some time with a couple of my cousins that I hadn’t seen a while. We met over at Mels Diner one day…and it was great to see them again.

On Saturday morning we headed north towards Harlan County, KY. It’s been years since I was there…and Kelly had never had the…opportunity to visit! One of the biggest concerns most folks had about us coming to Harlan, was whether or not we’d be able to get the bus down some of those streets. We were scheduled to sing at a church that I visited many times as a kids (Calvary Baptist in Loyall) and had a chance to do some radio interviews on WFSR with my good friend Paul Lunsford. We got into Loyall about 2pm on Saturday…and had no trouble at all getting over to the church. I did have to be careful about WHICH streets I went down…but we got in just fine. We decided to walk up to the house where I lived as a kid with my mammaw…or what is left of it. Apparently it burned down several years ago…and all that is left is the rubble. I remember that walk from where I lived to the church being so far as a kid. It seemed like to took me forever to go from my house ALL the way down there. As we walked around…it was just 2 VERY short blocks…and we were there. Things just weren’t quite as big as I remembered at 10! The time with Paul and the service on Sunday were both great treats for me. We had the chance to visit a lot of places and see a lot of people from all those years ago. I’m looking forward to going back again soon and spending some more time at ‘home’.

This past week at home was a time to adjust and get back in the swing of things. Of course both the little girls came down with a stomach bug…which always makes life loads of fun. They’re both doing better now, and it’s fun to see how differently Miranda and Kaity react to being sick. Kaity is very laid back and just takes things as they come. Miranda on the other hand…she’s quite the drama queen. When she’s sick…everyone knows it! Josh and Paige are out on spring break this week. I wish it were a bit warmer so we could go and have some fun…but I’m sure they’ll find many things to keep them busy. Kelly and I keep working away on Branson and are very excited about things to come. We’ve heard from so many artists just how excited they are about the event, and how they really feel like this is going to be something special.

Be sure to keep contacting your local radio and the folks at Enlighten on XM/Sirrius. Keep asking them to play my songs and encourage them in what they do. They make all the difference in how many people get to hear the message of my songs or any other artists. It’s important that they hear from us as often as possible.

Just a couple of notes…keep my wife and her family in prayer. She lost her grandfather this past week and it was a very tough time. Keep her mom Rose in prayer as well, that she’d be comforted over the loss of her dad. My cousin Lee is doing well…he had some surgery to correct issues and is now able to walk with some assistance. Just keep him on your prayer list as well. Finally, my cousin Jessica is about to deliver a baby here soon…she’s had a few trials, but we’ll pray that all goes well…and she’s holding her little baby boy in no time!

Please keep checking the schedule page. We’re always adding dates and have some exciting times coming up. Make plans to be with us wherever you can…and if you or your church/organization would like me to come and share some songs and ministry, please contact me. I’ve also had a few folks ask about how they can support what we’re doing. While I don’t like to make these updates about money…it takes some to keep going. I’ve just replaced the chassis batteries in the bus…and looks like I’ll have to replace some of the house batteries. Since these things can cost $200 - $300 per battery, it doesn’t take long to add up to real money! If you’d like to make a tax deductible donation, you can contact us or just send to:

Almost Home Music
18436 Aberdeen St
Homewood IL 60430

It will be greatly appreciated…and I know that God will bless your actions!

Till next time….

Hey all…just had a note that my nephew Lee is having some serious issues with his health. Lee has been challenged his whole life with CP and recently was placed on a spine pump. He’s apparently having issue with that device and is in need of prayer.

Please keep Lee and the rest of his family in  your prayers.

Hey there folks!

Hard to believe that it’s almost the end of February. Things have been so crazy and busy, that we’ve almost completed 2 months of this new year. Add to that our little Kaity Emma turning 1 last week, and this has really been a fun filled couple of months! There’s lots to share…so let’s get with it.

This past weekend I was featured on The Southern Styles Show with Rob Patz. Rob runs the SGMRadio.com site and is a great guy. We talked about the new single, life on the road and of course the Branson Gospel Music Convention. The Southern Styles Show is heard on radio stations all over the US and Canada, as well as on SGMRadio.com. This will let my songs and ministry be heard by a whole new segment of people, so help me pray that it touches hearts and opens doors!

Speaking of Branson, which we do often! Things are really coming together for this event. Remember it’s July 14 - 17 at the Branson Convention Center. We are closing in on more than 200 artists and exhibitors that will be a part of the event. It’s certainly more work than I ever dreamed it would be, and I’m pretty sure Kelly would testify to that as well. She has worked endlessly on this event and is pretty much running the whole thing. It’s going to be a fantastic time and I’m looking forward to it. Branson is one of the top 5 family tourist destinations in the US. Add to that fact July is their busiest time. I expect that God is going to do some incredible things during this event. I’m confident that lives and hearts are going to be changed forever, and that the benefits that come from this are going to make a huge difference in the work of many ministries. We are already seeing and hearing the excitement, and we’re already being battled more heavily than I imagined as we put things together. The combination of those two things makes me sure that this is an event ordained by God, and that He is going to use it in a great way. Pray for us as we continue on. It is a lot of work, a lot of pressure and a lot of stress. It’s also a lot of fun…but we tend to forget that from time to time. If you have not gotten your tickets yet, go to the SITE and order today!

The new single is doing well. This time around I released it to a few different handlers. There’s a site called ”Radio Active” that will allow DJs to download the song and leave feedback. It also then rates the song for a given week based on plays and downloads. “That’s How A Miracle Feels”  topped the charts at #2 and received some very positive feedback. In addition I had the song pushed by DJMan promotions. This is a company that follows up with radio stations to see how often the song is played and how it’s doing. I’ve had 2 strong months of play reports, which means that lots of people are getting to hear the message. I also saw activity on several charts this month, even breaking into the top 5 on the Gospel Music Times fan voted chart. I don’t think we’ll see it hit the Singing News chart based on the plays so far, but that’s not all that important. The important thing is that it’s being played regularly in lots of areas. It’s still important to hit up your local stations and the folks at XM Radio. Be sure and request the song by name. You can e-mail them HERE and ask them to play “That’s How A Miracle Feels” by Rod Burton.

I’m almost done with picking the songs for the new CD. I’m planning on it being a mix of mostly older ‘classic’ songs that impacted my life, with a few new songs sprinkled in. I’m hoping to get in the studio at the end of March or start of April. This will be my first release with the folks at 145 Music, and I’m looking forward to a long happy relationship with them. I’ll let you know more about it as things progress.

We’re starting to get thing rolling with the new tour season. The first big trip comes the week of the 15th of March when we head out to SGM FanFair in Pigeon Forge, TN.  This will be a week long event held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center and promises to be an exciting time. I’ll be singing on Monday evening for sure and will have a booth there all week. Make plans to come see us…and let me know if you need additional information. We’ll start the week on the way down in Richmond, Ky. I’m going to do a radio interview with the folks at WCBR there in Richmond, then hopefully a church close that Sunday morning (and will hopefully enjoy some great food made by my wonderful Kentucky relatives!).  If you have any contacts in that area, let me know.

There are so many things happening with the ministry right now. There are a lot of new things that God is bringing to our attention, and many things that I really never thought about being a part of. One thing that is evident is that there’s a lot of work to be done. Please keep our ministry and our family in prayer. While the work is fantastic, the battle sometimes is heavy. We get a lot of resistance from the enemy as we try to do the work that we’re called to do, so remember us with your prayers. Another change for this year is that our relationship and sponsorship with iPodJuice has come to an end. The folks there were such a blessing to us in 2008 and I can’t thank them enough. They’re going a different direction this year and we certainly wish them the best. I’m looking for a new sponsor and do have a couple folks that I’m talking with. In the meantime we certainly need your help more than ever. If you’d consider supporting this ministry with a tax deductible gift, please let me know. Everything we get goes to further this work. We are a registered non profit organization, and I can attest without hesitation that we are definitely a non profit group! God will supply, and perhaps He’ll work through you. Any gift is appreciated, and again will be used only for this ministry. You can make checks payable to Almost Home Music and send to: 18436 Aberdeen St. Homewood, IL 60430.

This past week I had the chance to sing at a nursing home not far from where I live. This is the first time I’ve been to this facility, and was excited to get the chance to go and share some music and testimony with these folks. I was sure that God would use me to bless them and brighten their day. Boy…was I wrong! Not that their day wasn’t lifted and encouraged by the message of the song and just having someone there, but they are the ones who blessed me and brightened my day. There we many there, but a couple stick out in my mind. There was one little lady who was in a wheel chair and not able to walk. She did have use of one leg and was able to push herself along in the chair. The concert had already started when she came in…but she wheeled herself right up front…just as close as she could get. She clapped and sang along, raised her hands and even cried a bit. She was having church and didn’t care who else was there. When I sang “Put On A Crown” she began to do circles in that wheel chair…just round and round she went, singing at the top of her lungs. She thanked me many times after for being there…and I thanked her. She blessed my heart, for sure. Another younger lady was there…and as she walked along side of me out the hallway, she thanked me for coming. She told me she like my songs…liked the way I sang, and liked the fact that I was “easy on the eyes”. She said she really like my eyes. Now at this point…I started laughing. She just made me smile…and was so nice. I really enjoyed that time of just pure ministry…and pure sharing. So much in fact…that I’ve decided I will go back there and to other facilities, but that I’ll also find nursing home facilities in places we’re traveling when time permits. If we’re there and have a few hours on an afternoon, we’ll make arrangements ahead of time to go in and sing for them. After all…that’s what it’s really all about.

Ok…that’s about it for this time! This has been a long update, but a good one. Be sure and contact me if you’d like to schedule a time to come to your church or event. The calendar is filling up, but there are plenty of open dates left. 

Till next time…

Blessings,

Hey there folks…hope that everyone is healthy, happy and WARM! We’ve got some serious cold happening here along with about 8″ of snow. It’s not nice…but the happy thought is that we’ve only got 65 more days till spring! (not that I’m counting)

Things are really starting to heat up for 2009 though. We’re making a lot of contacts and setting dates so be sure and check often on the schedule. Also…if you’re a part of a local church or event and would like to have me be a part, contact me soon. The Branson Gospel Music Convention is getting more exciting every day. We’re hearing from artists all over the country who want to be a part of this historic event. If you haven’t made your plans to be in Branson the 14th - 17th of July, visit the website and get your tickets now! This promises to be one of the best and biggest events of the year for Southern Gospel Music. Be sure to check out all the artists who are already signed to be a part of this event.

In addition to new events, I’ve got a special event coming up this week.  I have the opportunity to sing this Friday at The Bloom High School Writers Conference. This conference is held annually to allow alumni from the area to share their successes in journalism and writing. My wife Kelly has published several articles in newspapers and magazines that focus on our lives on the road (you can read her weekly column at the Gospel Music Times entitled Gospel Wife) and the adventures we have. She’s been asked to share with these high school students about that, and I’ve been asked to share a few songs with the group. I’m going to have the opportunity to share the love of God with a room full of High School students, in a public high school! Please be in prayer that God will use that in every way He sees fit.

The new single is doing very well. I’m in the #11 slot of the Southern Spins Radio chart this week, and number 6 on the Gospel Music Times Fan voted chart! There’s lots of calling to radio and XM to get stations to play it, and you can help by doing the same. Just call your local station and ask them for Rod Burton and “That’s How A Miracle Feels”.  It’s on the ECC Comp disc 2008-08, and is cut #3.  For XM service, just send an e-mail BY CLICKING HERE and ask Marlin to play the song.  I’m also in the process of picking new songs for my next CD on the Revival Wind record label, and am very excited about working with this new team.

That’s about it for now…please be sure to keep us in prayer as we travel.  Also keep our nation in prayer this next week. We’re about to exercise one of the greatest events in the world, and one that is not repeated very often. Next Tuesday will see the inauguration of a new President of The United States. Whether he was your pick in November or not, he’s still the person to take an ominous role in leading this country. We have a process where we change leadership based on the will of the people, and it’s a peaceful transition that most of the rest of the world can only dream of. The new President should be in all our prayers, that he will allow God to guide his decisions and direct the paths that he follows. Pray that there will be a shield of safety over the proceeding in Washington, and that peace will be the order of the day.

TIll next time…

Blessings!

Welcome to 2009! I hope that everyone enjoyed a peaceful and fun time over the holidays. My family and I spent the time with others, and trying to relax wherever possible.

Christmastime at our house just gets more fun every year. With 2 teens and 2 under 2, how can we help but have fun? It’s always great fun to watch Josh and Paige as they get older and change what they see as the ‘cool’ presents. Add into that a 10 month old and a 2 year old who is just figuring out the whole celebration and you have at least a Christmas morning circus. The best lesson though was for Miranda to learn about it being the birthday for baby Jesus! She sang happy birthday many times, but she’s also figured out the Santa thing as well. Of course when you add in many days of presents at different houses…she’s started waking up now asking if Santa is coming today. It doesn’t take long…that’s for sure. Kaity just takes it all in…figuring out what her next move will be. And actually got her 2 front teeth for Christmas. Course they are the bottoms…but they are there!

A new year brings lots of excitement to our house. All the new things to do and experience this year…all the new trials and challenges. With our ministry there are tons of new chapters to be written. A new record label, several great events we’ll be a part of…and lots of opportunities to meet new people, and share a message of hope. We’re so excited about what this year brings, and ask that you keep us in prayer as we move forward. We’re right now picking songs for the new recording in February, working the radio release for “That’s How A Miracle Feels” and planning for several large events (especially the Branson Gospel Music Convention) for the year.  But most of all I want to continue where we left off in 2008. The last several months saw an increase in real ministry at our events. It’s not just a time to share songs and make people laugh…but a time to reach them and help them to overcome life issues. That’s really why we’re out there and why we do what we do. I want to see that grow this year, and most of all want to be used by God in exactly the way He wants me to be.

We have so much to be thankful for from this past year. We met so many great friends, had lots of opportunities to share and travel, and learned so much about this world of music and ministry. We welcomed a new baby girl…and lost some friends along the way. While life is an ever changing saga, it’s great to know that God never changes, and He never moves to a place where we can’t get to Him.  I’m thankful for all of you that have supported us in 2008 with your prayers and your finances. I’d ask that you again do the same in 2009. I’m grateful to the folks over at iPod Juice for all their help and support. They will never know just how much I appreciate them and hope to continue our relationship for a long time to come. I appreciate the folks at The Eddie Crook Company for all their help, and the folks at Revival Wind and the 145 Music Group as we begin our new relationship. All in all…I’m a very blessed person to have all of you in my life.

On the music front…the new single is out and doing very well. “That’s How A Miracle Feels” has already gotten into the top 15 and above on several charts. It’s also placed very well on the new release chart for the Singing News. I’ve got several folks working to get radio stations to listen and play the song. Again…need your help here…need you to call and request the song. It’s on the ECC comp disc ou’re klabeled ECC 2008-08. It is track #3, so be sure to ask for it by name.  Also…it’s even more important now that XM34 Enlighten play the song. Since XM merged with Sirrius, the listener base has grown incredibly. At any given time more than 50,000 people are listening to Southern Gospel Music…and hearing my songs. So right now…click HERE and send an e-mail to the folks at XM. Request the song by name and be sure to include my name as well. Also tell them what a great job they’re doing over there. I know I would not have an XM without XM34!

We should be back on track here now…lots of stuff starting to churn up on the schedule so check often. We’re working to add new dates all the time…so if you’d like to have me come to your church or event…e-mail me right away!

That’s about it for now. Please be sure to check out the info about The Branson Gospel Music Convention. It’s going to be a great time of celebration and ministry. If you’re not planning to be there already…you should be. Tickets are on sale…and very soon some special package offers will be available for all 4 nights plus hotel accommodations. Also I’d ask you to remember a few special prayer requests this time around. A great friend of mine just lost his mother this week. Keep him in prayer…he’s hurting and needs to feel the comfort that only God can bring. Also my cousin has an 18 year old granddaughter was in an accident recently and was seriously hurt. She could be facing some very tough times with mobility in the years to come. Just pray for comfort and complete healing for her. Also pray for my cousin…she’s having to take care of her granddaughter and her husband who is suffering from Parkinson’s. Remember them both in  your prayers.

Till next time…

Hey there folks! It is now official. I’ve signed a new recording contract with the 145 Music Group out of Nashville. My new label is called Revival Wind and it’s the national label for the company. The folks at 145 have a real heart for ministry and I felt like their direction matched mine better than anyone I talked with. The Eddie Crook folks have been great to work with over the last couple of years, and I’m certainly grateful for all I’ve learned and experienced in working with them.

I’ll begin working on a new CD starting in February, and will have the chance to work with folks like Adrian Payne (the world’s greatest engineer) and Jason Webb (the world’s greatest piano session player). It’s a great honor for me to have a relationship with these folks, and I know with their expertise and that of 145, the next CD will be even better than the ones before! There will be much more to come about this, but I’ve attached the ‘official’ press release that went out this week. Please be in prayer…and keep looking for new updates!

The 145 Music Group has signed well known soloist Rod Burton to a long-term agreement on the Revival Wind label. Revival Wind is the company’s premier label.

Prior to branching out as a solo artist, Rod spent many years with a variety of groups. His earliest experience was with the late songwriter, Charles Feltner. Rod played bass and sang with “Charlie” as a teenager and later traveled with several other groups before making the move to a solo ministry in the 2006. Southern Gospel legend and Hall of Fame Member Ed O’Neal had this to say, “Rod is one of the best tenor singers I have ever heard.”

Rod’s 2007 CD, By His Grace, featured the national release, “It’s Wonderful To Know,” which landed in the top 15 on the Gospel Music Times Hot 40 chart, the industry’s only 100% fan voted chart. By His Grace was followed by Walking In The Light, a CD that produced the charting single, “That’s How A Miracle Feels.”

145 Music Group A&R Director Paul Martin made the following statement concerning the signing of Burton: “With all the options available to Rod, we feel fortunate he has chosen to trust the 145 Music Group and Revival Wind with his musical future. It’s rare to find someone with the amount of talent and dedication to the ministry that Rod Burton has. All of us here at the 145 Music Group consider it an honor Rod chose to be a part of our Revival Wind label.”

Rod added “I’m thrilled to have the chance to work with the folks at 145 and Revival Wind. While there were many things that impressed me, their dedication and commitment to ministry was at the top of the list. I look forward to a long and productive relationship with them. I also want to thank the folks with The Eddie Crook Company for the last couple of years and for friendships that will last a lifetime”.

In addition to his full time ministry, Rod is also instrumental in putting together the first annual Branson Gospel Music Convention ( http://www.BransonGMC.com ) and will be performing there in July. For more information about Rod Burton, visit his website at: http://www.RodBurtonMusic.com or http://www.145MusicGroup.com

till next time…

Blessings!
–
Rod