Keith Burnett Ministries

Equipping for Evangelism

Website Launch – Use Instructions, Pt. 2

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A website launch is no easy task. It’s not as big as the launch pictured here! And everyone knows there were hundreds or thousands of hands involved in launching the shuttle. It wasn’t just the finger that pushed the button! And that’s how it needs to be with a good website launch. More about that below. First, let’s finish up the discussion on the post categories on the opening page (new website).

Website Launch: More Info

Website LaunchThe previous post covered the first four groupings of posts on the opening page. This post addresses the remaining four.

As you can see, there is a brief description of each grouping below the corresponding graphic.

Believers need to be equipped (and well practiced!) in prayer. Clicking on this icon will take you to posts on the subject of prayer. Insights posted here can equip you and/or help you equip others. Remember, I am not the only equipper here!

Study

The eyeglasses on the open page tell you what this group of posts is about. I’ve posted several things in the last few months about how to study the Bible. In part, that was done in anticipation of this feature of the new website. But the bigger picture is the need for this kind of instruction. Please do no wait on me, your pastor, your small group leader, or anyone else to unpack the Word for you. Be as skillful as you can in this area. That doesn’t mean we won’t gain insight from the study of others. We will. But we need to dig for ourselves. We learn more that way!

The Mission Field

This grouping of posts will almost always be ‘open’ for viewing, i.e., not a members only section. Why? When we have mission volunteer teams on the ground (wherever that may be) we want anyone/everyone to be able to see what is happening. When people can see the work going on they know what they supported, how their prayers are being answered, and many are encouraged to join in as a future volunteer.

But there is another kind of post that will show up here. We get updates from time to time from friends in far away places. I share those as appropriate and this will be the place to look for all things described as the mission field. And of course, I use that term in its most commonly understood way. We all have a mission field behind our own front door and another one just outside of it! More about that elsewhere.

Christians & Culture

I have found myself addressing cultural concerns. How do we take the truths of Scripture and faithfully apply them to the crazy, mixed up world we live in? Like good study, we need to learn to do that. And when it’s appropriate there will be posts in this thread that help us do that very thing. This could have been titled: Being Salt & Light. You get the idea!

Website Launch: Help Needed

If you will be so kind as to help with the launch, please fill in this form. We expect to be done with this by mid-February. The process is to formally announce the site, then promote it, and have a brief sign-up period. We will then close membership in the site for a while. When we open it back up for new members, we will ask for a new launch team. So an agreement to help is NOT open ended! Just thought you’d like to know.  Launch helpers register HERE.

Soli Deo Gloria! 

Prayer: Profound Simplicity

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Prayer

Prayer: Profound Simplicity

I know, prayer is not as simple as my title. Or is it? In some ways it is. Yet the simplicity God shows us is sometimes challenging. So why bring it up?

Prayer: A Necessity

Scripture tells us: (see James 4:2-3; Matthew 7:7)

You have not because you ask not.

Our part of that is profoundly. At the same time, it can be extremely difficult. The reason is admitting our own inadequacies and/or inabilities regarding our needs. When we ask our Father, we do several things all at once:

  • Admit we can’t meet the need ourselves
  • Acknowledge Him as the Source of every good and perfect gift
  • Place ourselves in subjection to His perfect choices to meet out needs
  • Recognize His answer may not be the one we’re looking for

And that’s not a complete list! Again, you are probably wondering about my point.

Prayer: Current Concerns

The things we ask of our Father change rapidly. There are probably some ‘constants’ in our prayers like family, thanksgiving, and provision. But even those subjects vary depending on the day, our time of life, and other factors.

My point is ministry concerns. A Prayer Circle around each of the following items is very needed. Could I ask you to look over what follows and just pick one to add to your prayer time? And here’s a second request: Would you mind taking a second to drop me a note and let me know which item you are praying for? That would be a blessing!

  • Orphanage in Barahona – We have a small team headed there at the end of the month. We are still in need of construction materials and a portion of the Director’s annual salary. Please pray.
  • Summer – You may not think of summer as a challenge. If you were to ask your pastor or the head of your church’s finance team, you’d probably learn they see summer a little differently than other folks. Summer is what it is and everyone ought to go and do the things they do. But it’s no secret many let their giving slip as other activities take their attention. Please pray for the $ side of this ministry over the next four months.
  • Mission Opportunities – The Barahona team has been mentioned. We have another group headed to Samana the first of July. Please pray for this team’s preparation and ministry as well.
  • Personal – Everyone faces a challenging world. Our world is increasingly at odds with Biblical teaching and practice. I know you know that. But this concern is personal and parental. One of ours is making a move to pursue further opportunities in performing arts. And while trying may be necessary, you know a parent’s concerns don’t go away just because they are grown.

Soli Deo Gloria!  

We Got It! Thank You!

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thank you

Thank You

Yesterday, I shared a necessary word about prayer and spiritual warfare. Today, it is a joy to share a very necessary Thank You for praying!

Thank You – Prayers Answered!

Even as I write, I don’t know all the details. But I do know enough to fill in some of the ‘blanks.’ I received a text message this morning letting me know the passport should be in hand by early afternoon. That was very good news. However, with an imminent departure ‘should be in hand‘ left some room for doubt.

Just after lunch I got another text. That one said the passport had been delivered. Better yet, it was in good shape and all the information was correct! Even things like that matter. From time to time something is incorrect. Had that been the case, the trip to the passport office would have been necessary in order to correct a mistake.

The bottom line is, we joined together in prayer for something that was a potential hindrance to the upcoming mission. And today, two things have been confirmed and affirmed for us. First, our Father is more than capable of overcoming any adversity His children face. Second, He answers prayer.

That said, it’s easy to make those connections when our prayers are answered with a divine, Yes! However, those truths remain even if our divine answers are, No!, or, Wait. 

So let me thank you again for joining in the battle. Remember, all prayer is spiritual warfare. And the next time you are facing a crisis, don’t forget to take it to the One who can and will address it perfectly. His answer may not be the one you are looking for, but His answer will be the perfect one. Why? Because He is good and cannot be less than good. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him!

Please pray for our Belize mission. Check here for mission updates!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Warfare: One of Today’s Battles

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spiritual warfare

All Prayer is Spiritual Warfare

It’s tempting to provide a discourse on spiritual warfare. But that would require books, not a blog post! Instead, I’m going to put one current battle into perspective. If we learn something in the process, all the better!

Spiritual Warfare: Always With Us

We have a mission team headed to Belize in just a few days. It’s easy to acknowledge the enemy would rather no one be engaged in missions. But he is subtle in his ways. It’s necessary for him to be that way. Just think what you would do if you were intent on harming someone. Would you put your plans on Facebook? Of course not. You would act in covert ways.

One further illustration is any pack of predators you might watch on a NatGeo nature show. Do the predators go after whole herds? No. They try to separate one from the herd and attack that single animal. Our enemy is no different. He sneaks and attacks individuals he thinks he can overcome. Do we help him?

I ask that question because we often (too often!) don’t see his work in our difficulties. How do I know? Paul points that out in Ephesians 6:

We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

What Paul is pointing out is we often think our difficulties are tied to the people or things we can see. That’s not true. Our enemy is not the person or circumstances we can see. Our real enemy remains unseen behind those things. Why would he want to advertise his involvment? He’d much rather you go blindly through life as if he didn’t exist. He does exist and your demise is his agenda. But we have read the back of the Book!!! But until his demise, we engage in spiritual warfare.

The point of this post is to ask, urge, beg you for your prayers. One of our team members does not have his passport. The passport office has confirmed issue of the passport. The post office has confirmed some suspicious activity in the delivery process. It may have been the work of identity thieves. Whether it was or wasn’t, if the passport can’t be located quickly, then a day-long trip has to be taken in order to do what the passport office calls a walk-through. That’s another day off work, associated expenses, etc.

What is the answer? Pray for the process. Pray for our team and this team member. We will be helping with three church projects in Belize as well as teaching pastors. These are the tools God often uses to make missions a life-changing experience. And who wouldn’t want positive life change in Christians mission volunteers? I think you have the idea. Please pray!

Soli Deo Gloria! 

 

 

 

Thank You – From a Grateful Dad

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Barahona

This Little Guy From Barahona – Prayers Answered!

How do our prayers get answered? How many times have the answers come in ways we never expected? I never get tired of seeing prayers meet answers. And this one is especially encouraging!

Prayers for Surgery

A few days ago I asked to you pray for Johnny, his family, and particularly his two year old son. In that post, I called the boy this little guy.

success - Prayers answered

Our Prayers Answered

When Johnny notified me that an additional surgery was needed, I shared that need with you. Many prayed and several contributed to meet the need.

Last week I was in Barahona. I got to see Johnny and it was my blessing to see our prayers answered. It was  like I had a front-row-center seat to watch God at work! First one person would ask me about Johnny and this little guy and then another would do the same. Before long, people were telling me they had something they wanted to give toward the surgery.

By the time I left to go to Barahona, our prayers had been answered in the way our Father very often answers. According to Ephesians 3, He is always able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or imagine. That happened in this case.

Our prayers were answered regarding the cost of the surgery. But anyone could see the costs would be greater than that. A trip to Santo Domingo would be necessary. That would mean things like travel expense, meals away from home, lodging, etc. The gifts received amounted to enough to cover all that.

It seemed appropriate to share a word of thanks. I could have done that and it would have been sincere. But I thought it might be best if I asked Johnny to share that word with you. When I asked if he would allow me to record a short message, he was eager to do it. So give the video a look and see how prayer came full circle. Our asking really is met with provision!

Soli Deo Gloria! 

Surgery Needed – This Little Guy

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Barahona

This Little Guy From Barahona

This picture was taken in Barahona this past November. We were celebrating a milestone of sorts for this little guy’s family. Our prayers for his survival and recovery were being answered. What was the problem?

Every Parent’s Nightmare

Every parent of a toddler knows how fast little ones can do something they don’t need to do. This little guy swallowed some household cleaning chemicals. It was touch-and-go for him for a while. Many calls for prayer went out. Many responded and those prayers were answered. Medical care was needed and several of you donated to secure that care. As you know, recovery is often a process rather than a single event.

Barahona Family

Barahona Johnny family

Johnny and family

Our connection to this situation is through Johnny, this little guy’s dad. Johnny serves as a translator for our Mathes Pastor Training School sessions in Barahona. He is also one of our graduates. So you can imagine how happy we were this past November when these pictures were taken. But recovery is ongoing and that is the point of this post.

A Danger – Of Sorts

Now, this kind of post and request is not exactly ‘normal’ for me. That’s because we receive many requests from many people. There is absolutely no way to meet them all. So why post this one?

Barahona Johnny

Johnny Translating for Pastors

I am reminded of Jesus’ activities in John 5. He approached the Pool of Bethesda. There were many, many sick people there. Jesus chose one person from that throng of ailments. We aren’t told why. He was not limited like we are. He could have spoken the word and healed all of them. He didn’t. Have you ever wondered why He chose just one? Whatever His reason, it sure gives lie to the health-and-wealth ‘gospel’ promoters.

So the short answer is, I simply sense the Lord’s leadership to post this need. The need is for an additional esophageal surgery. That will require a hospital stay in Santo Domingo – a four-hour trip for the family. From a U.S. perspective, the surgery is cheap: $900.00. But if you ‘translate’ that number in terms of culture, that’s about 2 month’s salary. Even here, most would have trouble coming up with two month’s salary on short notice.

Be A Helping Hand

Helping Hands is our way of depicting those who go, give, and pray. In this case, prayer and giving is in order. I will be headed to Barahona in two weeks. I would love to be able to hand Johnny enough money to take care of the surgery. Now, it would be awesome if my phone rang and someone said:

I’m sending a check for all the expenses.

You may be surprised, but that is not what I am looking for. Of course, I’d be glad to hear that. But a more likely scenario is several much smaller donations. Those donations are an opportunity for anyone to be part of answering prayer. Really? Yes! Do you have any doubt that Johnny and his family are praying for answers that are beyond their abilities? Sure they are. Are others praying? Yes! And those people who are moved to help are literally part of God answering the prayers of all these people.

Checks can be sent to:

Keith Burnett Ministries, PO 803, Scottsboro, AL – 35768

Online donations can be made through the HELPING HANDS tab (donations) at the upper right of this post. AND, donations can be made through the ROW website. Designate the contribution to ROW Evangelism and put my name in the comment section.

Soli Deo Gloria! 

Outrage In Dominican Republic

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Dominican Republic Cardinal Rodriguez

Dominican Republic Cardinal: Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez

It will be difficult for me to accurately share some outrageous news. Some will misunderstand and try to turn this post into something it isn’t. So, for the sake of clairty, what I recently learned in the Dominican Republic underscores our urgent need for prayer.

Dominican Republic is Outraged

Christians, and Christian values, are under assault. That is no secret. The U. S. is in the middle of an election cycle. And politicans on both sides of the aisle have tried to deny our founding principles, our Christian history, and/or supported a complete revision of U.S. history.

Now, I have never promoted the idea that any politician or political party is the source of cultural revival or salvation. Revival and salvation come from only one Person, Jehovah God! While we will live with the consequences of our actions or inaction, it is to Jehovah God we will give an account for those actions.

In order to understand the depth of our national need, we need some increased awareness. Maybe you were a lot like me. I am more politically aware than many others. I know that because of routine conversations around me. It is often amazing (beyond my understanding!) that fellow Christians are so unaware of things on the political landscape.

Dominican Republic

U. S. Ambassador to Domincan Republic & Cardinal Rodriguez

Well, imagine my surprise when Dominicans asked me to explain why my country would spend millions of dollars (our tax dollars!!!) to support a gay agenda in their country! I had no idea this was happening. It only took one Google search to find it. Still, I had been unaware. That this news wasn’t widely reported is evidence of the assault on Christian, Biblical values.

For the record, I need to add a couple of things before you see the article below. Does God love sinners? Yes! Emphatically, YES! He loves:

  • Liars
  • Politicians
  • Addicts
  • Adulterers
  • Adultresses
  • Hookers
  • Pimps
  • Pushers
  • Murderers
  • Abortionists
  • Gossipers
  • Haters
  • Glutons
  • Thieves
  • Homosexuals

The point is, God loved any and all of us enough to provide three things: Forgiveness of our sin, Change that comes from the inside out, and a Personal Relationship with Him that will last forever. But when or if a nation, any nation, supports and promotes anything God has called Sin, then that nation must come to one of two things:

  • Repentance
  • Judgment

I would much rather see the country I love experience repentance than judgment. I know, as do most of my readers, that the answer doesn’t lie with the sinners or political parties. The answer is placed squarely on the shoulders of believers:

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land. 

God says we, the Church – His people, need to humble ourselves and pray. His command should be enough. Sometimes it takes a jolt to move us to action. So, I am asking you to take a look at what your nation and your dollars are promoting in the Dominican Republic and other places. I hope that causes two things to happen: you pray and you engage others to pray. The election isn’t the answer. Prayer IS!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Daily Mail Article – Gay American Ambassador to Dominican Republic Derided by Cardinal…

CNS News – Call Grows in Carribean Nation for Gay U. S. Ambassador’s Removal

Christian Today – Predominantly Catholic Dominican Republic…

 

 

 

 

Prayer: Requirement for Receiving

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Prayer Circle

Prayer Circle Needed

This is a Prayer  Circle post for some urgent needs. In fact, this is taken from a letter that is going out to ministry supporters and subscribers. There is no teaching here – just an urgent request for you to join together in prayer for the things below. The prayer principle that is in view is this:

You have not because you ask not – Jesus

Prayer: An Open Letter

Dear Freinds,

There are some important things I need to share with you. I’ll be as brief as I can.

ONE: Our time in Samana was awesome. Thanks for your continued prayers. See our website and the Keith Burnett Ministries Faceboook page for details and pics.

TWO: A recent ROW decision has an impact on me. I will now have some oversight responsibility for ROW regarding the orphanage in Barahona. This will add to our mission budget requirements for the Prayer Circle graphicyear. It also means we still need hands and funds to finish the director’s quarters on the third floor of the orphanage. This means I’ll have some responsibility in raising the balance of the director’s annual salary.

All of that is reason to ask for your prayers. But I think a more important reason might help. If these actions are successful, who is helped? The orphans, of course. And what does Scripture call religion that is true and undefiled? The answer is: taking care of widows and orphans! 

THREE: Some of you have inquired about the gift receipt letters coming from ROW. Changes are always challenging. I understand that and appreciate your patience. If you prefer, contributions can be Prayer Changes Thingssent directly to my office  – PO 803, Scottsboro, AL, 35768. If you choose that option just continue to make contributions payable to ROW, memo the check with my name, then we will record the contributions and forward them to ROW. One of ROW’s accounting changes is having the names of department heads on their respective budget accounts. If you have questions, please know you are always free to call or write.

FOUR: We have several mission teams out between now and July. Those efforts are necessary, but the time they require will make #3 (above) all the more challenging. What’s more, the FALL schedule needs several more volunteers. Looks like a busy year, doesn’t it?

FIVE: Israel at Thanksgiving. If this is going to take place, folks need to move from “interested” to “I made a reservation.” Questions? Please call. Above all else, please pray – about all five of these things! Thanks much…

Soli Deo Gloria!

 

What Will Yours Say?

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Mission Investment

Did your W2 arrive this past week? This annual event is part of our government’s tax collection mission. From a tax payer’s perspective, this all seems very important. To a degree, it is. But it pales in comparison to our other earnings report. This report is just as real as your W2 and incredibly more important. The problem is, you have yet to to see it! And all this raises important questions.

Mission: Contribute to ERS

If we actually got a “W2” from Heaven, would it change anything we do? When the IRS form arrives, many people take action. What action depends on the situation, but action is taken. If there was an Eternal Revenue Service, what would we see recorded on the form? We are told to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. How is that done, and why am I asking?

Mission: Self Earning & Self Reporting

Other than this mildly creative effort, I can’t do much to write this post. You essentially write your own devotional thought about this. And that’s also true of your Eternal Earnings Report Notice that verse again: Lay up for yourselves…  What goes Heavn’s report for you is what you have personally sent ahead! And though you don’t get an annual report, there are actions you can take!

My Mission

Mission: Eternal Earnings ReportIn this post, I have two agendas. FIRST, to make you think in ways you probably haven’t thought before. You’ve never seen what I called an Eternal Earnings Report, but you will get a report on Kingdom earnings! And asking my questions at this time of year might help you take appropraite actions to be sure you like your report when you get it!

SECOND, I want to remind you of good investment opportunities. Ever made a poor investment with dollars? Its possible to make poor Kingdom investments. How? Just turn on your television or radio. You’ll hear any number of ministries asking for help. Some are good. Many are led by what the Bible calls false prophets. They are also called wolves in sheep’s clothing. Pretty sure those qualify as poor investments!

Mission Opportunity = Investment Opportunity

Some incredible investment opportunities are just around the corner! Anyone can invest them and the return on investment is guaranteed by the Word of God. The following investment opportunities need prayer, equipping, and staffing (all good investments!):

  • Samana, Dominican Republic (1st of March) – Through the pastors training school, we will literally be sending the Gospel around the world. How?  We will work together to get the Word into the hands of world travelers coming to Samana for whaling season. We need your prayers and your help.
  • Barahona, Dominican Republic (April) – We need a construction team to convert the third floor of the orphanage into living quarters for the new orphanage Director. We need to move the Director and his family on site. Construction help and some funding is needed.
  • Pastors’ School, Belize (April) – Construction help is needed to assist churches in the Toledo district of southern Belize. When we invest in a church, how far does our investment go?

I won’t pretend my ministry with ROW is the only good opportunity to invest in your Eternal Earnings Report. It isn’t. However, it is a good one. As I reported to our readers in December, we saw over 1,100 people come to Christ in 2015. How many more heard and haven’t yet responded? How many lives were changed because of the effort? How many mission volunteers came home better equipped to serve at home? What’s the point? Those 1.100 were just the tip of the iceberg! Only God sees it all and only He can reward it all. And reward it He will.

The real question is: What action will YOU take to invest in your Eternal Earnings Report? Think about it!

Soli Deo Gloria!

 

 

Prayer Circle: Miriam

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Prayer Circle

Prayer Circle: Significance

Please allow me to postpone (1 day) the next installment in $1,000,000.00 series. That actually won’t be the series title, but it does bring to mind the previous post! 🙂

Many times I have spoken and written about the essential role of prayer in our ministry. There is even a section of this website devoted to Prayer Circle posts. And we do our best to publicize and celebrate the way our Father answers our prayers.

Prayer CircleA recent post in this area was about a couple ROW was sending out for a new mission venture. Christians are the Sent Ones and that continues to happen!

Two days of this week have been devoted to a strategic planning retreat for some of our ROW staff. It was a great time and I am looking forward to what the Lord has planned in our ministry future. And you should know prayer was also a big part of our time together. Why do I call that significant?

Part of the answer lies in the importance of authenticity. We don’t just invite others to the Prayer Circle. When you get there, you should expect to find us there as well. How does that happen? When these events occur like they did over the past couple of days, I think sharing our own prayer activities should encourage you to join in! We really mean it when we say prayer is important and when we invite you to pray for specific things!

Prayer Circle: Miriam

One of the blessings I have is the awesome people I get to work with. That includes the mission volunteers but it also includes ROW staff. One of those people is Miriam. She was a vital part of the World Serve organization and has been equally helfpul in Prayer Circleall the work necessary to bring ROW and World Serve into one larger organization.

The pictures in this post show you ROW’s Prayer Circle for Miriam. She is about to leave the ROW family for the next chapter of her life and ministry. She may be gone from the day to day work, but she will not be gone from our hearts or our prayers. So, would you please include Miriam in your prayers? The Lord will lead her and we need to pray for her discrnement in seeking her next place of use in God’s Kingdom. The Father will provide and when He does, you will find a post here that will inform you and celebrate how our Good Shepherd looks after the needs of His sheep!

Soli Deo Gloria!

 

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Keith Burnett Ministries
P.O. Box 803
Scottsboro, AL 35768
(256) 244-5453
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