Hello friends and family!
This “update” is going to be a little longer than usual as we have many things to report! Since our last newsletter, God has granted us many opportunities and for this we are extremely grateful. Sharing the HOPE of Jesus Christ is our sincere desire and we are overjoyed with every opportunity.
In our last report, we ended with our meetings in March (where does the time go?) So, we will break down this report by months, beginning with April:
April
Wendy and I were blessed to be at Clearview Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia for Easter Sunday. This small church has had a great impact in my brother’s life when he first came back to the Lord, so it is a special place indeed!
Next, we headed to Stonewood, West Virginia where Wendy spoke to all the ladies in attendance at the Bible Baptist Temple’s Ladies Conference. This has been an annual event for Wendy for 20 years and she lovingly refers to it as our “West Virginia home”. We sincerely enjoy the fellowship of our “West Virginia family”. While Wendy was speaking to these ladies, I was able to attend a Bridge to Recovery meeting in a neighboring town. I was so excited to see six first-time visitors that night! The Gospel was clearly presented, and several individuals received personal counsel concerning their need for a relationship with Christ. It was evident that the Lord was at work in hearts, and we left rejoicing in what He is doing through this growing ministry. On Sunday, Wendy and I were privileged to be at Liberty Baptist Church in Buchanan, West Virginia. Our hearts were immediately knit together with Pastor and Mrs. Barnes, who have faithfully served the Lord there for many years.
At the end of April, we were able to be with family in Illinois as we buried Wendy’s mom next to her dad. It was bittersweet for all of us, and we are thankful that we will see her again one day! But God showed His hand…
May
Wendy was scheduled to speak at a ladies’ event at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Dover, Pennsylvania the weekend following her mother’s burial. This event was scheduled over a year ago, and Pastor and Mrs. Sterling Walsh chose the theme of their 2026 Conference to be “Looking unto Jesus” from Hebrews 12:2. As we stood at the grave of her mom and looked at the headstone that was placed there when her dad went to Heaven in 2017, we saw the words that Wendy and her mom chose – “Looking unto Jesus” – the same words as the theme of Wendy’s next conference! It was one of those moments when you cannot help but feel God’s presence and His love.
The ladies’ conference was well attended, and many ladies were challenged and encouraged from God’s Word. I was blessed to be a part of their Bridge to Recovery program on Friday night and preach all the services on Sunday. We love this church! The music was uplifting, the fellowship sweet, and the congregation responsive to the preaching of God’s Word. We left grateful for the opportunity to invest once again in people who have become dear friends.
Next, we spent several days with Refuge Baptist Church, where Bryan and Katie King are faithfully leading a growing ministry. It was exciting to see their burden for reaching people with the Gospel and helping believers grow in their walk with Christ. During our time there, I was able to preach several services and Wendy ministered at a ladies’ gathering. We were also encouraged to see the church’s growing Christian school ministry and the enthusiasm surrounding what God is doing through this young congregation.
From there, we went to Hilltop Baptist Church in Indiana, Pennsylvania. One of the first things we noticed upon arriving was the large white cross visible from miles away, standing as a testimony to the surrounding community. Wendy spoke at a sweet ladies’ conference on Saturday and then I spoke Sunday – Wednesday for their annual revival meetings. Throughout the week, God worked through His Word as hearts were challenged and decisions were made.
One particularly special blessing came when a gentleman in his late seventies attended the services. After hearing the Gospel and thoughtfully considering what he had heard over several days, he contacted the pastor and expressed his desire to talk further. The following evening, he met me in the foyer to tell me that he had placed his faith in Jesus Christ as Savior! A short time later, he publicly followed the Lord in believer’s baptism.
The very next day, Wendy and I drove to Chillicothe, Ohio where Wendy spoke at a ladies’ event held by Bible Baptist Church. Our dear friends, Pastor Chris and Amanda David are doing an amazing job at leading this congregation in reaching their community. This group of ladies love the Lord and Wendy loves sharing God’s Word with them!
We drove home on Friday from Ohio and left on Saturday for First Baptist Church in New Castle, Virginia. This church was without a pastor, and one of the church deacons (who had previously directed a recovery ministry) recognized the need for spiritual renewal and desired for the church to experience revival. Throughout the meetings, we witnessed God working in hearts as many believers renewed their commitment to the Lord. We were also able to encourage several families who had recently experienced the loss of loved ones. Since our visit, the church has called a pastor, and we are excited to see how God will continue to bless and strengthen this congregation.
Toward the end of May, I traveled to Greenville, Pennsylvania, to assist my dear friend, Brother Keith Troyer, in launching a Bridge to Recovery ministry at Grace Baptist Church. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for this church and ministry. Please join us in praying for Brother Troyer and the entire team as they seek to reach people with the life-changing message of the Gospel.
June
We were in Trafalgar, Indiana at Fellowship Baptist Church with Pastor and Mrs. Hopson for the first weekend in June. Wendy spoke to the ladies, and I spoke to the men in SS and then I was able to speak in the morning service. Wendy is a Hoosier girl and loves every opportunity we get to be in Indiana! And, since we were only a few hours from the grandkids, I drove her up to get a “grandbaby fix” before returning to Virginia to take care of several annual medical appointments.
Doctor’s visits are not something we necessarily “enjoy”, but we also know the need to take care of ourselves so that we can serve the Lord longer with our lives! And, since we were back in Lynchburg, we were asked to come back to Clearview Baptist Church to speak on Father’s Day.
The following week, we spent several days at Kimesville Road Baptist Church in Burlington, North Carolina, where the church is preparing to launch a Bridge to Recovery ministry. During our time there, we conducted training sessions and provided encouragement for those who will be involved in this outreach. We are excited to see what God will do through this ministry as it seeks to bring Biblical hope and Gospel-centered help to individuals and families throughout the area. The pastor has already asked us to return in 2027 for a revival meeting focused on hope and freedom in Christ.
July
This summer marked an especially meaningful milestone in my life. On July 5, I celebrated 50 years since the day I trusted Jesus Christ as my Savior. Looking back over those decades, I am overwhelmed by the goodness, mercy, and faithfulness of God. For 45 of those 50 years, I have had the privilege of preaching the Gospel. What an honor it has been to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ, to see souls trust Him as Savior, and to watch believers grow in their faith.
So, this July was very special to me, and God took us from Virginia to Texas to Pennsylvania… (to be continued…)
Until next time,
Ben and Wendy Burks
PS – The next newsletter is already written and will be coming your way next week! This one was already too long!