Mitch Burks

 

Date/Birthplace I was born in August in Brawley, California

 

What do you do at Suncoast? I am not sure…what day is it?  I was the worship leader from Sept, 1998-August, 2000, I try to keep the computers and network around the offices working, I try to help with setting up the worship center for worship, I am trying to give everyone that walks through the door a big smile, and I am the campus pastor for Suncoast @ North Port and sometimes I bring the weekend message when the Pastor needs me too.

 

My Life Goal:  To give myself away into the Body of Christ, first with my wife and kids and then at Suncoast.

 

What is so special about Suncoast:  Suncoast is a fountain of God’s grace.  Imagine you are in the wilderness absolutely parched and dry, suddenly you happen upon a crystal clear stream of cold pure water how refreshing that would be.  Suncoast is like that to me…a refreshing spring of God’s grace.

 

Favorite Suncoast moment:  It was when the Pastor and I were surveying the facilities at Sarasota Middle School.  As the lights were turned off out of the corner of my eye I could see the place filled to capacity.  We were only running around 200 at the time and I realized at that moment God had given me a glimpse of things to come!

 

Best day of your life:  The best day of my life, apart from the day I came to Christ, had to be when Deborah and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary by renewing our vows on Siesta Beach.  With the water swirling around our feet we rediscovered the promises we had made to each other 25 years before.

 

Proudest Accomplishment:  Convinced my wife to marry me

 

Favorite TV Show:  Without a doubt…both CSI’s and Lost

 

Favorite movie:  Which category?  Hmmm…Aliens or Little Big Man

 

Favorite meal:  Whatever is on the Buffet…I do love chicken wings though.

 

Favorite Restaurant:  Something with the words ALL YOU CAN EAT on the sign out front!

 

Favorite books: Heart of the Worshipper – Buddy Owens, What’s So Amazing about Grace-Philip Yancey, and Praying God's Word by Beth Moore

 

Favorite Quote:  It doesn’t matter where you are from, where you have been or what you have done, God wants to have a loving relationship with you.

 

What do you do in your free time/what are your Hobbies:  I like to fish, scuba dive, workout (rowing currently), and eat.  Can you tell which one I do the most??

 

Someday I hope to: go on a trans-continental train ride

 

Things I am thankful for: God’s grace, my lovely wife, healthy sons, and the brains to appreciate these.

 

When I grow up I want to: be kinder and gentler to those I love.

 

Greatest life lesson learned:  Those closest to you are not expendable; they are gifts from God and should be treated that way.

 

Amazing or interesting fact about me: I once lost 70 pounds on the Atkins diet…then I turned around that there it was!!

 

I will never try: to wear a Speedo in public

 

Most embarrassing moment: I wore a Speedo in public

 

Fun Fear: Spiders…and it isn’t really fun.  If one gets on your back you can’t get if off and then what?!?!?