My name is Brian Burnett. I was born in August 1977 and by rights I should have turned out perfect. I grew up in a very tight-knit family environment; so much so that when I was in college I actually earned the nickname "Beaver". My parents (Ward and June) have been married for over 30 years and not only can both sides of the extended family go out to lunch together, they actually jump at the opportunity to see each other.
As a child I grew up in Greece, New York and attended North Star Christian Academy through grade school. Though I took classes and studied the Bible regularly as part of the curriculum there, I never really got the big picture. I was a typical mischievous kid stealing, lying, and cursing behind my parents' backs. It wasn't until my Grandparents took me up to Word of Life Ranch in Schroon Lake, New York (my second year there) that "something" smacked me upside the head. That "something" was the Holy Spirit and it was there that I was born again on August 21, 1987.
I can remember the night like it was yesterday and am still disgusted with the actions leading up to my salvation. Just before dinner one night, we were gathered in our bunk-room with the counselor and we all shared our testimony of how and when we had been saved. I, having not been saved and not wanting to admit this shortcoming to everyone else, lied. Although I do not remember what the lie was, I was ashamed that I had done this. Once the others left for dinner, the counselor kept me back in the room, and asked me questions regarding my supposed testimony. At this point I could bear it no longer and told him the truth.
I was very scared of what would happen once I told the counselor the truth. To my surprise, he reassured me that it was all right. He merely offered to teach me a little more about Jesus, letting me know that he was as scared as I when he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He read a few passages from his Bible to me and stayed with me until all of the questions I had bottled up inside were answered. At this point he lead me in prayer and I accepted Christ as my Savior. Once complete, I remember the feeling of complete and utter peace in my heart and a huge weight lifted from my back. It's something that I will never forget.
Ok, so I'm saved now what? That week, I went to several extra Bible studies and even bought a new pocket Bible that I could carry with me everywhere! Great plan, but it didn't work real well. I continued my Christian walk with increasing distractions until my family moved to Ohio in 1989. I went into the public school system, and had no one to hold me accountable to my Christian walk. Lest you misunderstand me, let me say that I do not blame the public school system nor do I blame anyone in my family for my falling away from Christ. It was primarily my fault because I did not take initiative to read God's Word and worship Him privately (Romans 10:17 and Revelation 14:7).
For the next thirteen years I wandered and stumbled seemingly out of control in the wilderness of the world. I can't even list all of the horrible things I did during that time on this page; there are some that my own parents don't even know about. Sure, through college I still attended church regularly and occasionally got some good Baptist preachin' from my grandmother's church. However, I was a hypocrite. I never really worshiped God while I was there; I only looked at my watch to see how much longer I would have to sit still and listen. It wasn't until I graduated that I started to read my Bible again. And though I only read a couple of chapters before I stopped, at least I was still going to church.
Shortly after I started going to First Bible regularly with my grandmother, she invited me to a special service (part of a missions conference) given by Richard Scheer. Back in grade school, Richard Scheer was my science teacher now he's dropping everything he has here in the states, and becoming a missionary to Botswana, Africa? So of course I had to go hear him speak. Richard, if you're reading this, know that between Bobby Bonner, you, and the Holy Spirit screaming in my ears that night, I was back on track again! (Listen for yourself!) I started attending more than one service per week and began reading my bible almost daily. (Check out the timeline.)
On April 5, 2003, I surrendered all to Christ. I know that Jesus loves me and is there to help me. Since He created me, I now try to seek His guidance and approval for all aspects of my life. I have asked His forgiveness for my transgressions these many years and in return He has truly turned my life around, making me realize the truth that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)
I pray that if you are experiencing the same confusion and lack of direction as I did that my testimony may be an encouragement to you. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, or need someone to hold you accountable, let me know! God willing, I can help you find the right path for your life. Should you not wish to write just yet, at least take the time to find out... Am I good enough to get to heaven? Please realize that you can be sure of your eternal resting place... Do you know for sure?
My Testimony 
