Feature Articles

Sondra Burnett

Sondra Burnett knew from the time she was in High School that the Lord had plans for her, and that singing was a big part of those plans. She tried for a while to get rid of that “southern country” sound in her voice, but her Mother kept working on her to keep that Southern Gospel sound. She is glad that she listened to her Mother, because since she has listened to the advice of her Mother, God has been blessing her singing.

Five years ago her attitude about music changed when God started working with her to write Gospel songs. She is amazed at how God has used tragedy in her life to minister in songs to others. Sondra says that it seems God often inspires her song writing while she is ironing. Her church friends have offered to bring their ironing over just to help her stay inspired to write. In 1993, after a horrible miscarriage, and then the loss of a premature baby of a dear friend, the song “Goodbye” was birthed. This song is being used with great success in hospitals to help minister to women who has lost their own babies. Sondra is grateful that God has used a little known girl from Arkansas to help so many. "Never Alone," her song about overcoming depression, has ministered to many who are struggling in darkness.

Sondra's two daughters, Allie, age 11, and Marlee, age 8, often sing with her in three part harmony whenever possible. Perhaps this is just history repeating itself as she sang the tenor part with her family at the age of 8. As Sondra puts it, "you just can't imagine the joy of singing with your children."

Sondra is becoming known for the humor that is reflected in her concerts. She feels that God is using her off-the-cuff humor, that is completely unplanned, to soften the hearts of the people in her concerts, and then she is able to bring the Gospel message boldly to them.

After being named the regional songwriter winner of the GMA's Southern Gospel Song of 2002 competition for her song "Jesus is My Best Friend," Sondra embarked on her newest project produced by multi-award winning producers Michael Sykes, Woody Wright and David Ponder in Nashville, Tennessee. The project, entitled "Sondra," features several Southern Gospel gems of years past with a new twist. Sondra feels honored to have artists such as Richard Sterban (courtesy of The Oak Ridge Boys), the late Noel Fox, Michael English, Judy Martin Hess and Ponder, Sykes and Wright to provide background vocals. Being from Arkansas, Sondra feels close to the Martins, and hopes to be able to minister with as much diversity as they do someday.

Some of the highlights of her ministry have included a comedy weekend to uplift and encourage the spouses and friends of US Army 101st Airborne stationed at Fort Campbell, KY and a recent trip to Brazil where she was honored to lead worship and minister in a newly organized church. She also ministered in homes, orphanages, and drug rehab centers while in Brazil.

Where is Sondra Burnett headed? She hopes to continue working in churches, and perhaps take on more opportunities to minister at women’s ministry events.

If you get a chance to see Sondra in person, don’t miss a chance for a major blessing.

Web: [url=http://www.sondraburnett.com]http://www.sondraburnett.com
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