LAFAYETTE, Ga. – Like the good Lord, brother Ray Burnfin is not afraid of tax collectors. He’s become one even, in a sense.
Burnfin, 71, will host a hymn singing at the Walker County Civic Center at 7 p.m. on Oct. 13, and he promises to dedicate all ticket proceeds to the county government. He said God called him to create this event about a month ago, after the county sent out a notice that some people’s property taxes would go up a little bit this year.
“As Christians, we’re not supposed to backbite, finger-point or accuse, even if we have justified reasons,” Burnfin said. “I am negative sometimes. I am particularly negative about our government. There’s nothing good about it at all. But there is a time when citizens have to step up.”
Burnfin will lead worship out of the Broadman Hymnal, which the Southern Baptist Convention published in 1940. He said some songs date back to the Great Awakening. Examples include “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” and “Crown Him With Many Crowns.”
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 6-12 years old. Children under 6 get in free. To keep the event above reproach, the Bank of LaFayette will handle ticket sales.