I Couldn't Find You...

We just got back from a vacation to the beach. Life gets really busy, really quickly and we as a family realized that we needed to get away for a bit to just have some family time.

While there, my wife mentioned that she wanted to see the sunrise over the ocean one morning. I set my alarm, got up early, fixed coffee, then gently woke her. We stepped out on our balcony quietly letting the kids sleep. It was very peaceful just sitting out there beside my wife, sipping coffee and watching the sun rise over the ocean. It was a beautiful, wonderful moment.

The moment was broken by a cry from inside the room. It wasn't a "hurt" cry, it was a whine. More of an upset cry. I got up and opened the door to see my 7 year old son sitting on our bed somewhat crying. He looked up and saw me, wiped the tears away as he came over to me and hugged me tightly. "What's wrong, buddy?" I asked. "I couldn't find you." he said with his arms holding me tightly. I just held him tightly and said, "I'm right here."

It reminded me of the many times in the book of Psalms that David cries out to God when he couldn't find him.

Psalm 13:1 LORD, how long will You forget me? Forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?

Psalm 27:9 Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or abandon me, God of my salvation.

Psalm 69:17 Don’t hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me quickly!

Psalm 88:14 LORD, why do You reject me? Why do You hide Your face from me?

Psalm 102:2 Do not hide Your face from me in my day of trouble. Listen closely to me; answer me quickly when I call.

Psalm 143:7 Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Don’t hide Your face from me, or I will be like those going down to the Pit.

How about us? When we can't find God, (or for us, when we feel as thought He isn't close or active in our lives) are we that distressed? Do we call out for God? Are we brought to tears?

Maybe the real question here is, what is our relationship with God really like? If it is distant most of the time, being away from Him may not seem like a big deal. What is your relationship with God like?

Just something to think about.

In Christ,
jon walton

Mfuge Day 5: Bitter Sweet...

Well, another Mfuge is almost over. We have only a closing celebration tomorrow morning before we leave and then we will be making our way back to East TN. The last day is always good, but difficult. Already people are talking about not wanting to leave and not wanting this to end. But there is a season for everything. While the season of Mfuge is closing for us this year, the spiritual connection we have made doesn't have to. I pray we take home what we have learned here tonight. Parents, thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to pour into your children's lives. Leaders, thank you so much for your incredible help this week. God, thank you so much for moving our youth group this week to a closer place with you. May we seek to bring you glory in everything we do.

In Christ,
jon walton

Mfuge Day 4: Healing...

Yesterday was the build up for today. Sometimes, God has to take you through a very hard place to get you where He wants you. Tonight was an incredibly powerful night with the youth group. There was a lot of healing that happened within it and God is continuing to move us into His vision for the youth group. I can't wait to see what God does with us next! One more incredible day to go and no doubt it will be amazing! Thanks so much for your prayers!

In Christ,
jon walton

Mfuge day 3: Opposition

So I discover this principle: When I want to do what is good, evil is with me. (Romans 7:21 HCSB)

This verse has rung very true today. There is no doubt that God is working in our youth group, but Satan is pitching a hissy fit and he doesn't play fair. He is try to distract, mislead, and wedge in where ever he can on this trip from the leadership down. Too bad for him Jesus is our sovereign Lord and can not be stopped from fulfilling His plan!

Pray for our youth as they are seeking God and fighting distractions. Pray for our leaders as they are working to serve youth and Jesus. Above all, pray that we would all submit to Jesus plan for our life!

In Christ,
jon walton

Mfuge Day 2: Connecting...

Day 2 of Mfuge is in the tank, and with it are some incredible events that have made strong impressions on us all. After a powerful day of ministering to others, we had a very strong worship time tonight that brought many youth and leaders to tears. God is moving. God is revealing Himself to so many people here at Belmont this year. But this is just the start. We have 2 full days left to keep connecting to Him before we leave this location, but the connecting doesn't stop there.

With so many of us seeking and finding Jesus, Satan is certainly getting upset and trying to cause problems. No worries though, because my God can not be thwarted! Not by scheme of man nor power of Hell! My God reigns!

Keep us in your prayers as we continue to serve God this week!

In Christ,
jon walton

Mfuge Day 1: Giddy...

We are at Belmont in Nashville, TN for Mfuge this year. We got here today, checked in, ate some dinner and had just a bit of free time to roam the campus before the first evening show. While walking around Abbie, one of my amazing youth, looked and me smiling and said, "Ha, ha, ha, you're giddy Jon!" Well, maybe I am!

Mfuge is always powerful. It is a week of getting away from the things in life that bog us down in routine and gives us the opportunity to focus on God and serving others. It moves not only the people we minister to, but also the youth and leaders who are ministering!

Yeah, I guess I am a bit excited, even giddy, about the opportunity that God has given us this week!

Well, its late, but check back each day for a new update!

In Christ,
jon walton

Made it...

We are here at Belmont, safe and sound! Getting started with our opening celebration! Check back all week for updates!