Actions Are Louder Than Words...

I was visiting with a friend recently who has been sick for a while. They told me other friends had offered help or for this person to come over and hang out, but they were simply unable to. "I know these other people care," they told me, "but you actually came. Thanks."

Pastor Bidwell Mindy once told me, "If you come to Africa, then you are our brother!"

Words can be a great source of comfort. They can heal, inspire, encourage, and drive someone forward. Yet words can only go so far. When we put our faith into action is when it truly becomes "real" to us.

Since we came back from Ecuador, Dan Williams and I were talking about how much a tractor would help the construction at Casa de Fe. Dan didn't let it stop with talking about it. He has set up a Facebook page to start raising funds to buy one. (Click here to like it!)

I think this is the heart of the message James was talking about:

If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.  - James 2:15-17

Don't just talk about doing something for Jesus, actually get up and do it!

In Christ,
jon walton

Tranquilo...

There is always an adjustment period when coming back from a mission trip. Going from working hard each day and knowing what you are doing every day is serving God to a "normal" routine can be difficult. In fact, it can be down right depressing. It's easy to get caught up in the busy lifestyle we live as citizens of the United States. But when you have experienced something different, (and better in my opinion) getting back into the swing of things takes some time. This time back has been more difficult for me.
I get tired of all the "extras" we so quickly put in our lives thinking they are so vitally important. Sports for our kids, get together parties, activity after activity that fill up our time. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying these things are sin, but there is no doubt that they add extra stress and take up time that could be devoted elsewhere.
In the midst of all this, God has reminded me of something that has helped me readjust. "Tranquilo." Which is Spanish for "chill," or "relax." It's what we said to each other anytime things didn't go according to plan in Ecuador. (which happens quite often on a mission trip.) It's a good reminder that I can trust that Jesus is still in control, even in my busy schedule. That it will be ok.
Maybe I need to look at my priorities in my life here in the states again and see if I need to drop some unnecessary stuff but if I trust in Jesus, He will show me what to keep and what to let go. He will do the same for anyone who seeks and puts their trust in Him.

In Christ,
jon walton

Home…

One final, quick post. We have all made it home safely. Thanks for all the prayers thanks for all the thoughts. I'm going to spend some time with my family and go to bed.

We're Going Where?

So, due to lots of delays and technical problems, we have wound up in Miami. Please pray for us as we have been traveling for over 11 hours now and everyone is pretty tired. Thanks for all your prayers and this is just a bump in the road one the way home.


In Christ,
jon walton

Construction...

For the past few days we have been all hands on deck working on the school for the children at Casa de Fe. We have dug a 120 feet trench for electrical line. In the states, this would have taken 2 to 3 hours with some heavy equipment. However, here it is done by hand. That includes moving 100 pound rocks, swinging pick axes, and moving all the dirt by hand. Not an easy task, but when something needs to be done, God has bonded us together to get it done!



While some of us working on the trench, others were painting the school. Everything here is concrete and it all needs to be painted. There are lots of places to paint. Our team has done a great job painting lots of classrooms, hallways, and ceilings. It really looks great!















We have one more day in Shell then we head to Quito for our flight out. This will most likely be my last post until we get back to the states. Thanks again for all the prayers, donations, and help that have allowed us to have this incredible experience. We are setting dates for next year already. Yup, we are absolutely doing this again. Just let me know sometime if you are interested in going. I know I am already!

In Christ,
jon walton

P. S. here are some extra pics before I go...

Baby Time...

So, each day 6 of us get to go into the baby and special needs room to hold babies and work with the kids with severe special needs. It is wonderful.

Getting Ready to Paint...

Church was great yesterday! Dr. Steve did a great job preaching through 1 John 1 & 2. Thanks for praying for him. It was a pretty incredible experience. We have 5 different people groups there including us all worshiping and praising one amazing God. I am so thankful to have such an unique time with fellow believers.




I couldn't help but think of how amazing it will be when we get to heaven and there are thousands of people groups all worshiping my amazing Savior.







After that, we went back to Casa de Fe for our first 2 VBS classes. It was a lot of fun and a real challenge to get 40 kids involved in a skit, songs and a craft. But by the end we were all laughing and having a great time.



After we finished up the VBS, we headed up to the school to begin painting and installing toilets. We have a couple of painters on the team that got really excited when they found out that we are painting for our construction project.













I can't thank you all enough for all your prayers. Please pray for our group and our patience with everything. The tiredness is beginning to set in and we still have several more days. Pray that we would continue to be effective for the ministry!
In Christ,
jon walton