“When life changes, God is good. When life is scary, God is good. When life is uncertain, God is good. When life seems illogical, God is good. When life is turned upside down, God is good. So if you forget most of what I’ve said this morning, don’t leave without realizing that God is good,” Carl Walton, VP of Human Resources shared during a recognition chapel on December 4, honoring him and Heidi Walton, OMS receptionist, for 30 years of service. The Waltons went on to recount a story of tribulations and pain but ultimately of everlasting faithfulness and victory through the Lord.
On July 3, 1992, Carl was called to the missionary field. This meant leaving behind a successful career at one of the largest banks in the world, a beautiful home, and a supportive church. With their four children, they stepped into the unknown, trusting in the Lord’s plan.
While serving as missionaries in Haiti, one of Carl’s responsibilities included meeting the incoming Missionary Flights International (MFI) airplane that brought supplies. January 26 was an MFI day, but it was also special for another reason—it was two of their children's birthdays—a double birthday! Every year, the two “birthday children” enjoyed picking out what designs and decorations they wanted on their respective cakes.
Except this year, something had slipped their minds. They had forgotten to request powdered sugar on the MFI flight, and this vital ingredient couldn’t be found in Haiti. A bit of gloom hung in the air as the day arrived and they were still without powdered sugar. A couple of cookies would have to suffice. Carl left for the airport, and the children went off to school.
When Carl returned home, his face had a gleeful look that mirrored the joy of a child. “You're not going to believe what was on that plane,” he said, walking through the door. Carl continued to carry in not one, but two birthday sheet cakes. And not just any cakes! One decorated for a boy, and one decorated for a girl, exactly what they needed. The Lord had orchestrated a perfect and timely gift.
“Only God knew that the ‘birthday cake children’ would face such trials,” Heidi said. You see, the “birthday cake children” went on to face big challenges in their lives. The cakes, a small, yet profound, blessing became a reminder of God’s meticulous care for every detail of our lives.
Heidi spoke of the Lord’s graciousness: how gracious of the Lord to assure them early on that he is always in control. The Lord knows every hair on our heads and every detail of our lives. His everlasting faithfulness has blanketed the “birthday cake children.”
Through life’s challenges, isn’t it wonderful how the Lord continues to bless us? God is good.
By Olivia Hogsett, Communications Associate, January 2025
