I received a call yesterday that changed the course of my day. I got word that the life of a dear friend and colleague in ministry tragically ended. For the first 30 minutes or so, I was numb – and to some degree, I still am I suppose. The last time I saw Wayne was at a Walk to Emmaus back in February and he was loving life.
He was one of those guys who had a unique grasp of the grace God had shown him and it changed the way he related to God and to others. There are few people in my life that are any more authentic and real than Wayne Horton was everyday that I knew him. For nearly ten years he has been an encourager and cheer leader for me. And I say, “for me” because that is how he made me feel. I know that is who he was for every person he met, but he had the true gift of making you feel like you were the only person in the room when he was talking to you.
I read, years ago, that Jesus had the knack of simply loving the person in front of him. Wayne understood how to do that and I am a better person for it.
Even though I will miss him terribly, I know when he passed from this life yesterday morning, he walked right into the throne room of the most high. Somehow, there is peace in knowing that fact. There is also satisfaction and comfort in knowing that I had the distinct privilege of calling him my friend for the past 10 years.
My life will forever be different because of our friendship, but the coolest thing is that I am just one of literally hundreds who can say the exact same thing!
Wayne, I love you and will miss you and I’ll see you again before too long. But until then, we will just be keeping it real around here.
Clay in the Hands 
My husband and I are still numb as well he truly changed our lives forever! He was a true man of God and had a gift in teaching the word! I love that man and i truly believe that my husband is thr man and father he is today because of him! He touched so many lives and left everlasting impressions! Heaven gained an amazing angel but we on earth lost an amazing man! He will be incredibly missed!
So beautifully said Brian. Wayne was unique. He was one of the greatest examples of living like Jesus. We are all better because of Wayne Horton. Thank you for your words Brian.
Your words are so true about a man that showed love and grace to everyone he met. Wayne, you were a great friend and a great example of Christ. To love and show compassion and understanding without being judgmental were your character traits that I can only aspire to be like. Love ya’ man. “Go rest on high” for a job well done. You were a good and faithful servant! You will be missed.
Brian, thank you for your words…I took the liberty of posting them on Waynes page for the family…He was a real supporter of your blog and spoke of it often..its so heartbreaking but wow he really attracted all people to Jesus..and that was his greatest desire..