Bill Horn

June 12, 2023

Bill Horn was to me, an amazing man. When I was a caseworker for Allegany County Social Services, I was assigned to the western part of the county which encompassed Bolivar, where Bill was the UM pastor. He was a reference for an adoption I was working on, so I had reason to stop by his office on more than one occasion. 

Bill was originally from Brooklyn or the Bronx—I can’t remember which—and talked like he had a mouthful of marbles. We became friends, and when I told him I was going to seminary, he said he would pray for me every day. A year later at annual conference, Bill looked me up. “I’ve prayed for you every day,” he told me. Over the years, I’ve thought of how often I said I would pray for someone and after a few days not seeing them, I would forget. Bill didn’t.

During one of our visits, he asked me, “Have you ever dreamed you were praying and woke up to find you actually were?” 

“No, I can’t say that I have,” I responded. I said no more to Bill, but have often thought how wonderful it would be to have that kind of prayer experience.

The Psalms testify of God’s presence in the night seasons:

“I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; 

My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.” —Psalm 16:7 

“You have tested my heart; 

You have visited me in the night…”

—Psalm 17:3 

“He will not allow your foot to be moved; 

He who keeps you will not slumber. 

Behold, He who keeps Israel 

Shall neither slumber nor sleep.” —Psalm 121:3-4

Just last night, I found out for myself what Bill talked about those many years ago. Throughout the night, those Creek Kids were on my mind and in my prayers. I can’t say for sure if I was awake or asleep, but I do know that when I awoke this morning, I was praying for them. It was wonderful! Thank you, Jesus! And thank you, Bill, for your example.