5 Questions With...(new) Deacon David Morton
Peter Brown
(new) Deacon David Morton
1. How did you first get involved with Friendship Presbyterian? I found Friendship Presbyterian through a former Wycliffe missionary that I met in St. Louis. When I told him about some plans I had to move to Asia, he encouraged me to consider Taiwan and told me about some churches out here in Taipei, among which Friendship was one. Now, the reason that I stayed has much to do with a particularly delicious batch of chocolate chip cookies baked by the honorable Mrs. Dennis [Pastor Dennis’ wife, Kay]. That, and the wonderful people who have showered me with love and grace since the moment I arrived.
2. What do you do Monday through Saturday? I like to meditate on Scripture, watch rivers flow, play music, write stories or read them, pass time with friends over cups or bowls of something warm, generally marvel at the miracle of life and gradually chip away at the language barriers that keep me from closer communion with all my brand-new neighbors.
3. What is something people might be surprised to know about you? I really love Latin music. Particularly Salsa, Meringue, Bachata, oh man, those rhythms really get me going.
4. What do you find most challenging about being a Christian today? I grew up in the "fabulously free" Western world, so for me the devil has always been in the details. I think we fear men more than God. I think we're afraid of being judged as intolerant by the world for our beliefs on marriage or sexuality and we fear being judged as “weak” or “worldly” by our brothers and sisters for being honest about our spiritual doubts and struggles. We need to remember that absolutely everything is vacant of meaning or purpose without the saving power of Jesus Christ, and stop clinging to the rags we claimed to forsake when we chose to follow Christ. Please know that I am preaching to myself.
5. What is your favorite book of the Bible? In the Old Testament, aside from the Psalms, it’s got to be Isaiah. It’s all there, man. I mean—wow. In the New Testament…tough contest, but I’ve got to say Colossians. Really shakes reality down to the bones and shows us what all this is truly about.