FAITH JOURNEY

I was 18 years old and was sitting in a church orchestra. I played clarinet and enjoyed hearing the testimonies. That night, September 1978, in Toledo, Ohio I gave my heart to Christ in a great way. I surrendered to Him the pain of my young life and I felt washed, like a bucket of water fell on me. I could not help but be filled with joy!

I soon joined a local youth choir and from that experience, heard about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I read everything I could on theology and what this baptism of the Holy Spirit meant. I soon understood not only from books, but from experience, that God's love was poured over me. I had been baptized with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. It was a powerful time. I was alone and God's Spirit fell on me in a great and mighty way. I knew it was my Savior and my God that had not only given me boldness to witness, but was healing my heart.

I was called to ministry and to go to Bible college. But like Jonah, I ran. And when one runs, one falls. After a year of running, I surrendered to the call and went to Mt Vernon Bible College, a Foursquare college in Ohio. It was the beginning of a deeper walk with Christ and a firm discipleship in my life. I was hungry for the Word of God and for change. And God met me where I was. I once again surrendered my life to Him and said, "Do what you want, Lord. I will never be happy unless I obey You." I began the walk towards full time ministry. I graduated with academic honors and high honors in student ministry.

I served for 12-13 years in churches and was called to go to seminary for further education. I found myself at Ashland Theological Seminary to work on my Masters in Christian Education, but in the journey, I also received a Mrs. and became Mrs. Dawn Morton, (my old name as Dawn Edwards), and married Dr. Russell Morton. I was 40 and he 46 when we married. "Things of quality have no fear of time."

I then graduated from ATS, took a year break, then began doctoral studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. I received a Doctor of Education in Leadership, which would assist me in higher education, teaching, assessment, and online education.

I give God the glory for all that He has done! He has made me who I need to be and "for such a time as this."

"Christian Education is Not a Stepping Stone to Other Ministries, It is the Backbone of the Church!"

-- Dr. Dawn Morton

I was called to ministry around the age of 9-10 years old, yet did not know or understand that calling for some time. My family did not attend church, nor did they practice faith at home in any great way, but I remember my mother reading the Bible stories to me as a child and I still have that book, even after all these years. It is precious to me and I am glad I received it years later.

I grew up in a home of domestic violence, with a father who drank, did drugs, gambled, and sexually assaulted me. My mother was abused, troubled with her situation, and felt there was no way out. She lived in this condition, not knowing the full extent of the abuse of her children. Years later she was divorced from my father and lived in peace for the final years of her life, dying of cancer in 2006. I led her to Jesus nine years before her death and she lived with a peaceful heart for those years.

A local pastor, Sister Opal Eckert from Bradner, Ohio came to pick us up for Sunday School when I was about 6-7 years old. I enjoyed going to Vacation Bible School, being in the Christmas program each year, and singing at the church. As I grew in my faith, I had natural leadership skills that were recognized in the church. At that time, we had two female pastors, Sister Opal and Sister Mary Slaughterbeck. Both were spiritual mothers to me and I am thankful for their leadership and love they poured out upon a troubled child.

At age 13, I received a Bible from the Billy Graham Crusade. I ordered it from television and I read it from cover to cover. It was a New Testament paperback and it sure is beat up, but I still have that Bible as I came to know Christ through the written Word of God.

Shortly afterwards, I began teaching preschool children at the age of 13, learning from the adults how to do it, and soon was on my own teaching God's Word. At the age of 16, I began preaching in the church. I was given opportunity to develop as a young person in Christ, though broken and battered in spirit, I was growing leaps and bounds in Jesus. I was learning about His love for me. If anything, I was teaching myself about faith as I studied and prepared my lessons each week.

I was mentored by two female pastors and knew God's hand was upon me, even though I struggled with life.