We had a very busy and fun weekend! It will take a couple of posts to write about it all, but I want to start at the end...
Last November Elder Morton announced that after 41 years as pastor of Truth Tabernacle he is retiring. It's not often you hear of someone who has worked at the same job for 41 years! And pastoring is not an ordinary job. Transition plans have been in the works and Bro. Tim Lackey will be the new pastor. I am very happy with the new choice - Bro. and Sis. Lackey are a great couple and I know God has more great things in store for Truth Tabernacle.
Sunday night was the retirement service for Elder Morton. Each speaker had a unique aspect that they spoke about - Elder Morton's love and vision for Fresno and Truth Tabernacle was evident in the entire service. The church family, Truth Tabernacle Christian school, Donkey Rock Youth Camp, the many branch works, and ministers who are pastoring in other places. He has poured his life into that place and the lives of so many. Arriving as a 32 year old, I don't know if anyone ever dreamed he'd stay that long or have such an impact.
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| The Children's Choir singing |
One of Elder Morton's many sayings is "Every man ought to have a pocket knife." He has given me several pocket knives through the years and I know he's given them to many, many others. On Sunday night he asked Bro. Steve Marchbanks if he had a pocket knife, he did, and Elder Morton took it and put it in his pocket. Near the end of the service the church presented a couple of gifts. One was a plaque with two pocket knives - one made in 1972, the year of his arrival in Fresno and one made in 2014. While receiving his second gift, Elder Morton asked Bro. Dave Moya if he could borrow his pocket knife. He added that to the other in his pocket and profoundly stated, "It's not stealing, it's taking!"
Elder Morton is also known to always have his own cordless microphone. He keeps it handy during service. One time, many years ago, I was singing a special in Truth Tabernacle. Behind me I heard Elder Morton say, "Sing it again, sing it again, sing it a thousand times!" I tried to keep a straight face while "singing it again" less than a thousand times! The church presented Elder Morton with a special microphone on Sunday night - a golden cordless microphone!
For me personally, there is no one outside my family who has influenced me more. My pastor for 19 years and my boss for 10 of those years, his fingerprints will always be on my life. So many lessons... so much love and laughter and growth. The notes that would show up on my calendar - "KF - have a good day!" "KF - you're doing a good job!" Or just a smiley face and his signature, letting me know he'd been by when I wasn't there.
As his son, Bro. Nathan Morton said, we all have stories. "Remember the time..." So many started rolling through my mind on Sunday night. As my boss during my "critical decade" (age 16-26) Elder Morton helped me plant my feet firmly. He taught me the importance of daily prayer by praying at the church daily. Do a good job the first time. If a leader is on time, they are late! Don't leave lights on when the room is empty. Be a good steward. Laugh often. Love people, even when they hurt you. Trust God for His best and know the blessings of God will overtake you.
I'm so thankful for this wonderful man of God in my life. I pray that he will have many more years to bless other churches with his ministry.
