Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
Madison resident Dean Morphonios has published his first novel, "Visiting Matthew." The book was inspired by the tragic death of his son, Matthew, who was killed in an automobile accident in 2015, just six weeks after his wedding. The novel examines the many lessons that could be learned from visiting Matthew in Heaven.
Morphonios is an Assistant State Attorney, working primarily in Mayo, Fla. He worked in Madison for nine years as a prosecutor. Morphonios is a Miami native who lived in Tallahassee for many years before moving to Madison. In 1995, while living in Tallahassee, he had what he describes as a "Damascus Road" experience with the Lord. Morphonios was studying a Sunday school lesson that was part of a series entitled "Ten Brave Christians." He was reading the tenth day's lesson, called "Hostage to the Devil," when he felt as if a claw was being lifted from his heart. He began praying the Apostle's Creed and gave his heart to Jesus while in his living room.
Morphonios vividly remembers the day that Madison native Special Agent Supervisor Jim Flournoy, with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, had a conference with him, letting him know that Matthew had been killed in a wreck. After the overwhelming grief began to subside, Morphonios began praying that God would show him that Matthew was alright. The Lord assured him that Matthew's childhood acceptance of Jesus had stood the test of time.
In 2019, Morphonios felt led to begin writing about Matthew and what it would be like to visit him in Heaven. Over a 90-day period, Morphonios sat before his computer and typed steadily as the thoughts continued to flow. The novel follows the death of a father whose son is already in Heaven. The two meet up and the son, Matthew, takes his father on a tour of Heaven, including several visits and conversations with Jesus. The tour includes visits with Abraham Lincoln, conversations about the rebellion of Lucifer and the fall of man. A surprise ending awaits the reader, which will not be spoiled here.
Morphonios encourages everyone to give his book a read, especially if they are grieving the loss of a loved one. "Everything is backed up by the Word of God," said Morphonios. "I hope this book leaves people filled with faith and confidence in the faithfulness of Jesus, and that He will provide comfort for the grieving."
If you would like to purchase "Visiting Matthew," it is available on Amazon.com. Morphonios and his wife, Mary, are available for ministry engagements. They look forward to sharing the love of Jesus whenever possible. You can reach out to them on Facebook.