I wanted to be a pilot: Don Moen

God had other plans for Don Moen, now one of the most adored singers in the world, who will perform in Chennai tomorrow.
What made you study music and go into ministry?
Music chose me! My mother played the piano in church and from an early age, she insisted that all her four children take piano lessons. I hated practicing and wanted to quit but my mother said, ‘Donny,’ (my family still calls me Donny) ‘We provide the clothes you wear, we provide the food you eat and we provide the bed you sleep in.You WILL play the piano.’ End of discussion. Today, Laura and I have five children and I made them all take six years of piano, telling them the same things my mother told me! I wanted to be a navy pilot and fly a fighter jet. When I found out I wouldn’t be accepted into flight school because I wore glasses, I was disappointed, and accepted a scholarship from a university to study music. When I was at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I knew God was calling me to ministry and do more with my music.
How were your initial years as a gospel musician?
Since I started writing and performing songs around the world, I started getting requests for my music in printed form, so I actually started a publishing company and printed some of my music. Eventually, I got a publisher, who distributed my music around the world.
Christian music has evolved over the years...
I believe that music is a gift from God. I have my preferences and my style of music, but over the years I have become much more open to the ways God and can use all styles of music for His purposes and His glory.
Any inspiration that came from the people you’ve worked with?
I was privileged to meet Ron Kenoly many years ago when he had just written Jesus Is Alive. Ron Kenoly, Darlene Zschech, Martin Smith, Chris Tomlin and many others have become my dear friends.
Are the lyrics you write a reflection of your own experiences?
I think almost every song I have written or co-written is a result of what I have experienced personally. Many of my songs are my prayers put into a song. I Want To Be Where You Are, Lord I Offer My Life To You, Be Glorified, etc. Others are written as a result of deep personal struggles, like I Will Sing and God Will Make A Way.
Any interesting experience you’d like to share?
God Will Make A Way was the song I wrote in the shortest span of time. When my young nephew was killed in a car accident, I was devastated. I didn’t know what to say to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. I was flying on a plane, praying about what I should say and sing at the funeral. As I was reading the scriptures, the Lord gave me this song. Both the words and the music came at once.
What’s your favourite instrument ?
By far, my favourite instrument is the violin.
What can the audience in Chennai look forward to during your tour?
My prayer has been that God would meet us at each concert in a very powerful way.
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