Pat Morr: A Woman Who Fears the Lord

Pat Morr is one of my heroes. I first met her when I was a young woman, newly married in London in 1987, and about to embark on the greatest adventure of my life, the mission field of India.

Phil and Pat Morr have been missionaries their whole life. They have served in England, China, Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Ireland, and of course the United States. Pat is now 71 years old. She was recently widowed as her husband of many years passed away. Typical of Phil he was on the mission field in India when he became ill a couple of months ago. He returned home and went to be with Jesus soon after that at the end of October.

Phil and Pat have five children, two biological, and three adopted. All are disciples and are raising families in the Lord. What an incredible testimony to their life! This is what Pat’s daughter Wendy has to say about her mom, “She has inspired me to be the person I am today. I am so grateful to know Christ as my Savior and have a serving heart, and I know that her example and teachings have led me to be who I am today.”

Pat’s devotion to God is obvious in the way she followed her husband throughout the world with young children and teenagers in tow. They never had a lot of money but they served people with all their heart. I remember how Pat shared that her children would go to sleep at night listening to their parents studying the Bible with people in the next room.

Pat is also known for her hospitality. She is a great cook and homemaker. Phil and Pat would always entertain and host people in their home. That is no easy task with a large family on limited resources and on the mission field!

When most people enjoy their retirement Phil and Pat were called to lead a church in Grand Rapids three years ago at the age of 70 and 68. They led with a zeal and faith that would have put many young people to shame!

Another thing that struck me about Pat over the years was her humility and her gentle and quiet spirit. She always gave glory to God and was quick to praise others. In the last few weeks she has moved to Fort Wayne to be with her children who lead the church there. For the first time in many years she is living on her own. Even though Phil only passed away a few short weeks ago Pat is already fully engaged in the women’s ministry in her new city, teaching and counseling other women!

I am sure many of us could write a lot more about Pat (and maybe someone should write a biography!) but I will conclude this short article with the following words spoken a few years ago by a friend of Phil and Pat’s: “Phil Morr has become widely known for his dedicated and successful evangelistic zeal. Without Pat’s cooperation, however, he likely would not be preaching at all, much less spreading the gospel in remote and difficult areas where he has chosen to serve. All who have done such work have been able to do so only because of wives who were willing to cooperate and go with them. Many another man has been limited in what he could do by a wife who did not share his dedication.”

Pat has never held back. The question for her is not “Why?” but rather “Why not?”. To younger women Pat is a shining light of what is means to follow Jesus with courage and faith no matter what.

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