Local treasure changes her address

The greater Branson area lost a treasure last month when Pat Kershaw changed her address from Taneyville, Missouri 65759, to a place I will call “Face-to-Face with her Savior, Heaven” (no zip code necessary).

            “I feel privileged that I got to spend time with such an incredible person,” I emailed a friend after learning of Pat’s September passing at age 90. “She had the ability to combine humor, raw honesty and love.”

            At her recent memorial service, Woodland Hills Family Church Pastor Rex Childress said, “She never lost that sparkle, did she?” He praised her as a “spunky, special lady who gave a lifetime of service. What a legacy!”

With her husband Max, Pat served International Students, Inc. (ISI) for 30 years. The Christian organization was formed to reach out to college students from around the world who come to the U.S. to study. ISI befriends those students, helps them with U.S. culture and shares the Gospel with them. While the couple was living in England, Max passed away. Then Pat returned to the states, first living in Colorado where the mission has its headquarters, then about 20 years ago choosing the Branson area because family lives here.

            But by no means was losing Max the end of her service to ISI. Pat continued helping ISI for another 30 years; that’s 60 years total! As a gifted writer, she wrote staff manuals and also poured encouragement into countless staff – in person and through letters. Pat had the heart of a mentor – and mentor people she did, whether it was through ISI or just people she met.

About now, I am sensing Pat’s voice chiding me for putting her on a pedestal. Okay, Pat, I “hear” you, but I am going to honor you anyway. Other than my husband, I never met anyone who a) demonstrated such interest in me; b) expressed so much confidence in me and my writing and c) said positive things that will stick with me the rest of my life.

            Also, dear Pat, if even one reader is inspired to follow their own calling to serve God because of your example, you’d give me your stamp of approval on this article.

            “She served so diligently and fruitfully,” said Seng Tan, president of ISI who attended the memorial. “I met Pat when I was fresh out of graduate school, and I learned so much from her. She had a deep well of wisdom and humor.”

            He likened her to Sarah in the Bible (Abraham’s wife). God changed Sarai’s name to Sarah, which means “mother of nations.” And He promised Abraham that their descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky.

            “Like Sarah, Pat mothered spiritual children and helped them grow,” he said. “Then they had spiritual children who did the same. Also, think of all the staff she mentored through the decades; they led still others to Christ. I believe Pat’s offspring are like sand at the beach, or stars in the sky.”

            He reminded us that God put Sarah in His Hebrews 11 “Faith Hall of Fame.” And I hereby put Pat Kershaw in my personal “faith hall of fame.”

            When doctors told me I needed a painful nerve test and that I might be facing three surgeries, Pat told me “You’ll do fine, Lauri.” I noted she didn’t say “You’ll BE fine, just that I would DO fine.” In other words, because she knew my faith, she believed in my ability to deal with it, come what may.

            When I decided to write a book, Pat was my biggest cheerleader. At my request, she read every chapter and provided valuable input. Then after it was published, she declared, “You’re not done, Lauri. You have a lot more to say, so keep on writing. Promise me.” I promised her, so now I have no choice!

“Problems just made her stronger,” a grandson shared. “Her body was wilting, but not her spirit. She was still so fervent these last years and months.”

Here’s what Pat wrote in her newsletter to friends just a couple months ago: “The word hospice has a serious connotation. For me, the word brought something surprising; I’m okay! I’m good with it, ready for the end process. We don’t know what this phase of life is like until we’re there.

“I’m discovering that it’s our choice, and I didn’t know that I was going to react with peace, contentment, happiness and looking forward to what is coming next.

“Of course, I am feeling this way because of my absolute total assurance of where I’m headed. The Word of God, with which I am very familiar, gives all the assurance I need.”

One of the writing lessons Pat emphasized with me was the following: say what you want to say using the least number of words possible – and then stop. Okay, Pat. I’ll stop. The end.