Dear friends of The Jerusalem Connection,
On Monday night at 11pm, Pat Mercer Hutchens went to be with her Savior in Heaven. After enduring a grueling battle with ovarian cancer for many years, the doctors informed Pat and Jim two weeks ago that they no longer had any treatment options. Her earthly body was rapidly deteriorating.
During her hospice, Jim was by her side every second, just as he had been throughout her sickness and for the whole of their 54 year marriage. They had communion together every night, prayerfully committing her to the hands of Yahweh. Her three grown children and their families—all of who walk faithfully with the Lord—were at her bedside as she took her last breaths.
We at the Jerusalem Connection deeply grieve the loss of our dear friend and mentor. For our office administrators, Marilyn Henretty and Marilyn Levar, our videographer, Bill Lee, myself, and of course Jim, Pat held a light inside her that kindled the flame of our passions and commitment for Israel and the Jewish people. We will press on in our work and continue her legacy. However, we will never forget her unmatched energy, creative talents, and selfless friendship. Pat lived ten lives in one.
Thank you to all of you for your prayers, letters, and concern over these years. Please continue to pray for Jim and the family.
Shelley Neese
Thank you for sharing Jerusalem Connection e-news with Pat’s beautiful artworks and teaching of the Hebrew language. I have the same passion that she had but little I know in the Hebrew language only the Hebrew names of God of Israel by heart and in writing. Perhaps Pat’s surviving husband can find time to interact with the deaf and hard of hearing community in teaching the Judeo-Christian faith and its history when he gets over with the grieving period. I am the Organizer, Deaf Ministry Fellowship-Metro Washington DC Area, 501(c)3 ministry organization
I believe I am so blessed to have met both Pat and the General and to have the opportunity to pray with them and hear their story. Their walk with our Lord is a testimony of strength and endurance. Winning that race that was set before her I could see her in the spirit dancing with the angels in Glory upon completing the race and stepping on that golden street. WOW!
My love and prayers are with the General, their family and friends. Always an inspiration, their encouragment to others has always been wise and wonderful.
Until we ALL meet with our Heavenly Father, blessings to all.
Vickie F
Yahweh Sister
Chapel Hill, NC
So sorry to hear this news!! Our prayers will be with the family during this time. May the Lord be a very present comfort to each one!!