1. Tell me about you- who you’re married to, how long, how many kids, names and ages.
My name is Patty Osborn. Gary & I have been married for 44 years. We were privileged to have seven kids, one passed into eternity with the Lord in 2024, five are married with their own families, and one is single. We have 11 grandchildren. Our adult kids are 41 down to 30, and grandchildren aged 15 down to 6 months.
2. How do you personally stay spiritually refreshed and encouraged?
Seems simple, but I make sure to have time with the Lord early in the morning, reading, studying, praying. I’ve been doing that over 50 years, rarely missing.
Also, at other times I read any books that encourage me, alone or with others. Reading biographies and spiritual lessons and habits of godly women as a source of continued encouragement to me to keep going.
Another thing that encourages me is being involved in fellowship often. In Acts they encouraged one another day by day, so that really helps, sharing burdens, and blessings. Whether alone or with Gary, praying to be an encouragement to others on the way.
3. What has been the most rewarding part of serving alongside your husband in ministry?
For me, it’s so rewarding knowing I get to labor alongside a man who loves the Lord and is doing his best to serve Him. When I was first a Christian, I thought of what an honor it would be to be married to a pastor, yet I never had any aspirations for such a role. I just wanted to serve the Lord, to have Him use me however He saw fit.
Also, I love it when Gary and I get to share what we’re reading, and learning. I enjoy encouraging him when he prepares messages, and just listening to his thoughts of what he’s reading and thinking about in the word. I like when we can do ministry together. Gary also was a computer programmer for many years, and I couldn’t share in understanding that! But I can understand what he’s doing as a pastor.
4. What advice would you give to a new pastor’s wife just beginning?
When I was first a pastor’s wife, it was pointed out to me that there is no “pastor’s wife” role in the Bible. It’s the same as any other wife, so I studied and memorized portions of the Bible that pertained to be a good wife. Titus 2, 1 Timothy 3, Proverbs 31, Ephesians 5…(and Proverbs for raising children).. looking up the words in the dictionary and different translations.
I would encourage any Christian wife and mother to seek God’s will in these areas. So many have so much to say, but when we know God’s word, we can have a plumb line to measure all their advice.
5. What can we be praying for you?
Presently, besides praying to be a Biblical woman according to what was shared last year at our Biblical women’s weekend, I’m praying I could be and encouragement to younger women to trust Him and be godly women, and that I’d faithfully share the Lord with the next generation(s) (Psalm 78).
I’m also seeking to obey 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, to rejoice always… and Philippians 2:14, to do ALL things without complaining.
Thanks sisters!
