Story and photos by Emily Ulrey
There are some people who have a life in them, an energy that is overflowing and abundant. This energy is demonstrated not only in the way they walk, or talk, but in their spirit and the way they share it with others. Debbie Mohr is a one-of-a-kind, loving individual whose energetic spirit is evident in everything that she does.
I first met Debbie Mohr in 1999 when her family moved to Bluffton. That was the year my father left his position, and Debbie’s husband took over as the pastor of English Lutheran Church.
Over the years, I’ve been a blessed beneficiary of her genuine and loving nature. Her laughter and enthusiasm is infectious. Because we both grew up as pastor’s kids and missionary’s kids, we have a lot in common.
She welcomed me inside and directed me to the dining room table, where she had it set with small wooden napkin holders, which were carved into small animals and colorfully painted bright colors.
She had been expecting my entourage and had prepared everything to accommodate them as well. I thanked her and apologized for not bringing them, realizing the trouble she had gone to, to make them feel welcome. I felt guilty for not having brought them, and grateful for her thoughtfulness. After sharing a few hugs and catching up, we started in.
Debbie was born in 1959 in Columbus, Ohio and had one sibling at that time, a brother. Her father was a Lutheran pastor, and when she was 6 months old, her family moved to Ethiopia to be missionaries. It was there where her two sisters would be born.
After spending 12 years in Ethiopia, her family moved to Tiffin, where her father took a job as a pastor of a small UCC church. It was at that young age of 12, when she felt a strong calling to become a missionary doctor, and would shape her studies to pursue that goal.
Debbie played the piano, and had a passion for singing, show choir, theatre, and though she initially wanted to play the flute, she instead played the bassoon and the glockenspiel in the marching band. It was later during high school when she felt compelled to attend a youth group at a Lutheran church, where she first met
Kevin Mohr, a former missionary’s kid and the leader of the youth group.
After graduating from high school, her pursuit of a medical degree took her to The Ohio State University, where she would again cross paths with Kevin, who was attending Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Kevin’s family had been missionaries in Papua New Guinea and their shared interests and commonalities would bring them together. During her years at OSU, Debbie would eventually decide against med school, and graduate with her degree in education.
Debbie and Kevin were married in 1979 and soon felt called to the mission field in Madagascar. Because Madagascar was a former French colony, French was still commonly used in Madagascar.
In 1982 they traveled to France and spent 9 months there learning French, which was necessary in order to form a basic foundation in learning Malagasy, the native language of Madagascar. They moved to Madagascar in 1983. They lived in several different remote areas, immersing themselves into the culture and language.
Debbie’s teaching degree enabled her to teach English, lead Bible studies, and home school their two daughters, Rebekah and Rachel, who were both born there.
Debbie also enjoyed writing poetry, which she started doing while in France, and continued to do while in Madagascar. Kevin held several different positions during their years there. These included training evangelists, teaching at a seminary, and later serving as the mission chairman.
After 17 years in Madagascar, they moved to Bluffton in 1999.
“It was the first time I didn’t have a missionary call,” Debbie told me, explaining that in this instance it was Kevin’s call that brought them here.
This caused some fear for her initially, though she was able to find comfort in her favorite verse, which was very applicable to their transition. Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
She had hopes of teaching French with her experience, although the extensive educational requirements were somewhat overwhelming, and ultimately kept her from pursuing it as a career.
Debbie became faithfully and passionately involved in their church. In spite of being active in the choir, teaching Sunday school, leading women’s Bible Study, as well as a prayer group, Debbie found a job working at Mennonite Memorial Home in 2000 as a nurse aide.
Despite her busy schedule, Debbie graduated in 2006 with her Master’s Degree in Family Ministry. During this time, as a volunteer, she led a series of Bible studies at Maple Crest. When the activities director position became available, the residents requested she be considered for the job. After some consideration, she took the job in 2006, and continues to work there. Her effervescent personality suits her position perfectly.
If there’s one thing that stands out about Debbie, it’s that she truly loves people, which began when she was young. At the age of 4, Debbie’s grandparents would take her with them to visit with elderly people, which greatly influenced her love for the elderly.
In her spare time, she enjoys making food from scratch (by hand and sans mixer), reading, writing letters, and would love to take piano lessons again, someday. Blue skies and sunshine make summer her favorite season, although she does enjoy going skiing once every winter.
As we sat together and talked, I realized how incredible her life experiences have been, and how much she has accomplished. “Life has been an adventure. I’ve gotten to do everything I’d hoped to do,” she said. I asked her what she missed most about Madagascar.
Her answer: “Christmas at the beach… I’d love to go back to the ocean.”
