Patrick James Cochenour

Patrick James Cochenour, a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, loving husband, father and grandfather, and missionary to Indonesia for over thirty-five years went to be with Jesus on December 14, 2024. Pat is survived by his wife of fifty-four years Linda Ann Cochenour, son Paul (Rina) Cochenour, daughter Hannah (Edward) Soselisa, daughter Abigail (Aaron) Bisson and five grandchildren Madalyn Long, Ashely Soselisa, Aiden Bisson, Kayla Soselisa and Asher Bisson.

Pat was born on February 14, 1950, in Tiffin, Ohio. In his youth, Pat attended Bosworth Presbyterian Church that had a major influence on his life. Pat met his wife, Linda Ann Scott at this Presbyterian church when they were teenagers while serving as helpers in VBS. Pat and Linda married shortly after graduating from high school. Pat joined the Air Force after high school. It was during this time that Pat accepted Jesus as his personal Savior at the age 20. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan he and Linda were baptized in the Holy Spirit and felt called to become missionaries. Upon completion of his military service, Pat graduated from Central Bible College. Pat received his ministry license from Assembly of God Michigan District in August 1977 and was ordained on May 13, 1980. The World Missions Board commissioned both Pat and Linda in October 1980.

The Cochenours’ ministry was evidenced by their firm conviction and commitment to reach the lost and train the lay people in the Assemblies of God churches to be witnesses and soul winners. Pat and Linda served as evangelists, teachers, and church planters. Pat served as the National Director of the International Correspondence Institute where he established training centers in local churches to enable easy access to leaning God’s Word. Personal evangelism was a way of life for Pat. He spent years leading evangelistic outreaches known as The O-TEAM where he mentored and led young people in Indonesia to partner with local churches to go door-to-door with the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The O-TEAM traveled all over Indonesia with one motto, Hanya Yesus (Only Jesus)! Pat and Linda preached the eternal truth that Only Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Exciting healings were evident in cities and countryside that The O-TEAM traveled to. Blind eyes regained sight in the name of Jesus. Lame people walked because of the touch of Jesus. And deliverance was found for men and women like. Together, Pat and Linda produced Christian radio and television ministries all over the islands of Indonesia. Pat was appointed as the Executive Director of Indonesia AG National Media Department. He also served as the Director of the Indonesia Field Fellowship.

While Pat and Linda faithfully served Jesus as missionaries to Indonesia, they were even more invested in building their family together. Pat’s first calling after loving Jesus was being a loving husband to Linda. Each day Pat would tell Linda how much he loved her and that she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Pat’s next greatest calling was being the best father to their children, Paul, Hannah and Abigail. As children they joined their parents’ ministry growing up in Indonesia and as adults have continued to stand firm in the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ. The Cochenour family could tell endless stories of his love that filled their lives, hearts and home. Pat shared a love of basketball with his children, coaching their school basketball teams was a highlight for the entire family. Paul, Hannah and Abbi often told their father that he was a good father; Pat’s response was always, “Only my Father in heaven is good.”

The Cochenours served Jesus and the Indonesian people for 38 years before retiring on June 20, 2018. During Pat’s last sermon preached in Indonesia he shared these parting words to a people and a land he severed faithfully: “I am very happy because the Lord Jesus Christ is alive and fruitful in Indonesia and there is nothing more powerful than Jesus Christ. And no one too difficult to reach, for us to love them and convey the Gospel of the Lord Jesus to them. What has been the loss for me when I return to America? It is you brother, and you sister. It is you I will miss.” It is evident that Pat not only loved Jesus, but he loved the people of Indonesia deeply.

A Celebration of Life for Patrick Cochenour will be held on Monday, February 17th at Hope Church in Hedgesville, WV at 9:30 am. If you knew Pat, no celebration would go without a meal, the family is inviting all who attend his Celebration of Life to join them for lunch immediately following the service. The Celebration of Life will be live streamed for any of his friends, family and ministry partners who wish to join across the world.