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From Ned Pendleton . . .
Leaving the clergy to rank the clergy, I will speak as a layman and as a lifelong member of National Presbyterian Church and Center, Washington, D.C.. I sat under Dr. Morris's teaching for several years. This teacher is as non-threatening and non-judgmental as anyone could be. You find yourself wanting to share with him and with the other students; one did not fear self-exposure because Paul kept the atmosphere loving. He used the Socratic method in his teaching and brought each one of us into the learning process. As I came to know him better, Paul became a friend and a counselor. I felt comfortable in asking his advice and help - not easy for someone twelve years his senior. Paul is unbelievably warm and supportive. He makes you want to share your problems with him. Somehow you feel he may have had similar problems, so he can understand yours better. Paul Morris is not holier-than-thou nor is he dogmatic. He loves our Savior and wants that for you. He was never casual in preparation. Far ahead he organized his syllabus then drafted his notes and finally prepared detailed outlines. His strong organizational and administrative ability made the path he laid out strong and broad. Always impressive to me has been the great faith of Paul Morris. God is very real to him. The Holy Spirit is present always in his life. As one comes to know Paul, he wants to meet Paul's God and to have the kind of relationship with God that Paul does. Truly Paul Morris is evangelical. Touched by him and his God, one wants to share, to pass it on. In his teaching, counseling, radio ministry and seminars - Paul keeps planting good seeds that will bear fruit all over the world. Concern for the real lives of real people is the drive behind Paul's evangelism. He knows the scripture, the doctrine and teaches it well. But his strength lies in reaching out to people caught in their problems as a frightened rabbit in a snare. He doesn't lecture them on ecology or safety rules. He reaches out and frees them. Paul Morris is a giver. He may be generous to a fault. He gives, gives, gives of himself and then, drained, kneels at his bedside, asking God to recharge him. He is blessed with a supportive wife, Bonnie, who believes in him and walks with him in his work, holding his left hand while Jesus is on his right. I know the strength which can come from a committed and believing woman. Bonnie gives him that strength. I don't believe I ever heard Paul say he loved me. He didn't need to. Paul loves with his whole being, not just his mouth. His family, his hundreds of friends, his professional associates all share this love. Many found exactly what love is and how strong a force it can be from Paul. What a strength for good that love is when shared among those whose lives he touches. Paul has reached hundreds of lives through prison ministry, ministerial posts, teaching classes, clinical and radio outreach counseling. He is the quintessential counselor. Administrative? His skills are top-notch. And he is a great organizer and creative programmer. He involves others. Academic? Jesus was often called "teacher". He reached people as he taught. So does Paul. He is a uniquely qualified teacher. The title was one to be proud of 2,000 years ago. It still is with Paul. Research is his love and his relaxation. When he needs the quiet from his outreach, he researches and writes. He is a singularly scholarly and creative man. Encouraging and leading discussions? From the moment Paul stands before a group, his audience has been transformed into a loving family meeting - a family of Christ. None hesitates nor fears to participate. All are focused on the issue, not on themselves. My friend, Paul Morris is outstanding. You may find another whom some will feel is just as good. You will find none better. Sincerely yours, Edmund Pendleton Edmund Pendleton |
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