On June 27, 2025, at the age of 97, Tikva Morrissey, the once-dying baby adopted by Lydia Prince, went to be with the Lord. Until the end, Tikva had a sound mind and strong faith. “I’m hoping to live to a hundred,” she often said, “but if God wants to take me home, I am ready to join all my family in glory.” Now, she is Home.
A Living Hope
Tikva, born December 4, 1927, lived in Queensland, Australia, in an elderly home where she welcomed visitors and often autographed Appointment in Jerusalem books. Ever since Lydia Prince’s story was published, many have wondered what became of Tikva, the once-dying baby. This is her testimony, recently shared with DPM.
The Baby in the Wicker Suitcase
My name is Tikva, meaning “hope.” I love my name because it reminds me of God’s faithfulness. I was born into a Jewish family in Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv. Our family name, Cohen, indicates our descent from the Kohanim, the priestly tribe of Levi.
One day, my father, Chaim Cohen, came to Lydia’s door and said, “My wife and I have a baby daughter who is dying. Her twin has already died. We prayed, and God showed us what to do. Will you take her?”
Lydia prayed and later came to our home. She had no crib, so she made a bed for me in her wicker trunk. She lined it with her underclothes and covered me with a woolen sweater from her mother. Then she anointed me with olive oil and prayed.
The House of Prayer
I was the first child Lydia took in. Over time, she adopted eight daughters, including me, and cared for over a hundred children. Some stayed briefly, but eight of us remained. Our home was called the House of Prayer. Every morning, we prayed together before school. My mother also gave us cod liver oil daily—we hated it!
We lived in a beautiful house in Jerusalem. Despite unrest around us, God always provided. When we had no food, we prayed, and in the morning, a basket would appear at the door. God never failed us.
At age seven, I told my mother I wanted to be baptized. I said, “I believe in Jesus. He lives in my heart, and I want to obey Him.” After baptism, I was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues.
God’s Protection
As I grew, I experienced God’s protection. Once, during shootings in Jerusalem, I had to make my way home through dangerous streets. Bullets flew, but God kept me safe.
Another time, my sister and I missed a bus. Later, we learned it had been bombed. God spared us.
A Man in the House
Derek Prince came into our lives while serving in the British Army. He visited often. One day, Lydia told us, “Derek has asked me to marry him.” We were shocked. But she explained that one day, we would leave, and she did not want to be alone. In time, we accepted Derek as our father and loved him deeply. He was humble, often scrubbing the floors and polishing our shoes.
A Dangerous Threat
One night, Arab soldiers planned to attack our home. My sister overheard their plan. Instead of panicking, our mother gathered us to pray. We dressed quietly and escaped into the night, carrying our Bibles.
Our dog Toby, who had died weeks earlier, would have barked and given us away. In hindsight, we saw God’s wisdom.
We reached Shemariah, an American mission surrounded by barbed wire. After some time, we were allowed in. The next morning, a threat came: “If you keep the girls, we’ll blow up the building.” We moved to another mission, where we were welcomed.
A week later, the Americans offered us their home before returning to the U.S. God provided a 22-room house where we could live in peace.
A New Journey
In 1948, when Israel became a nation, we were caught in the middle. As Messianic Jews, we were rejected by both Jewish and Muslim communities. We had no safe place.
An opportunity arose for some of us to leave. My three younger sisters and I traveled on a troop ship, the Georgic, to England. We were placed with officers, not in the lower decks. I was seasick the entire eight days!
My sisters stayed with our grandparents. I went to the Midlands to train as a nurse. I had never lived away from home before, but God cared for me.
God’s Provision in England
In August, Derek, Lydia, and the others arrived in England. They opened a home in Kensington and started the “Upper Room” church in Westbourne Grove.
Every Sunday, we went to Hyde Park’s Speaker’s Corner, sang hymns, and invited people to church. Many gave their lives to Jesus. It was a wonderful time.
In April 1951, I met John Morrissey, a Welshman recently discharged from the army. He was a believer. That August, we married.
Five years later, John and I emigrated to Australia, encouraged by my sister Peninah. We both worked at a hospital—I as a nurse, John in medical records. We led a youth group and ministered to many.
A Life of Trust
Looking back, I am filled with gratitude. I am so glad I belong to Jesus. God protected me in war, provided when we had nothing, and gave me a wonderful husband and two children who love the Lord.
A verse came to me recently: “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
Whatever your troubles, Jesus will see you through. He is never early, never late, but always right on time. He is faithful.
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