The Unfinished Task: 125 Years and Counting
By Jeffry Max Edwards, Serving as President of OMS
In June, OMS celebrated 125 years of worldwide ministry. It was a moment to look back with deep gratitude— but even more, a call to press forward in faith. God’ s mission is bigger than any organization, denomination, or generation. It is kingdom business, and the work is far from finished.
The numbers tell a sobering story. According to Joshua Project, 7,291 unreached people groups remain. More than 1.2 billion people lack access to Scripture, the JESUS film, or a Christian recording in their heart language. According to IMB. org, nearly half of the world’ s population live in communities where fewer than two percent are Christian. The scale can feel paralyzing, but that is precisely the point. We serve the God of the impossible.
OMS reflects this unfinished reality. We set a goal to welcome 125 new missionaries by our 125 th anniversary. We accepted 93, with 16 more in process. That gap is not a disappointment— it is an invitation. Faithful men and women are still needed. You can find our top opportunities to serve at
www. onemissionsociety. org / opportunities. Select“ Top Opportunities” in the“ Ministry Interest” dropdown.
The path forward runs through unity, stewardship, and a kingdom-first focus. OMS and our partners equip believers through 37 Bible colleges and seminaries, more than 900 training centers, and partnerships with more than 400 organizations in 87 countries. The strategy is simple: engage the one to reach the many by multiplying disciples, churches, leaders, and missionaries.
Our confidence in completing the Unfinished Task does not rest on strategy or resources. It rests on a Faithful God who promises to complete what he began( Philippians 1:6).
If you are reading OMS Outreach, you already care about the Great Commission. So here is a question worth sitting with: How might God be calling you to take one more step toward fulfilling your role in his unfinished task? The Commission hasn’ t changed. Neither has the God who gave it.
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