memories of their childhoods . Yet , neither initially had “ being a missionary when I grow up ” on their minds .
Even though Scott and Jeff were MKs , neither of their parents expected perfection from their children . Scott and Jeff spoke of their parents ’ valuable transparency and openness about life on the mission field . Additionally , their parents did not pressure their sons to become missionaries . Ultimately , these factors helped each decide to serve the Lord in missions .
Serving the Lord was a natural fit for these two men , as they had experienced great memories in Brazil . Their trajectories would parallel one another , from educational pursuits to serving the Lord in ministry . Scott received his bachelor ’ s degree from Taylor University , and Jeff earned his at Asbury University . Over time , they both continued their educations . Scott obtained a master ’ s degree , and Jeff received a master ’ s , as well as a doctorate . Though missions wasn ’ t on either of their radars , the Lord called both of them and their spouses to the mission field .
Jeff and his wife Laura were serving in a short-term capacity when they were challenged to pray about becoming career
missionaries . He shared , “ The short-term missions experience is often a path toward long-term service .”
The lives of Scott and Jeff have continued to parallel throughout their missionary careers . Not including their years as MKs , Scott and Jeff combined have served with OMS for more than 70 years ! Scott and his wife Kathy served in Spain for 38 years , where he eventually assumed the role of Spain field leader and then regional director of Europe . Jeff and Laura served in Brazil for 22 years before returning to the States . In 2008 , the Lord called Jeff to serve as the regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean . Between 2008 and 2020 , Scott and Jeff connected three or four times a year for meetings due to their leadership roles in the organization . In April 2020 , Jeff was selected to lead OMS Global Ministries as executive director , and Scott became the VP of administration for Global Ministries .
They complement each other in their work . Their similar roles as regional directors and their similar backgrounds as MKs foster camaraderie for successful implementation of OMS ’ plans of engaging the one to reach the many .
photo : Jeff Edwards and Scott Murphy
Editor ’ s Note : A missionary biography on the life of Jeff ’ s parents , Max and Dixie Edwards , will soon be available to purchase . Both men ’ s families are featured in the book . Watch for details via our OMS Facebook page on how to purchase , or email us at info @ onemissionsociety . org .
17 17