of Global Ministries . Once again , after seeking God , Laura and I agreed that this was God ’ s call , trusting that he would continue growing us into his calling if we would boldly obey .
Now , as before , we are at the edge of one more transition . It followed a similar path to the previous transitions : an unexpected request , prayer , surrender , acceptance , bold obedience , and God ’ s absolute faithfulness . Although life is full of change , we rest in the one unchangeable constant in our lives … God . That is why I look to the future as OMS ’ 11 th President with hope and optimism . God is already there , and we trust him explicitly .
In John 17:21 – 23 , Jesus called his church to unity . Our name , One Mission
Society , reflects that priority . I often write ONE Mission Society , emphasizing this God-given mandate for unity . I look around our OMS world , and I see signs of increasing unity , whether that ’ s on a field with a missionary team , a connection between signatory leaders , a camaraderie between itinerant and residential missionaries , or a joint effort among various partners in a given region . Unity does not mean uniformity , but it does mean rallying around shared purposes . And those shared purposes have not changed since OMS began in 1901 as we still prioritize working with partners to multiply disciples , churches , leaders , and missionaries .
photo , page 4 : Jeff ( in red shirt )
Edwards and family served in Brazil from 1970-1983 . photos , page 5 , left : Jeff and Laura ’ s immediate family top : Jeff and Laura served in Brazil for 22 years . bottom : The
Edwards family in 2015 , before Max passed away .
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