Living a Legacy:
While Mike “Jesse” Murphy and Lorena
Fay Smith were both preparing to serve
the Lord as missionaries when they met as
students at Taylor University in Indiana, they
couldn’t have dreamed of the impact their lives
would have for God’s kingdom as they faithfully
served together in Brazil for more than 40 years.
Mike and Lorena married August 21, 1954, and
moved to Wilmore, Kentucky, where Mike studied at
Asbury Theological Seminary and Lorena finished her
undergraduate degree at Asbury University. Their two
older children, Scott (an OMS missionary currently serving
in Spain) and Valerie, were born during this time. After com-
pleting their education, the family sailed to Brazil in August
of 1960. Following language study, they moved to the interior
city of Londrina. Their third child, Jeff, was born there.
Mike and Lorena worked in a variety of ministries during
their missionary service. Both were greatly loved by the Brazilian
people. Mike’s outgoing and dynamic personality led him to many
ministries, including teaching in the OMS Bible Seminary, produc-
ing radio and television programs, counseling, directing couples’
retreats, and church planting.
Mike and Lorena Murphy
By Fran Noah,
OMS Special Assignment Missionary to Brazil
One of the radio programs that Mike directed was Waves of Peace,
which began in 1962. Late OMS missionary Melva Webb wrote, “The pro-
gram aired 15 minutes daily and 30 minutes on Sundays and consisted
of music, evangelistic programs, dramatized stories, children’s programs,
Bible studies, and youth outreach.” At one time, it was rated as Brazil’s
number one religious broadcast, reaching many people with the Gospel.
Mike also led two singing tours in the 1970s. A former member, Duzila
Viera Goulart, shared, “Forty-three years ago, our group traveled to the
U.S. and Canada under Jesse’s leadership. I am grateful to him and his
family for his love for the Brazilian people, and especially our group.”
In later years, Mike and Lorena moved into the pastorate. He served as
senior pastor of the Londrina OMS Central Missionary Church. Sometime
later, they were invited to be the founding leaders of the new OMS church,
Shalom Community Church. The first services were held in the renovated
seminary chapel, but later, Mike led the construction of a new facility on the
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