Office of the President
Holy Boldness and Obedience
My dad, Max Edwards, used to say,“ God looked at the bottom of the barrel and said,‘ Well, there’ s Max. He has rough edges, and it’ ll mean more work for me. But all these others said no to my call, and Max said yes. He will do.’”
I grew up hearing that story often as my parents shared their journey of obedience— from farming in Indiana to serving as missionaries in Brazil. It was a constant reminder that God’ s call isn’ t about human qualifications, it’ s about obedience.
No matter your age, background, or training, there’ s a place for you in God’ s global mission to expand his kingdom. Virtually every profession— teachers and technicians, nurses and engineers, artists and accountants— can be used by God in cross-cultural ministry. The key ingredient is simple:“ Yes, Lord.”
What God seeks most isn’ t a particular profession, personality, or degree. It’ s bold obedience.
When Laura and I first committed to serving a one-year term, a veteran missions leader asked,“ Would you pray about returning for a longer term?” He invited. We prayed. God guided. Now, 39 years later, we’ re still here.( Who might God want you to invite into his work among the nations?)
The call to reach the nations still echoes. How will you respond? A short-term trip? A season of itinerant service? A lifetime dedication to the field— or something completely unexpected?
May the stories in this issue ignite a holy boldness to step out in obedience, beyond comfort and fear, wherever God leads and whatever the cost.
For Christ and his kingdom,
Jeffry Max Edwards
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