New International Director for OM

Operation Mobilisation has appointed a new international director to lead its work in more than 147 countries worldwide.

Dr Iain Pickett (UK) takes up the role from Lawrence Tong (Singapore) on 1 September. Lawrence has completed three terms, having led the movement since 2013.

Lawrence reflects: “It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve with, and then to lead, this incredibly diverse and creative ministry, which God used to inspire me into mission when I first encountered the Logos ship in the mid-70s. The leadership team and the OM family have all been great people to lead.”

Lawrence and his wife, Susan (USA), met in OM and have been married since 1989. During the last 12 years, he has overseen changes to make the organisation more agile and global, with restructuring bringing greater accountability as well as more representation in leadership of those from the Global South. He inaugurated a new mission statement, uniting many different aspects of outreach under the same vision: “We want to see vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least reached.”

Lawrence has been the third to lead the movement since it began in the late 1950s. His predecessors were Peter Maiden and OM’s founder, George Verwer; who passed away in 2020 and 2023 respectively. Lawrence intends to stay on with the organisation, as international director emeritus.

Lawrence says, “It has been exciting to watch Iain grow into this role over the past eight years we’ve worked together. A down-to-earth critical thinker, he leads with integrity, sound judgment and the kind of steady leadership that inspires confidence in those around him.”

Iain Pickett joined a pioneering OM team for one year as an 18-year-old in the early 90s. He quickly felt that God had given him a heart for people who have yet to hear about the love of Jesus. After studying for a PhD in Linguistics, he returned to OM and has been living and working in cross-cultural contexts ever since. He became a field leader, then oversaw a wider region, and for the last eight years he has been part of OM’s global leadership team. Iain’s experience on the ground in connecting with people who have traditionally been difficult to access with the gospel continues to inform and drive his strategy for the future of the mission.

Iain says, “I thank God for what I’ve learnt from Lawrence. An example is how he has enabled future leaders; he’s extended remarkable trust. It’s less daunting for me knowing that OM is united in spirit, fully committed to our mission and so supportive and faithful in prayer for me, and for my family, as I take on this role.”

Endorsing the handover, the chair of OM’s Global Board, Dr Mary Lederleitner, says, “I want to express deep appreciation for Lawrence’s Tong’s leadership over the past 12 years. Lawrence worked with OM colleagues around the world to shape a new mission and vision which has united the movement in unprecedented ways and ushered in a season of tremendous growth. He has been the type of leader who empowers others to develop into exceptional leaders. Through his humble devotion to Christ, he has reminded those who serve with OM to always keep their full confidence in their Risen King.

“Iain Pickett brings the qualities and passion the board felt were key for furthering OM’s mission and vision in this next season. He is deeply respected by his colleagues around the globe. We are prayerfully expectant for how God will work through Iain as he leads OM and seeks to mobilise the global Church, as we press on together towards the ambition of seeing a vibrant community of Jesus-followers within reach of everyone.”