Seventy years ago, three students used their summer break for a do-it-yourself mission trip to Mexico.
They laid the foundation for a global movement to share Christ’s love with all people, everywhere.
From the outset, OM’s pioneers inspired other young people
to pray, give and go.
They broke new ground
and made mission more accessible.
Those who weren’t sure about committing long-term
were welcomed to serve for a summer.
Many stayed decades.
Bible college degree not necessary
– just passion for making Jesus known
and willingness to learn as part of the adventure.
OM is where tens of thousands
have found their fit in God’s Kingdom work
and seen millions of lives
touched by the gospel.
And we are not done yet.
Aged 18 and 19, George, Dale Rhoton and Walter Borchard were serious about using their summer for God. They sold their belongings to raise funds. A church contact donated an old van which they drove to Mexico to distribute Gospels and Christian literature. The response from people was overwhelming. The pioneers returned to Mexico the following two summers, mobilising other students to pray, give and join their trips.
After graduating, George and others who were passionate about mission travelled to Spain, where they opened a Christian bookshop and broadcast the gospel on local radio. The small team knew that many more were needed for the task of reaching the nations. God’s plan was to mobilise His Church. As they shared this vision, hundreds of Christians responded. A movement called Send the Light was started.
OM developed more structure as an international non-profit organisation. Work expanded in South America, Africa and India, where local leaders were developed and empowered to run ministry with cultural relevance and credibility.
In 2003, George Verwer handed over international leadership to Englishman Peter Maiden, but remained a powerful mobiliser for the ministry, continuing to write books and speak extensively. Doulos and Logos II were retired and OM launched its biggest vessel, Logos Hope.
Singaporean Lawrence Tong became international director (2013-2015), establishing a global board for governance and uniting OM’s work under a common mission statement: We want to see vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least reached.
OM’s pioneers finished their race: Walter Borchard and George Verwer died in 2023 and Dale Rhoton in 2026. They were 85, 84 and 88 respectively, and had seen the movement grow to almost 5,000 workers serving in more than 147 countries. OM became a two-ship ministry again with the launch of Doulos Hope. Iain Pickett (UK) became international director in 2025.
