Bible references are from the New International Version unless stated otherwise.
Dear friends,
As we step into a new year, there’s a sense of anticipation and renewal across OM. Change brings with it both excitement and opportunity, and I’m encouraged by the many ways God is leading us into new seasons of ministry and mission.
We’re thrilled to welcome Richard Langmead as OM in the UK’s new CEO. Richard brings a heart for discipleship and a deep desire to see the Church fully engaged in God’s global purposes. As he moves forward in this new chapter of leadership, we’re reminded that partnership lies at the very core of OM’s story – ordinary people working together, across cultures and generations, to share Christ’s love with a world that needs His grace.
One of the most exciting things on the horizon is the upcoming tour of Logos Hope, set to visit the UK from June to November 2026. Since her launch in 2009, she has carried not only books but also the message of God’s transforming hope to millions of visitors around the world. As we prepare to welcome her to our shores, there will be many opportunities to get involved – whether by volunteering, praying, donating, or inviting your community to come aboard and encounter what God is doing through this unique ministry.
In the midst of all this activity and forward momentum, we must also remember the importance of being still. As Lawrence Tong reflects in this edition, mission begins with listening – taking time to “be still, and know that [He is] God” (Psalm 46:10a). It’s in those quiet moments of dependence and worship that our strength and direction are renewed.
Thank you for the many ways you journey alongside us – through prayer, giving, serving, and sharing the vision. Together, we press on toward the mission of seeing every nation, tribe, and tongue come to know the love and lordship of Jesus Christ. And as we look ahead to what God will do with and through OM this year, may we remain both active in faith and attentive to His voice.
Thank you for your continued partnership in the gospel,
CHRIS LAWLEY, DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, OM IN THE UK
The Camel Library: Faith on four legs
Across the golden sands of remote villages, a gentle rumble of hooves breaks the silence. Camels, guided by determined hands, carry an unusual treasure – the promise of knowledge, the gift of literacy, and the Word of God. The Camel Library is more than a mobile classroom; it’s a vessel of hope. For children who have never held a book and adults hungry to learn, these humble animals have become unlikely messengers of faith and endless possibility.
In Somalia, nomadic communities face significant obstacles both in education and spiritual growth. High levels of illiteracy and limited access to Christian resources make meaningful engagement difficult.
Although camel libraries represent a recent ministry effort, the concept itself is not new. The idea came from a British missionary in the 1970s, who posed a simple question to a camel herder: “What would it take for a camel herder to follow Jesus?” The herder replied, “When you
can put the church on the back of a camel.”
The camel herders are among the most overlooked communities as they move across the Horn of Africa. Specifically in Somalia, their way of life revolves almost entirely around the camel, selling its milk, meat, and leather. “Many Somalis are nomadic camel herders,” says Rev. A, who works with the Bible Society. “They treasure camels very much. Somalia has a lot of camels, second only to Sudan.”
Literacy levels among camel herders remain extremely low. The vision behind this initiative has two key purposes. First, it seeks to improve literacy by teaching herders to read and write. Second, those who are literate are more open to exploring the Christian faith than those who are not – for this reason, camel evangelists try to reach these nomadic communities, offering basic literacy classes as a pathway to deeper spiritual engagement.
Today, the Bible Society is partnering with OM Somalia to purchase both camels and library books. One OM worker said “This is the backbone of the ministry. We are praying and working expectantly for 250,000 adults Somalis to follow Jesus in the next nine years. We want to make 5,000 adult believers trained to share the gospel with camel herders.”
In the past, camels transversed continents, carrying goods and more from distant lands, earning the title, “The Ships of the Desert”. Now, the Camel Library carries books, scripture, and the hope of Christ to communities that might otherwise remain untouched. And as each camel steps across the sands, let it remind us that God’s Word will always find a way.
Will you partner with us to help bring the message of Christ to those still waiting to hear?
PHOTO BY OM
Kids’ clubs – and more!
Many UK churches hold a light party or kids’ holiday club during the late October halfterm break, offering a positive alternative to Halloween. It’s a busy time for OM children’s workers Laurie and Ruth, who serve year-round helping churches communicate the gospel to unreached children from every background.
Whilst UK children may ‘learn’ about Christianity in school as just one of many religions, few hear about Jesus in a way they can understand and respond to. Many families are indifferent to ‘church’, or come from other faith backgrounds and least-reached people groups. It’s a challenge for UK churches to reach these young neighbours and their families. In the West Midlands area,
two OM kids’ workers are inspiring and empowering churches to do just that. Meet Laurie and Ruth, in action over the half-term holiday.
ENABLING CHURCHES TO SERVE
At Harborne Baptist Church (HBC) in Birmingham, Thursday 30th October is day two of the ‘Lionheart’s Detective Agency’ holiday club, presented by OM worker Laurie McEwen (a.k.a. “Kids ‘n’ Things”). Across three days, Laurie and HBC volunteers are introducing 15 primary-age children to Jesus through a fun two-hour programme packed with Bible stories, games, memory verses, crafts, quizzes, songs, dramas and puppetry. Laurie prepares and runs each element so even the smallest church has only to provide a venue and a few helpers; this approach is enabling HBC to run its first holiday club since1998. So far this year, Laurie has partnered with two other West Midland churches to run clubs in the main school holidays.
WAYS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
As well as partner churches integrating young guests into their existing children’s work, Laurie hopes they will gain confidence and skills to run their own clubs in future. And the “Kids ‘n’ Things” ministry goes beyond enabling local one-off events: Laurie has developed a range of trainings and resources, many online. His vision is to empower churches and Christian workers anywhere to bring kids, with no previous knowledge of Jesus, to a simple heart response to Him.
Firstly, there are 26 short videos on YouTube. These feature ‘The Church Street Crew’, puppet ‘children’ whose fun relevant adventures address daily life issues, and introduce kids to Jesus. Accompanied by downloadable activity sheets, the videos can be readily used by churches for holiday clubs or yearround activities like Sunday School.
Secondly, Laurie loves to train churches through online or in-person workshops. They can select from 10 varied subjects such as using puppets effectively, storytelling, working with kids who have additional needs or safeguarding. A favourite forum of Laurie’s is ‘The Dudley Hub’ network; local churches and Christian workers meet every term for mutual encouragement and equipping, and serve together at Christian festivals in the Black Country through puppetry and more.
FIND THE VIDEOS HERE:
PUPPETS GO TO SCHOOL
Also in the Dudley area, Laurie helps local churches create and deliver puppet-based school assemblies to several primary schools. Through the year, by invitation, he brings assemblies exploring different aspects of Christianity, and explains the truth behind Christmas, Easter and other festivals. Hands-on involvement from local churches strengthens their existing
connections with schools, creating a platform for ongoing interactions of their own.
While Laurie empowers churches regionally, his OM colleague Ruth is equipping her own congregation at Foleshill Baptist Church (FBC) in Coventry to bring the Good News to unreached kids.
A HALLOWEEN ALTERNATIVE
It’s Friday 31st October and the FBC Light Party, nearly two hours of fun and gospel truth for primaryage kids, has reached mid-point. Around the church hall, helpers are distributing trays of fruity snacks and drinks amid the chatter of over 40 children; there will be time again later for games such as hoopla and basketball, and crafts like biscuit-decorating.
These have been interwoven with gospel-themed activities led by Ruth, FBC’s Youth and Children’s Worker: action songs and a fun rap-style drama about Jesus and the man born blind. “That man had ‘eye disease’,” Ruth tells the kids, “but we all have ‘I disease’ – ‘I want this or that, and I want it NOW!’”
Although very few are from ‘church’ backgrounds, most children snigger in recognition of this truth; when Ruth declares that Jesus can heal us too from this ‘I disease’ of sin, many young voices agree with a loud “Amen!” At home-time, there are kids’ Bible portions and tracts available to take, along with goodiebags of sweets and little gifts. After the last kids have been collected at
8pm, Ruth and her team of helpers gather to pray a blessing on them.
RELATIONSHIPS BUILD COMMUNITY
Foleshill is one of the most deprived areas in Coventry with much social housing and an ever-changing population from round the world, many seeking asylum: the Light Party guests exemplify this diversity. Just a handful attend FBC itself, or other local churches which have little or no kids’ work. The rest come from other faith backgrounds, yet are ‘regulars’ at FBC’s holiday clubs at Christmas, Easter and in the summer holidays. As families arrived tonight, their repeated contact with FBC folk is evidenced by the warmth of mutual greetings.
of first-time attenders may hear of the Clubs through the local Families Hub, council Family Information Service, local primary schools or library, etc; others have been former FBC Toddler Group mums. Ruth coleads this group: the 20 or so current mums are predominantly Muslim, drawn word-of-mouth by their peers.
week-night kids’ club to further serve tonight’s unchurched kids, and prays for more adults who could commit the time and energy to take that on. It’s all about providing a consistent presence – discipling and nurturing young lives long-term.
THE POWER OF EXAMPLE
Please pray:
During her dozen years as Youth and Children’s Worker, Ruth and the church have worked hard to develop relationships throughout the community, without compromising the church’s clear witness. Parents
From a congregation of less than 80 people, about a quarter get involved with youth and children’s work, whether it’s holidays clubs, the Sunday morning ‘Sunday Club’ for church kids, toddler group or youth group. Looking to the future, Ruth encourages teens from the youth group to take leadership and evangelism training opportunities, and live them out: eight or so teens assisted at tonight’s light party, and invite their school friends to youth group for serious exploration of what faith in Jesus means. Ruth would love FBC to run a messy church or
• For God’s wisdom as Laurie plans and prepares ‘Lionheart’ holiday clubs for 2026.
• For others to join the “Kids ‘n’ Things” team, so more ministry opportunities can be taken.
• That the toddler group at FBC will reflect Jesus to the Muslim mums who visit.
• For growing connections with unreached families through the FBC holiday clubs in 2026.
Reap with songs of joy
OM workers persevere through persecution with the hope that ‘their tears will be replaced with joy’ through their faithfulness and that many hardened hearts will become open to the gospel.
“You Christians cannot stay here!” shouted some locals at Asha* and Romi*, two OM workers in South Asia, when they arrived in the village.
“Before, some foreign Christians came to preach here, which angered our gods and caused our goats and buffalo to die,” the locals explained.
Asha and Romi had come to help the small local church reach out to their neighbours with the gospel and were determined to stay.
However, the people in the village made their stay difficult. At times, the two women were yelled at, and stones were thrown at their room. They were also forbidden to use the local water source or gather firewood around the village. Due to these challenges, they had to go to a neighbouring village.
Asha and Romi sometimes became discouraged, cried and considered giving up. But God gave them the strength to continue with words from Psalm 126:5: “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy”. The women believed that one day their tears would indeed turn to joy… and it did not take long.
Shortly after, a whole family gave their lives to Jesus after experiencing healing through Asha and Romi’s prayers. With the help of the women, the local church became stronger,
and the believers grew in the Word of God. Even the view of Christians held by people in the village soon changed after they saw the humble attitudes and servant hearts of Asha and Romi.
These days, Asha and Romi are not rejected but instead are regularly invited by the locals to teach more about the God who loves all people. God has opened the door and the women’s tears have been replaced with joy!
Would you consider your place in God’s global mission and if He might be calling you into full-time ministry? Learn more at:
Walking the Long Road
A Conversation with Richard Langmead, OM in the UK’s New CEO
If you ask Richard Langmead where his story with mission began, he’ll lean back, smile, and take you straight to South America and the Doulos in the early 1980s. “For me, mission has always meant adventure,” he says. “It means community, it means sharing the gospel as a normal part of life, and it means turning up in bustling ports, monkeys stealing your lunch, and watching the Jesus Film projected onto the side of the ship with crowds strewn around.” All of this, he says, “was absorbed into my heart; something that stayed with me for life. Mission is not an abstract idea. It’s people. It’s presence. It’s showing up.”
That conviction led him through a variety of roles in Christian organisations over several decades; from Eden-style project communities on tough estates in Luton and Hamworthy to churches and youth ministries across the UK. “I’ve always believed that to make disciples, you have to live where the people you’re serving live. You can’t really parachute in with the gospel; you have to live it out,” he explains. “Events can change a life; a retreat, a mission trip, a moment of awakening;
but most of the time, God works through the long, slow journey of disciple-making. The everyday encounter. The shared cup of tea. The long walk in the same direction.”
ON LEADERSHIP AND KNOWING YOURSELF
When asked about the best leadership advice he’s ever received, Richard laughs. “Never send an email
when you’re cross! That one has saved me more than once!” Then his tone shifts. “The best advice on leadership? Don’t go into leadership just because you want to be a leader. That’s a big no-no and almost never produces fruit. The real wisdom is knowing who you are and how God made you. What has God actually called you to do? St Paul talks about discovering which part of the Body
you are, and I think that’s essential. What are your gifts? What is your heart shaped for? The question is: are you passionate about the cause, or do you just want the job? I love the passion the team has at OM, and it makes life so much more joyful to work alongside people who share a calling for Jesus’ cause.”
He recalls a friend who was an exceptional children’s teacher but struggled when promoted into a headteacher role. “It wasn’t a lack of talent; it was a mis-shaped role. So, I’d say to anyone who wants to lead: only do it if you love the thing you’re leading for its own sake. Don’t chase leadership for the badge. Know yourself and walk in the calling God has fitted for you.”
KEEPING FAITH AT THE CENTRE OF STRATEGY
Strategy is part of Richard’s day job now, but he approaches it carefully. “Christian leadership is always a balancing act,” he says. “Sometimes we fall into the trap of saying, ‘God will do it all,’ and of course there are times when He absolutely does. But very often, God asks us to roll up our sleeves. He tells us to name the animals. He gives us brains and expects us to use them.”
“TO HEAR PRAYERS RISE IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES, FROM PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS BUT THE SAME PASSION FOR JESUS, THAT’S BEEN AMAZING. THE BEST BIT!”
For Richard, keeping faith at the heart of leadership means constantly inviting God into the conversation. “My routine is simple: pray first, plan next. I’ll often sketch ideas on a whiteboard, but I do it with God, asking, ‘Lord, what do you think about this?’ Sometimes Jesus redirects everything. Other times He gently reshapes what’s already there. But either way, prayer comes first. If we try to build the house without Him, it simply won’t stand.”
WHY OM? WHY NOW?
“Well, throughout 2023 to 2025, I was involved in a building transition project for The Greenhouse Trust, but knew this role was coming to an end in September 2025. So, in late May I began looking for a place to serve through online job hunting and went to a website I’d never normally check, and there was the OM in the UK CEO role staring back at me. It was the first listing I saw, and my spirit lit up.”
“I stopped looking at everything else. It felt incredibly timely, part discernment, part calling, part holy nudge. And at the heart of it was my longstanding passion: disciplemaking, especially among young people. So, when OM offered me the role, it felt like the Lord saying, ‘This is the next stretch of the journey.’”
WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM MOST SO FAR
With only a short time under his belt, Richard already senses the heartbeat of OM in the UK. “The prayer culture really lifted my heart,” he says. “Truly. To hear prayers rise
“ASKING HOW THE DISCIPLE-MAKING JOURNEY RUNS THROUGH EVERYTHING WE DO; STAFF TEAM, YOUNG PEOPLE, MISSIONARIES, VOLUNTEERS. THAT QUESTION MUST SHAPE US.”
in different languages, from people with different backgrounds but the same passion for Jesus, that’s been amazing. The best bit!”
He’s especially grateful for this legacy left by his predecessor. “Matthew shaped rhythms of prayer that are incredibly powerful. The passion, the multicultural unity, the humility, it’s inspiring.”
LOOKING AHEAD: HALLMARKS OF THE NEXT FEW YEARS
As Richard listens to the team, to Trustees, and to OMers everywhere, certain themes are emerging for OM’s near future.
First, disciple-making. “Asking how the disciple-making journey runs through everything we do; staff team, young people, missionaries, volunteers. That question must shape us.”
Second, volunteers. “We’re a strong team, but I believe there are armies of willing Christians longing to serve Jesus in the UK. How could we be a pathway for them? The harvest is plentiful but the workers are often just waiting for an invite to join in. Let's invite them.”
And third, young people. “A new generation of disciples. A new generation of disciple-makers. A new generation willing to go to the least, the last, and the lost.”
And lastly, Logos Hope is visiting the British Isles from June 2026 for five months! “Wow; this is so exciting. I hope everyone who reads this article will invite at least one person to come and visit this amazing ministry. Tell everyone!”
ON REST, WALKING, AND ARSENAL’S TITLE CHALLENGE
When things get busy, Richard heads outdoors. “My brain works better when I walk,” he admits.
“Shropshire is perfect for that; hills, woods, all of it. The Quinta (the location of our head office) is in an idyllic setting so it’s a special blessing to be there.”
He also sails “any boat I can find,” cooks increasingly adventurous meals, reads his way through the classics, and, with a mostly confident grin, keeps a close eye on Arsenal’s title challenge.
HOW TO PRAY FOR HIM
Richard’s prayer request is simple: wisdom and understanding. “I want to be a good listener; to the staff team, to our missionaries, to every OMer I meet. To really hear what’s going on beneath the surface. And I’d be grateful for the Lord’s protection in this season –leadership is always a challenge. Wisdom, understanding, and protection; those are the prayers I’d be really grateful for in this season.”
An international outreach bears fruit
An international collaboration brought together OM teams from two countries for an outreach in northern Portugal.
Teams from OM in Portugal and France held a week-long outreach in the village of Lanhelas, located in northern Portugal, with the aim of strengthening the church planting work being developed there.
The week included hands-on application as participants shared the gospel in the village, distributed Christian literature, engaged in personal conversations about faith and spent time with the community’s children.
Recreational activities were organised for the children, held both at the local sports centre and in an open space in the public square. These moments provided not only fun for the children but also an introduction to Christian values in a welcoming and safe environment.
The team from France consisted of seven dedicated volunteers who actively participated in various areas of the local ministry. One of
the highlights was the prayer walks throughout the village, where, in addition to interceding for the people and the ongoing work, team members also connected with locals, creating opportunities to share the message of hope found in Christ.
Portuguese team member Carlos said, “The presence of the French team, together with members of OM in Portugal, was a significant blessing for the advancement of church planting in Lanhelas.
“The testimony of faith, service and Christian fellowship left a deep impression, not only on the villagers, but also on everyone involved in
the mission. We thank God for this fruitful partnership and pray that the fruits of this effort will continue to grow and glorify the name of the Lord in that village.”
Praise God for the successful outreach and collaboration between the two teams and the local churches. Pray that the young people and adults who participated will continue to want to make the name of Jesus known, and that the Portuguese people to whom they had the opportunity to speak about Jesus will come to know Him.
The world beyond their valley
Lagan Valley Vineyard (LVV) church in Northern Ireland has a growing partnership with OM, and shortterm outreaches to Eastern Europe are helping shape this church’s story of faith and transformation.
For LVV, global mission didn’t start with a plane ticket. Over the years, individuals from the church had joined OM outreaches, serving aboard Logos Hope, planting churches or stepping into leadership roles. “Those experiences grew our understanding of God’s heart for the nations and built a deep sense of trust with OM,” explains Amy, LVV’s ‘Generations Coordinator.’
LOVING ALBANIA
LVV’s youth were already engaged in local outreach in Northern Ireland, but to build their global perspective, Amy and her colleague Jamie suggested joining OM’s week-long ‘Love Albania’ outreach in 2024. Thirteen young people from LVV and their leaders served through children’s
programmes, home visits and faithfilled conversations. They also helped launch a new community centre that continues to serve families today.
Language barriers, travel fatigue and the unfamiliarity of cross-cultural mission all became spaces for God to move, bringing healing, laughter and holy moments of real connection to Him.
MOLDOVA: SERVING THE LEAST REACHED
Returning home, the spiritual impact, even on those who hadn’t gone, led Amy and Jamie to plan another youth outreach for 2025, this time to Moldova. There, the LVV youth and their leaders helped the OM team serving alongside a new church plant. “It was humbling how the local believers welcomed us with open arms.” Amy recalls. Ministering in villages to children, youth and the elderly built on what God had already stirred in our youth, particularly those who’d previously been to Albania.
TRANSFORMATION AT HOME
“These trips have helped shape the culture of our youth group ever since,” Amy says. “The young people came home more confident, and hungry for more of Jesus. They’ve started prayer gatherings, led small groups and become bolder in sharing their faith.
“Cross-cultural mission has reminded the whole church that God’s Kingdom is so much bigger than our valley,” Amy continues. “It’s changed how we pray, welcome people and see our everyday lives as mission opportunities.”
A GROWING PARTNERSHIP
“We’re so thankful for the way OM have walked alongside us,” Amy concludes. “Their clarity, care, and vision for equipping others have been invaluable. Together, we’re seeing a generation rise up with hearts that say ‘yes’, to God’s call, both to the nations and their neighbours.”
PHOTO BY
To go forward, first retreat
The
pace, pressure and complexity of life intensifies over time. We need to set aside time with God.
Lawrence Tong (Singapore) served as OM’s International Director from 2013 to 2025. He started serving with OM in 1978 when he joined Doulos and met his wife, Susan. He spent five years each on OM’s ships, Logos, Logos II and Doulos, worked in the ship ministry head office in Germany and served as Field Leader in East Asia. His excitement to see vibrant communities of Jesus followers within walking distance of everyone on earth is what propels him into motion daily.
For many of us, the pace, pressure and complexity of life intensify over time. Through the ages, those people who have attempted great things from God found it necessary and
revitalising to regularly set aside several days to isolate themselves with God – often in silence – in order to continue their missions with fresh vision and vigour.
For example, during an eight-day silent retreat in Adelaide, I found I was rediscovering God and experiencing Him in a new way. I was overwhelmed by His love, presence and grace. When the pace of life slows down, I found I became more and more aware of His presence and surroundings.
Although this is a Biblical practice, many of us (myself included) come from cultures where our worth is measured by productivity and such so-called idleness is suspicious. As
my understanding of how Jesus was able to keep going develops – He regularly withdrew from crowds and His disciples to be with His Father – I now see that time of isolation as a necessity. God’s work can function without us, as we often see when we go on retreats. Temporarily leaving work behind can be a sacrifice and love gift to God: “I give you my responsibilities, my voice, my plans.”
I’ve gone on numerous retreats, despite a packed schedule. Coming from hectic, crowded Singapore, I’ve discovered how precious solitude can be. Simple rest is an essential part of a retreat, as is silence. The whole point of a retreat is not to bring along issues to resolve but to be a blank slate and listen to God.
PHOTO BY ADAM HAGY
“THE WHOLE POINT OF A RETREAT IS NOT TO BRING ALONG ISSUES TO RESOLVE BUT TO BE A BLANK SLATE AND LISTEN TO GOD.”
It’s not a time to catch up on Bible reading plans or prepare sermons. When issues come to mind, I make notes and set them aside. I like to pray as I walk outside; it focuses my mind as God’s creation speaks into my life. And early rising means early to bed – a welcome change of routine.
IMPRESSIONS FROM A RETREAT
On a retreat I attended, a spiritual director led a morning devotion of Scripture reading with the group but also met with each of us throughout the day to process what God was impressing on us. Each evening, we met for communion and worship, which lasted an hour. It was liberating to not speak with others.
The most important feature of a good retreat is no distractions: no media, no internet, limited social interaction. To experience life slowed down can be personally revolutionary. We think we have to immediately respond to emotionallycharged emails or calls, but the retreat experience teaches us that the best responses often come to those who wait for clarity. As Director of Logos II, I spent one day every week away from work activities to listen to God. I can’t imagine giving that up. Imagine if we could create the space and resources for every OM worker to go on a silent retreat every two years. It could transform everything we do!
Certain attitudes, approaches or actions can cause a retreat
experience to disintegrate: allowing work to creep in, sinful thoughts, resentment, poor discipline in use of time and especially giving our digital devices a foothold. Usually, I give the spiritual director my laptop and phone for the duration. A retreat should declutter your life, so don’t waste the opportunity.
Do not despair if it seems impossible to embark on a five-day retreat. Why not set aside three days to begin this journey? I find that it takes half a day to transition into a retreat, and no one regrets extra days thus invested. While you wait for a longer retreat, a half-day away from all distraction or a few hours in solitude at the back of a church can be very helpful in regaining perspective and passion. There’s nothing more biblical than to hunger for an awareness of God’s presence. Jesus Himself saw it as essential. As Samuel said, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9).
PHOTO BY HADLEY TOWEEL
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