When it comes to reaching the least-reached, OM workers are using new technology to make ministry more effective—one byte at a time.

"If we are serious about planting churches among the least reached as how we do mission, we must always be willing to question, reconsider and reform our paradigms," says Shaun Rossi.

As a young organisation, OM challenged the status quo of world missions and has since evolved into a global movement seeking to share the gospel with the least reached.

OM is known for action, not reflection; for pioneering, not reminiscing. Still, we are wise to celebrate milestones and learn from our past, whatever will serve us well for today and tomorrow.

"Today’s stark reality is that more than 2.8 billion people have not heard this message of hope and transformation—and 57,000 people are added to this number daily. When I heard this, I was deeply impacted, and resolved that I want to be part of changing that trajectory."

OM Director's Update from Lawrence Tong, International Director

OM Director's Update from Lawrence Tong, International Director

In a village in Serbia, OM workers see Roma believers reaching Roma, encouraging them to let God put a new song in their mouths.

"How can we honour these 'mothers and fathers' [of OM]," asks David Greenlee. "Inclusion is one way, encouraging their ongoing participation, not forgetting them in our concern."

OM Director's Update from Lawrence Tong, International Director

"Everyone in the kingdom of God is essential to the mission that He has called us to," I'Ching says. "Unfortunately, while we may profess this, often we don’t practise it."

OM Director's Update from Lawrence Tong, International Director

"Every time we communicate, there is potential to inform and inspire others for mission. Shall we not then covenant to ‘tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth’?" asks Greg Kernaghan.

OM Director's Update from Lawrence Tong, International Director.

"Do we sometimes feel uneasy that our business-as-mission and vocation models are so dependent on the very people that we are trying to reach? Does this make us feel powerless and needy?" asks Seang Pin.

OM Director's Update from Lawrence Tong, International Director

"The more I look at biblical examples of ministry, the more I see a simple yet profoundly flexible grassroots approach to ministry that compels me to focus on things that really matter," shares Ben.

Believers travel by snowmobile or helicopter to share a message of great worth with indigenous reindeer herders and fishermen.

"Indeed, the Christ-like patience which the church fathers extolled is much deeper than waiting quietly for a bus," says Arley. "Rather, it is a sacrificial and enduring compassion for others, which our Lord embodied in His life and ultimately on the cross."

OM Update from Lawrence Tong, International Director

"The messages teens hear are 'Enjoy life: no commitment, keep your choices open and choose comfort'. Is this the consequence of their own choices or of the generation that raised them? Probably both," shares Ewout.

OM Director's Update from Lawrence Tong, International Director

OM Director's Update by Lawrence Tong, International DIrector

"Indeed, there are so many variables as we ‘see’ vibrant communities develop among the least-reached peoples. As we work towards this vision, I nevertheless fall back on the age-old cliché that my father stressed repeatedly: 'We are not called to be successful, but called to be faithful.'"

OM Director's Update from Lawrence Tong

According to Stephan Bauer, short-term mission teams are "less a problem to be solved, but more a tension to be managed, and the aim should be for STTs to have a credible impact on the ministry and be effective in mobilising long-term workers."

OM Director's Update from Lawrence Tong, International director

Inspired by the Good Shepherd who leaves the flock to look for the one, workers publish the Truth in Nivkh dialects though the people group is small.

"I am reminded that we are called to be hospitable (Romans 12:13) and we demonstrate this by how we welcome new believers and each other," says Heather. "This is easy to do when we all have similar backgrounds and have known each other for years. But as the Church, and our movement, becomes more diverse, do we merely tolerate or do we warmly welcome newcomers?"

OM Director's Update from Lawrence Tong, International Director

Stephan discusses how new communities of Jesus followers become a witness to the transforming power of the gospel and make a tangible and sustainable difference in their societies. 

OM Director's Update from Lawrence Tong

OM Ministry Leader, Lenna Lidstone, discusses how to use Discovery Bible Studies to see vibrant communities of Jesus Followers among the least reached.

OM Director's Update from Lawrence Tong, International Director

In Arctic Russia, reindeer are the Nenets' life. Living among these people, ES longs for the Nenets to know Jesus, the true source of life.

Small outreach teams will share the life-changing message of the gospel with hundreds of women in brothels and on the street this Easter.

Ali Geake, Internal Communications Director, discusses the change living in another culture has had on her life and outlook.

OM Director's Update from Lawrence Tong

During special Easter outreaches to women in red light areas, outreach workers go in the knowledge that Jesus is with them and His resurrection power gives hope, strength and life.

Strimmers, bonfires and netting are among garden hazards that can harm hedgehogs, so take precautions during Hedgehog Awareness Week and beyond.

Caerlaverock Castle

KIRSTY WILSON, BEECHGROVE PRESENTER

Are you frightened of your garden? Terrified of killing your plants and overwhelmed by the sheer choice of species?

Location: Littleferry, Sutherland

If you're yearning for all the gardening shows that have been cancelled, you can still be inspired by exploring gorgeous virtual gardens now and throughout the summer, from the comfort of your armchair.

During the present crisis, many more of us are turning to Grow Your Own. This lets us enjoy much fresher and tastier veg than from a weekly shop, especially if that languishes in the fridge for days. And we won’t be relying on imports that could become less accessible.

HOLIDAYS may be temporarily on hold, but planning magical trips is still possible. Spontaneity shapes thrilling travel escapades, but there's also a case for careful, methodical planning. Often, the preparation – deciding on a route, reading up about a destination – can be just as enjoyable as the trip itself.

Inverness Botanic Gardens

Mercy Teams International and a local church in Phnom Penh bring an Easter celebration to parents and children living in the slum.

Mercy Teams International (MTI) strives to see local workers in each ministry field trained and equipped as leaders. MTI Cambodia is one example.