Evangelist George Verwer of OM International dies at age 84, as prayers are solicited for the family he left behind
OM International announced in a Facebook statement on Saturday, the passing on of its founder, George Verwer who also is an evangelist and author. It was disclosed in the statement that Verwer died on April 14th.
“It is with profound sadness that we share that George Verwer, founder of Operation Mobilisation, passed away Friday, 14 April. Through our tears, we give thanks for all George has meant to us. And take comfort that he is with Jesus, whom he loved and served faithfully.” “Please join us in praying for George’s family during this time,” stated OM International.
Reflecting on the life of the deceased, it put forward “From the early days of leading college mission trips to Mexico to dream of a ship to spread the Good News along the world’s coasts; through his passion for books, real relationships and holistic care for the least reached, George challenged and inspired those he met to share God’s love; truly practicing what he preached with his own radical life.”
Verwer was born in New Jersey in 1957. After attending Rev. Billy Graham’s rally in New York City as a teenager, he gave his life to Christ. Following his inspiration from Jesus’ commission to make disciples, he started focusing on evangelism in 1957.
According to OM International’s biography of him, while in college, he traveled to Mexico to give out 20,000 Spanish-language tracts and 10,000 Gospel booklets. The trip however encouraged his zeal to spread further the word of God. He founded while in Europe Operation Mobilization now called OM International.
George Verwer married his wife Drena Verwer in 1960. Their union is blessed with three children: Ben, Daniel, and Christa.