Operation Mobilisation (OM) has appointed Dr Iain Pickett as its new international director, succeeding Lawrence Tong. He officially took up the role on 1st September.
Dr Pickett’s connection with the global mission organisation, which serves in more than 147 countries, goes back to the early 1990s when he was 18 years old. He joined a pioneering team, which played a big part in his decision to dedicate his life to sharing the gospel.
After earning a PhD in Linguistics, he returned to OM and worked within the charity’s cultural teams. After becoming a field leader, he was tasked with overseeing a wider region, and for the past eight years he has been part of OM’s global leadership team.
Dr Pickett said he thanks God for all he has learned from Tong, who led the organisation since 2013.
He said: “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.”
Tong described his time at OM as “one of the greatest privileges” of his life and said he is looking forward to what Dr Pickett will bring to the position.
“It has been exciting to watch Iain grow into this role over the past eight years we’ve worked together,” he said. “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.”
Chair of OM’s global board, Dr Mary Lederleitner, also endorsed the handover: “I want to express deep appreciation for Lawrence 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.”
She described Dr Pickett as “deeply respected” in the organisation and said he has the qualities that will further the vision of the mission in its next season.
She added: “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.”
