Leadership Development/Counseling/Mentoring

Jeff and Laura Edwards have been missionaries to Brazil with OMS International since 1987. Jeff served as a pastor at Shalom Community church for 20 years and was responsible for leadership development, mentoring, leading Bible studies, counseling and preaching. He was also a professor at Londrina Bible Seminary (LBS), and he served as a member and president of the LBS board. Laura coordinated the graduate programs in advanced marital counseling and Christian counseling for several years; she serves as professor at LBS and at the graduate school; and she works as Member Care Coordinator, counselor and in leadership development. Together, Jeff and Laura have a ministry to couples through mentoring and evangelistic camps and retreats. They believe their work is vital because they have helped establish a growing, vibrant church that is in a location physically and socially where it can make a difference in Londrina and because they invest in strategic leaders who can multiply themselves and strengthen the Brazilian church.

After growing up in Brazil as the son of OMS missionaries, Jeff returned to the United States and attended Asbury College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1986. In 1992 he completed his master’s degree in theological studies from Wheaton Graduate School and is finishing a doctor of ministry degree in pastoral care and counseling. Laura earned her bachelor’s degree in Christian counseling from Berean University in 1996 and a master’s degree in clinical psychology in 1998 from Wheaton College Graduate School.

Jeff and Laura have two daughters: Katie, born in 1987, and Kendra, in 1990. Katie and husband, Thiago, minister to the youth group and to young marrieds. Kendra attends Taylor University.

Missionary ID #801604