In Memory

George Verwer

On 14th April 2023, George Verwer, the founder of Operation Mobilisation (OM), was promoted to glory.

Founding in 1957 what would become OM a few years later, he and two friends sold some of their possessions and headed to Mexico. They took with them thousands of pieces of Christian literature to distribute. This trip inspired George to share God’s Word with those who had never heard it. Read more of George's story.

Please lift up in prayer his wife, Drena, along with the wider Verwer family.

Remembering George

George leaves a lasting legacy, stretching around the world and over a lifetime, impacting many lives. Maybe yours was one of these? If so, we would love to hear from you.

Consider leaving a personal tribute and maybe a gift in memory of George below so that we can continue the work he started, sharing the good news of the gospel to those who have not yet heard.

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I loved him. He loved people, and he gave of himself in service to God.

From: george falconer

Published: 10 April 2024
George Verwer was a Christian brother who touched many lives including mine. At the age of 22 during the tale end of the Jesus People Movement I was blessed to read his challenging book, "Come, Live, Die." I would later hear him speak in chapel during my first year attending Moody Bible Institute and would hear him again at Founder's Week while I attended Moody and later worked for Moody Press at the Campus Bookstore. In 1980 I had the privilege of meeting him in person during my time with OM and specifically STL, which was the literature arm of OM, from 1980-83. I was a sales rep for STL and later the manager of the Bromley Christian Supply Center. One of the blessings I had was being part of the Tuesday night prayer meetings, which George would lead when he was in town. He was truly a man of God and heart for prayer and for missions. After I returned to the States I became a pastor and for quite a number of years I did not have contact with George. Fortunately that changed in 2016 or so and I reconnected with my past, and in particular with George. I was truly blessed to do so! He would not only pray for me but would send me free books to distribute. My heart goes out to Dreena and the family. My love and prayers to you all. I just found out about his passing today after receiving word about Loren Cunningham going home to be with the Lord as well! He was a great brother in the Lord and I am blessed to have touched by his life. I look forward to seeing him again on that great resurrection day when Christ comes again in glory!

From: Harold Atkins

Published: 09 October 2023
George's books and his enthusiasm for books have been a blessing over many years. One memory I have is attending one of the regular prayer meetings in Forest Hill, and it was George who first said hello and welcomed me, and (of course) invited me to take a few books. What struck me after the prayer meeting was how he (and others) prayed with the same fervour, simply and briefly, for a friend who was ill, someone who needed encouragement, major funding for the ship ministry, a radio broadcast next day... knowing God could just as easily heal one person, encourage someone, provide millions of pounds, help with an interview. George's welcome and humility stick in my mind as I remember him as an enthused servant of a great God.

From: Alan Manchester

Published: 23 June 2023
From all of us at Lifecentral Church Halesowen we are so grateful for the impact George has made on us and countless thousands around the world. A life well lived and a faith that inspired many. Only heaven will fully record his legacy….

From: Leon Evans

Published: 31 May 2023
I had been hearing about OM for long time. But in 2012 at Rayners Lane Baptist Church, I met George for the first time when he came to share about OM. We had a little chat. He asked me, "so what is your field of speciality?" I responded, "I am Jack of all trades." From that moment we got connected. We emailed each other more often, when necessary and he used to sign off as 'His George', while I signed off as 'Jack of all trades'. I will miss this shared humour. Indeed, His George is gone to His Master. From Rhoda Kamchacha London

From: Rhoda Kamchacha

Published: 24 May 2023
As a student at Newcastle upon Tyne University, I went to Spain with OM in 1970 and to Morocco in 1971. As someone who came from a small church in Northern Ireland, it was a life-changing experience to be part of the summer conferences with hundreds of people and to be exposed to the teaching from George every evening. The word that stays in my mind is REALITY. This powerful, practical teaching was very helpful and contributed to moulding my spiritual outlook for the rest of my life. I subsequently kept in touch with George, who visited our church in Newbury, Berkshire several times. I am greatly indebted to his constant and consistent communications via emails, letters and parcels of books and literature. For 53 years the input from George and many at OM has helped steer the course of life. I will be forever grateful to him for all that I have received through George and OM. Special love to Drena & family at this time.

From: Gordon Patterson

Published: 09 May 2023
Very grateful for George and the movement he founded that helped shape my life even though I was only in it for two years over forty years ago. That George kept in touch with me ever since, as with thousands more like me, shows his commitment to living the revolution of love. The courage and consistency of George and Drena inspired me to be more radical in following Jesus. Trailblazers indeed. Well done faithful servant.

From: Sean Mullan

Published: 08 May 2023
I will Miss a good friend of 50 years. We first worked together on OM’s first ship MV Logos, for three years, around India and Southeast Asia, North Africa and north and south Europe. Our children were in the ships school together. I believe George was one of the greatest mission leaders of our generation. He was a great inspiration, support and encouragement for me and many, with his passion for the lost and his care for those in real need. It always amazed me how many people he kept in touch with. He was always available to drop in on, text, email or phone.His messages, from Revolution of Love to Messiology were always timely and relevant. His passing will have left a great void in many lives and situations worldwide. Please fill them Lord. Praying for you, Drena, Christa, Daniel, Ben and all the family

From: Les Wade

Published: 05 May 2023
George was a selfless, inspirational mission-hearted man. He kindly spoke to the students at our college, sharing his heart for God’s global gospel, propelling others to spread the Good News while challenging them to live in holiness. Although now safely with his Father in Heaven, George’s love for Jesus, and its positive impact lives on in hearts ignited through his life’s work and testimony. All Nations Christian College, Ware, Herts, England

From: Mima Bridgman

Published: 05 May 2023
Every Wednesday in 1975 we had a guest speaker for chapel at London Bible College (now “London School of Theology”). Three piece suits and three point messages, they were very nice. But there is one Wednesday morning I will never forget. The back doors flung open and down the ailes, he looked like he had just got out of bed. “Sorry I’m late,” he blurted. “So what are you doing for God?” That was God’s word to me. I don’t remember a word of his message. “Gotta go,” he said. “Here are some books. France needs Jesus. Come with us to France this summer.” Last one in, he was the first one out. I joined him that summer in 1975 and have never left. Messed up my life. Never forgiven him. Richard Sharp — serving 46 years with OM

From: Richard Sharp

Published: 05 May 2023