Jean Edwards

Kemp and Jean Edwards have been missionaries with One Mission Society since 1966. After graduating from Asbury College, Kemp served as an OMS crusader (two-year term) in Japan. When he returned to the United States, he enrolled at Asbury Theological Seminary. While there, he met Jean, and they were married following her graduation from Asbury College. After Kemp completed his seminary degree, they went to Japan to serve as OMS missionaries, ministering in evangelism and church planting.

During their 21 years in Japan, they helped establish churches in the Tokyo, Chiba and Hokkaido areas. Through their firsthand experiences in Asia, Kemp and Jean began to sense a deep concern for the work of OMS all around the world.

In 1987, Kemp accepted an assignment at OMS World Headquarters as director of Recruitment and Campus Ministries. From October 1992 until February 2008, he was the director of the Central Regional Office of OMS. Serving the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, he mobilized and assisted local churches and camp meetings in reaching mission goals; he also recruited and helped missionaries secure prayer and financial backing.

They currently are involved with World Intercessors, the OMS prayer department, challenging individuals and churches to be involved as prayer champions for OMS’ infrastructure, leadership and worldwide ministries. Prayer is our greatest work and our greatest need. Jean serves as assistant to Kemp in their ministry.

Kemp and Jean have three children and three grandchildren:  Bryan (wife, Monique and children Megan and “B”), a graduate of LeTourneau University (TX); Jill (husband Ken and son Elliott), a graduate of Biola University (CA); and Joy, a graduate of Anderson University (IN).