How it all started...
One Voice Mission (Formerly Music Evangelism Foundation, MEF) was founded in Colorado Springs, CO in 1981 as the non-profit ministry of song evangelist Jamall Badry. Being a skilled vocalist and deep lover of Jesus, Jamall had a profound passion for expository preaching and excellence in music.
As a result, in 1981, Jamall launched a week long Bible conference in Colorado Springs that would become the flagship event of MEF/OVM. In time the MEF Word and Worship Conference would become one of the premiere Bible conferences in North America.
Jamall loved to tell the story of that very first conference in 1981. It was a great leap of faith, but he believed God told him to do it so he booked all the preachers and musicians and spent thousands of dollars. Only 14 people showed.
Discouraged and ready to quit, a woman approached Jamall at the end of the week and said, “Mr. Badry, if what I heard this week is the gospel then I’ve never heard it before. God changed my life and I thank you for doing this if only just for me.”
And Jamall heard the Lord say, “Was it worth it, Jamall…was it worth it for just this ONE?” And “the rest as they say is history”.
And the vision grew. Jamall’s love for music led him to sponsor a series of concerts in Branson MO featuring some of the musicians he loved and showcased at the conferences. The “Down from His Glory” concert series in Branson was the highlight of people from all over the US.
In addition, Jamall had a big heart for under privileged people. Having grown up poor, he never forgot his roots. Single handedly, he began an initiative that continues to serve the disenfranchised in El Paso County, Colorado every Christmas.
And he didn’t stop there…Jamall had a passion for missions and traveled to Africa and India on many occasions. It was his desire to serve indigenous pastors and church planters to see the gospel go where it was not.
On August 29, 2010, at the age of 75, Jamall was promoted to Glory. But his legacy lives on in the ministry of MEF/OVM. Under the leadership of OVM’s current director, Johnny Hall, the ministry is now in its 42nd year and going strong. To God be the Glory!
As a result, in 1981, Jamall launched a week long Bible conference in Colorado Springs that would become the flagship event of MEF/OVM. In time the MEF Word and Worship Conference would become one of the premiere Bible conferences in North America.
Jamall loved to tell the story of that very first conference in 1981. It was a great leap of faith, but he believed God told him to do it so he booked all the preachers and musicians and spent thousands of dollars. Only 14 people showed.
Discouraged and ready to quit, a woman approached Jamall at the end of the week and said, “Mr. Badry, if what I heard this week is the gospel then I’ve never heard it before. God changed my life and I thank you for doing this if only just for me.”
And Jamall heard the Lord say, “Was it worth it, Jamall…was it worth it for just this ONE?” And “the rest as they say is history”.
And the vision grew. Jamall’s love for music led him to sponsor a series of concerts in Branson MO featuring some of the musicians he loved and showcased at the conferences. The “Down from His Glory” concert series in Branson was the highlight of people from all over the US.
In addition, Jamall had a big heart for under privileged people. Having grown up poor, he never forgot his roots. Single handedly, he began an initiative that continues to serve the disenfranchised in El Paso County, Colorado every Christmas.
And he didn’t stop there…Jamall had a passion for missions and traveled to Africa and India on many occasions. It was his desire to serve indigenous pastors and church planters to see the gospel go where it was not.
On August 29, 2010, at the age of 75, Jamall was promoted to Glory. But his legacy lives on in the ministry of MEF/OVM. Under the leadership of OVM’s current director, Johnny Hall, the ministry is now in its 42nd year and going strong. To God be the Glory!
carrying on...
Johnny Hall, is the Executive Director of One Voice Mission (Formerly Music Evangelism Foundation). Johnny has been a friend and supporter of OVM for over 30 years. Like his dear friend and predecessor, Jamall Badry, Johnny is a gospel artist who for 45+ years has ministered extensively across North America. Johnny has been nominated for the prestigious Dove Award and has been a guest soloist with the Billy Graham Crusades, numerous Christian television programs, Bible conferences and seminars. In addition to his music, Johnny is a gifted communicator, preacher and mission’s spokesperson. Johnny and his wife, Teri, have three sons and resides in Woodstock GA.
Where we are headed...
For nearly four decades One Voice Mission has been facilitating events showcasing some of the finest preachers and musicians from around the globe. We are bringing God’s people together as One Voice to encourage one another and to worship Him together.
OVM is also committed to “finishing the task” of the gospel work as Christ commanded us. We are working in support of international indigenous missionaries who are reaching those who have never heard the gospel.
Hebrews 10:24-25 is a fitting text for our ministry: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
OVM is also committed to “finishing the task” of the gospel work as Christ commanded us. We are working in support of international indigenous missionaries who are reaching those who have never heard the gospel.
Hebrews 10:24-25 is a fitting text for our ministry: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
