A pioneer in advocating and sharing stories of God working around the world died Jan. 8, 2024. Leland Franklin Webb, 91, was a writer and editor at the International Mission Board for 32 years.
While his name may not sound familiar to some, Webb helped change the face of modern Christian media. He helped usher in the era of popular techniques to tell the stories of IMB missionaries and their ministry. His most noted work was as editor of The Commission magazine, an IMB publication — despite several interruptions — published from 1849-2008. Webb served as editor for 15 years and as a writer/photographer for the 17 previous years.
Webb had a vision to use compelling photography with on-the-scene coverage by writers to bring real missions into the home of Southern Baptists. Mary Jane Welch worked under Webb and remembered this new look was back when Life and other magazines surged in popularity. It was also a time when modes of communication and travel became more convenient. [Read more…]