Who is Ed McCully from Shadow of the Almighty and what is their importance?

Ed feels called of God to quit school and live a life sold-out for Jesus. Jim hopes he is the answer to his prayers for a companion on the mission field. The two spend time together and travel to Chester where they minister the Gospel. God provides for all their needs as they work together in a thriving work for God. While waiting for the open door to go to Ecuador, the two of them start radio ministries. Ed's is a 15 minute program that runs on Fridays. Jim's plans are dashed when Ed marries Marilou, but God restores his hope when Ed and Marilou plan to join him in Ecuador following a year in medical school. Just when they arrive in Ecuador, a flood destroys the station, and Ed and his wife stay to help rebuild while Jim plans to go down the Bobonaza river at the request of a man with 15 children.