Rolland Baker shares his journey and core values that guide Iris Ministries, emphasizing the importance of finding God above all else. He reflects on personal experiences, the nature of faith, and the transformative power of love and obedience to God, illustrating how these values shape their mission work.
The essence of life, according to Rolland Baker, is not about being a missionary, a pastor, or a teacher. Instead, it is about finding God. In a heartfelt discussion, Baker shares his journey and the core values that guide Iris Ministries, emphasizing the importance of a deep, personal relationship with God.
Baker recounts a pivotal moment from 14 years ago during an international gathering of Irish leaders in Pemba. Faced with the question of their core values, he realized that they had unique, sometimes controversial values that were not typically found in large ministry organizations. This reflection led him to consider why he and his wife, Heidi, had dedicated their lives to the mission field.
Baker and Heidi embarked on their missionary journey shortly after their marriage, with little more than a one-way ticket and $30. Despite the challenges and rejections they faced, they felt a divine calling that propelled them forward. Baker emphasizes that their journey was not about having a perfect plan but about trusting in God’s provision.
Baker stresses that the primary core value is not about being a missionary but about knowing God. He reflects on the ultimate questions of existence: Why are we here? How did the world come to be? These questions lead to a deeper understanding of life and death, and ultimately, the necessity of seeking God.
Baker points out that everyone will face death, making it crucial to ponder what lies beyond. He argues that many people live without concern for eternal matters, often dismissing the significance of their spiritual journey. This indifference can lead to a lack of urgency in seeking a relationship with God.
Baker shares his background as the son of missionaries in China, where he was exposed to stories of revival and divine encounters. His grandfather’s experiences with orphan children who received visions of heaven profoundly impacted him, instilling a desire to understand the spiritual realm.
The testimonies of those who have encountered God, especially the children in his grandfather’s orphanage, serve as a powerful reminder of the reality of heaven and the importance of faith. Baker believes that these experiences should ignite a longing in everyone to seek God and understand the eternal truths of life.
Baker reflects on the motivations behind missionary work. He questions whether the primary goal is to alleviate suffering or to fulfill a divine calling. For him, the answer lies in the relationship with Jesus, which compels one to serve others out of love rather than obligation.
Heidi Baker exemplifies this love-driven mission. Her commitment to Jesus and her willingness to obey His call, even at great personal cost, illustrate the essence of true discipleship. Baker emphasizes that love for God should be the driving force behind all actions, transforming work into a labor of love.
Baker challenges the notion of free will, arguing that true freedom comes from being transformed by God. He asserts that without divine intervention, humans are slaves to sin and cannot genuinely choose to love God. This transformation is essential for anyone who desires to serve God and others.
The sovereignty of God is a recurring theme in Baker’s message. He believes that it is through God’s mercy that individuals are chosen and transformed. This understanding shifts the focus from human effort to divine grace, highlighting the importance of humility in the pursuit of God.
In conclusion, Rolland Baker’s core values center around the pursuit of knowing God above all else. His experiences and reflections serve as a reminder that the most important thing in life is not our achievements or roles but our relationship with God. This relationship, fueled by love and obedience, naturally leads to a life of service and mission. Baker encourages everyone to seek God earnestly, as it is through this pursuit that true fulfillment and purpose are found.
