IRIS ministries started in 1980. In 1995 Heidi and Rolland Baker felt the call to take their ministry to Africa, specifically Mozambique. Not knowing what they were going to find there, they stepped out in faith. They found a group of children that nobody wanted and that the people there were more than willing to dump on anyone. So they stepped up and answered the call and began the long, hard, but amazingly rewarding task of loving these 80 children. As they built relationships, brought healing and helped these children be freed of the awful scars of the past, their family grew and grew and soon they were bringing in more children then they knew what to do.
It was during this time that they became homeless and had to find a place. God provided and they formed a tent city on some land that was donated to them. They grew to almost 400. What is so amazing about Heidi and Rolland is what they did with loving these children the way they do. They brought peace and forgiveness to a village.
I have long loved these two amazing people from afar. I have read their books, prayed for them and told just about everyone I know who would listen there wonderful testimonies of how our God is more than enough, always enough and continues to blow them away with his love, and mercy for the people of Africa. They have seen mighty miracles, some most of us would find hard to believe. What I love most about them is their humble hearts. They give our God the glory, take none and know they are nothing without his strength and presence in their lives I love also their ability to praise God through all circumstances and press on even when they are facing death. Heidi has been ill more times with life threatning diseases than I can count. But she always is given healing and mercy to continue on. And they do, despite persecution, heart ache, loss, they press through. And they have seen why. Today they have over 5000 churches arround Mozambique and continue to pour out as much as they can to the people there.
It would be my dream to work along side a woman like Heidi and learn from her. I have wanted to meet her since the first chapter I read. She is one person that inspires me the most. At training camp Mike Hines told me that I was just like this lady Heidi Baker, “you may know her” I almost died. Best compliment I ever got. So I tell you all this to tell you just this…… IRIS Ministries here I come. Thats right, my team and three others will be spending a month volunteering along side them. I may meet Heidi I may not. But to be able to sow into and be a part of what they are doing is more than enough for this girl. I feel as if God himself is patting me on the back and saying “This one is for you kiddo” I am sure that it will be hard on me saying goodbye and my team will have to drag me away, but I will enjoy this month soaking in what I can from them.
Please pray for Africa. Pray for IRIS and the beautiful people of God who pour out so much love and pray for us, that we work hard, love much, choose in, and most importantly be the Kingdom and bring Glory to our father. Thank you. See you again friends from Africa. 12 hours till I am on a plane lol
