Heidi Baker's Transformation Story
In the heart of Mozambique, Heidi Baker, once an introverted and dyslexic teenager from Southern California, discovered her life's calling. Born on August 29, 1959, in Laguna Beach, California, her life took a transformative turn on March 13, 1976, at a revival meeting on an Indian reservation in Mississippi. There, she encountered Jesus and was 'radically saved.' As Heidi shared, 'I got radically saved when I was 16…and I was completely transformed that day.'
Answering God's Calling Reluctantly
Marrying Rolland Baker in 1980, they founded Iris Global and embarked on a mission to serve the world's most vulnerable. By 1995, they had moved to Mozambique with a focus on orphaned and abandoned children. Their journey was not without challenges, as Heidi experienced burnout in 1997. But in a powerful encounter at the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship, she received a renewed vision for her mission. 'My no turned into a yes on the floor in Toronto,' she recalled, marking a pivotal moment where fear was replaced with faith.
Faith in Action in Mozambique
Under Heidi's leadership, Iris Global expanded its reach across Mozambique, providing food, education, and spiritual guidance to thousands. 'There will always be enough,' she declared, as she witnessed Jesus provide for the needs of the children. This faith was not just theoretical; it was lived out in the daily realities of serving others. Heidi's practical application of love, as she noted, is 'not just your words it's your action love in action.'
Unwavering Ministry Despite Challenges
The Bakers' ministry has grown to include Bible schools, medical clinics, and a network of thousands of churches. Despite the ongoing violence and challenges in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado Province, Heidi's commitment remains unwavering. As she said, 'God has spoken to me many times that my job is to love and his job is to heal.'
Heidi Baker's testimony is a testament to the power of faith and the impact of divine intervention. Her journey from a reluctant 'no' to a wholehearted 'yes' continues to inspire, showing how Jesus can transform lives and communities through love and dedication.
