What happens when one person refuses to tolerate injustice and gives everything they have to see it right?
NZCMS missionary Edric Baker was driven by the idea that healthcare should be available for every person, rich or poor. From New Zealand to Vietnam, and finally, for three decades in Bangladesh, this is a story of dogged persistence as, sustained by his Christian faith, Edric confronted the ‘emergency of poverty allied with the best people for the task: the poor themselves’.
Kate Day has written a biography of Edric Baker, “Call Me Brother”. We would like to invite you to purchase a copy of the book and attend the book launch.
NZCMS Mission Partner, Nick Laing, recently had this to say about Edric:
“Edric was innovative, ground-breaking and years ahead of his time. He trained local people to become skilled health workers; he was treating conditions for a fraction of the cost of other large medical institutions and he was treating diabetes in a remote rural place at a time when almost no one was doing that. … He inspires me … he committed to the people and place he loved for 35 years, living among them in the way they knew – in a small iron-roofed house without running water or electricity. It’s such a great example to try and live up to. Read this book, you’ll be a better person, it’ll change your life.”
When Edric was a teenager growing up in Wellington he read the biography of Albert Schweitzer, a theologian who diverted from an elite academic career to become a doctor among the poor in French Equatorial Africa. This inspired Edric and aged 18, he announced to his family that he wanted to be a missionary doctor. When Kate accepted an invitation to write Edric’s biography, her hope was that this story would inspire the next generation. Our prayer is that as this book is launched, it would make its way into the hands of someone who would be inspired by the way Edric lived his life in service of Jesus Christ by serving ‘the least of these.’
We invite you to buy a copy of this book, read it yourself and then pass it on to a young person to be inspired to serve God in mission, just as Edric was. A promotional video was also made which you can watch here and share with others.
Click here to buy the E‑Book
Click the city below for Book Launch Event Details
Thank you, Tessa. I remember Ray (and Jean) very warmly from our time at St Tim’s before we left for St John’s College at the beginning of 1987, and was excited many years later to learn of their visit to the Elliotts in Uganda. (We visited them in 1997 on study leave.) That visit, and a later one, showed their quiet growth in faith and mission during the years. I praise God for Ray’s life and service, and pray for the Comforter’s presence to be so close to Jean.
Hey there,
A friend of mine told me about you guys and I’d love to come along on Monday!
Cheers,
Caleb Croker
Hi Caleb, I’ve just seen your message. I apologise that this was missed. I assume you’re talking about the Seriously Interested in Mission group? The next one is August 11 and we’d love you to join. Can you email us at office@nzcms.org.nz (Rosie writing here)
Thank you Tessa
Thank you Archdeacon Fran. Mothers Union appreciated your input when we visited the Far North recently. Your wisdom and wise counsel made it a memorable weekend. God bless you in your new role.
Rev Fran, you and Rapiata are a gift to the Church. May the Lord bless you as you serve in this next season
With reference to the article ‘By invitation not invasion’. My husband and I were involved with CMS from the 1960s onward and this was always the attitude of CMS leadership. They deferred to the church leadership opinions whenever possible, wherever there was a local church. I’m not aware if this has change. It isn’t something new.
Hi Pauline,
I agree with you!! I don’t think this has changed, just good to re-iterate why and we send mission partners. This is Rosie writing — hope you’re doing well!
Yes Pauline it was the same for Alan and me. When we went to Singapore 1966–69 it was in response to a request from the Bishop oof Singapore and Malaya.