Dr. Rolland Baker, a deeply committed and dedicated Christian missionary, has had a remarkable career as the President of Iris Global, a prominent and respected Christian humanitarian organization. This esteemed individual's journey as a missionary is deeply rooted in a long and storied legacy, which dates back to his grandfather, H. A. Baker.
Dr. Baker's formative years, spent traversing the cultural landscapes of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in fostering his lifelong dedication to disseminating the Christian gospel. A serendipitous encounter with Heidi in 1979 served as the turning point, precipitating a transformative decision that would forever alter the trajectory of his life. Just six months later, in 1980, the couple exchanged vows, and mere weeks after their wedding, they embarked on a journey to the mission field, where they would dedicate themselves to spreading the message of Christianity.
In the year 1985, a pivotal moment arrived for the Bakers, as they received the esteemed honor of being ordained as ministers, thereby further solidifying their unwavering commitment to their deeply held faith and spiritual beliefs.
Throughout his remarkable journey, Dr. Baker has been distinguished by a series of notable milestones, including the establishment of Iris Global in the year 1980, a non-profit Christian ministry dedicated to the pursuit of charitable service and evangelism, with a particular focus on serving the needs of developing nations and communities.
In the year 1995, the Bakers made the significant decision to relocate to Mozambique, with the ultimate goal of establishing a new ministry that would provide vital care and support to orphaned and abandoned children, who often find themselves in dire need of such assistance. Through their organization, Iris Global, the Bakers successfully negotiated with the Mozambican government, ultimately securing an agreement that allowed them to take over the management of a former government-run orphanage located in Chihango, a rural area situated in close proximity to the capital city of Maputo. At the time, this orphanage was home to approximately 80 children, each with their own unique story and set of challenges.