'An important grassroots account of cross cultural mission'
 

The Baptist Historical Society, in co-operation with BMS World Mission, has published a new book entitled Mission not Impossible: Baptist Missionaries' Experiences and Reflections 

The book is authored by eminent Baptist historian Ian M Randall with a foreword by the current General Director of BMS, Dr Kang-San Tan. It includes an introductory chapter by the President of the Baptist Historical Society, the Revd Dr Keith G Jones.

Taken from material submitted by more than 70 retired missionaries, it explores their upbringing and commitment to Christ, calling as missionaries, formation and training, moving to serve on the mission field and the nature of the mission work they accomplished.

'As such, it is an important grassroots account of cross cultural mission in the last half of the 20th century and the first two decades of the 21st,' Keith said.

'Many familiar names to UK Baptists are in the text and we discover the approach of UK churches with international mission emphases.

'This is an important book which will appeal to anyone interested in the recent mission activity of the BMS.'

Kang-San Tan said, 'These accounts of mission workers dating back to the 1950s tell a powerful story of God's personal call on the lives of individuals, describing the many contributions made by this remarkable generation.

'The ethnography provides us with a fresh opportunity to explore our history and the lives of those who sacrificed so much to serve Christ, offering a rear view mirror to assist us as we move forward in God's call on our own lives.'

Ian Randall is a Senior Research Fellow of the International Baptist Theological Study Centre in Amsterdam and a Senior Research Associate at the Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide. He's authored many books, including The English Baptists of the Twentieth Century, and Communities of Conviction: Baptist Beginnings in Europe. 
 

Mission not Impossible: Baptist Missionaries' Experiences and Reflections is available via the Baptist Historical Society website and ought to find a place in College and Church libraries and in the hands of those interested in the work of BMS World Mission.

It is priced at £10 plus postage and packing.