As Canadian Baptists, "The Seed That Holds The Tree: A Story of India and the Kingdom of God is an important part of our story, a story we must remember about Canadian and Oriya Christians in partnership for the Gospel. We need to consider the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith." This was a quote from Dr. Bob Berry (former General Secretary, CBM) about a book written by Ken and Shirley Knight, retired Canadian Baptist missionaries to the Oriya people in Orissa, India.
The book details the work of Canadian Baptists in this region in India from 1902-2007, including the work of John and Eva Glendenning from First Baptist Church, Moncton, NB, who pioneered the work with the Saura and Oriya people in Orissa.
"Ken and I went to India in 1954," writes Shirley in an email. "While our children were entering universities, we remained in Canada in 1975 and my husband served in two churches in Alberta. During those years, we were asked to return to India three times for three-month long ministry - first in Cyclone Relief work in Telugu area and then in ministries in the Oriya area and those are described in the book. Ken and I learned and spoke both languages, and worked also in the Telugu work. This book is only about the Oriya area. In 1986 we were asked to return to full-time work with CBM and from 1986 to 1992 we served as CBM representatives in India." Ken & Shirley have four children, one of whom is John Knight, Outreach Pastor at Main Street Baptist Church, Saint John.
Over 160 photos and maps illustrate this absorbing and carefully researched tale of the seeding and growth of the Christian church among the Oriya people.
Here is what some people have had to say about the book:
Shirley will be hosting a book signing at Oasis in the Baptist Bookroom (Jennings Dining Hall). Copies will be available for purchase.
It is also interesting to note others from our Convention that have published books in the past few years. Here are a few you may find interesting:
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