My Paisley Chair

I found a precious and priceless treasure the other day. Nestled away in the books from David’s office was a tattered booklet that I had never seen. The construction paper cover and typewriter paper pages were held together by a singular rusted staple in the center fold. The handwritten title on the front “Glimpses from My Diary by Mollie E. Baird”. The flysheet, also handwritten, indicates the booklet was presented in 1971 to a group of W.M.C.s & Missionettes that helped support “The Missionary” (as Aunt Mollie referred to herself in her writings).

Included in the pages are copies of support letters sent throughout the years with updates regarding the ministry. Testimonies of answered prayers, some notes regarding future plans and personal itineraries filled the pages. Each support letter ended with a heartfelt word of gratitude for the partnership in ministry, and encouragement.

Scattered throughout the booklet were chapters of the recollections of Aunt Mollie’s childhood. Stories of my great-grandparents, their faith journey, and adventures in sharing the gospel came alive on these fragile pages. There is no Chapter 1 of the LIFE STORY. Her autobiography begins with Chapter 2, which would have been when she was around age 5 and continues through Chapter 9, when Mollie was in her twenties.

The stories and adventures held me captivated. Descriptions of the family’s commitment to the call of God, love of the lost, care of orphans, and answered prayers were chronicled in the pages. Pentecostalism, the Holiness Movement, miraculous healings, financial provision were all woven into the pursuit of a sanctified life of pleasing God. Hardships and persecution, transitions in employment, selling all their possessions to move the family in answer to the call of God, are also a part of the journey.

The LIFE STORY shared within these pages only document her life up until the time she prepared to be a missionary in 1926. Every chapter ended the same way with a final statement – (to be continued).

Mollie E. Baird’s story did indeed continue! As the first missionary sent from the Texico District of the Assemblies of God (which included all of Texas, New Mexico & Arizona), Mollie served India for over 30 years and then continued on to the Philippines, where she concluded her missionary journey.

On her trips to the States to itinerate, Aunt Mollie would often be a guest at our house and stay in my room. I recall her saying the canopy over my bed reminded her of the mosquito nets of India. As a child I was mesmerized by the stories of her adventures overseas, many of which are documented in her book Sole Treading. The constant intervention of God in her daily life was spectacular as she recounted miracle after miracle.

Aunt Mollie would tell of rescued children, people being healed and set free, an occasional snake or monsoon adventure, and the amazing provision of the Lord to establish missions. With each story the fire in her eyes was matched only by the compassion in her heart. Her love of India was unrivaled.

Even on her last visit to our home and subsequent hospital stay, the light in her eyes never dimmed. Always at the ready to tell of her Savior’s love, she looked forward to meeting Him face to face. She fought the good fight of faith, pressed on, and received her eternal reward. I’m certain she heard the Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things, enter into the joy of thy Lord.”

So, is her journey over? Not a chance! As she journals of her adventures in eternity, I imagine she still writes … to be continued!