Missionary Not Just A Position

by Anji Barker

"Anji's story is engaging, insightful, heart wrenching and at times, very, very funny. The Reverend Kate Bottley, Broadcaster and Priest (As seen on Gogglebox) This book is an entertaining and moving autobiography of the extraordinary and unusual life of Australian mother - Anji Barker. A qualified social worker and a United Reformed Church Minister, Anji has spent the last 30 years living in poor urban communities in Australia, Thailand and the UK. She is passionate about social justice and grassroots transformation. Her faith has lead her to jump in boots and all fighting for those who are pushed to the margins. Anji shares openly and honestly about faith and doubt, the challenge of raising children in difficult places, as well as the joy that this life brings. She reminds us that our mistakes and failings can be our assets and that God delights in the strangest, most unlikely bits of who we are. Her stories will make you laugh and cry, inspire and encourage you. " This is a delightful must-read for anyone who dares to live a life for others." Brian D. McLaren

154 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2021

Reviews

[Molly Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is good, but hearing Anji speak is probably about 10 ⭐s

[Philip Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know OF Anji and Ash Barker. Met ‘em once, maybe twice. See them on social media. This lovely book transforms my knowing! What a story. Told with self-deprecating modesty and without sugar-coating the tough stuff in an anecdotal style of short chapters. Highly recommended.

[Jayne E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anj Barker is a social worker, community activist, wife, mum & missionary. In this book, we get a snap shot of her life in each of these area. From her early married life to her husband Ash, where they began reaching out to support their local community in Australia. Then the challenges of raising 2 children in one of the slums of Thailand, and the realities, joys and sorrows that she shared with her neighbours. Finally winding up in Winson Green an extremely deprived neighbourhood in Birmingham.

I found it a refreshingly raw and honest account compacted to our Western Christianity which feeds off the glossy "celebrity" culture.

Don't read this book if you are looking for a model missionary family to put on a pedestal and worship.
Anj is honest about her mistakes and aware there is much about her approach to life & ministry that Christians could judge her for.
Do read this book if you want to hear from someone who's chosen to live their life with those on the margins and to discover the jewels buried in the mud of poverty.

[Mrs C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captured by the title and stand out colours, I figured this was a book for me. Anji's candid telling of her story is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Her honest insights of both her inner and outer worlds expose vulnerabilities and deep strengths of character rooted in relationship with God and wonderful networks of people that are welcomed into her family. I, for one, am so glad she took the time to record these profound stories into lives that have the power to change the world. Be ready for laughter, tears and profound insights into a life lived openly, honestly and prophetically.

[Trey Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anji is a walking-around-in-human-life manifestation of the Kingdom of God. She lives and loves and teaches with an astonishing amount of nous and passion. The fact that she cusses like a longshoreman and tells inappropriate Gospel stories only prove my point even more. A wild, hilarious, painful, hopeful journal of stories and scrappy insights from a life of being with people in some of the poorest communities in the world.

[Lorna McFadyean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written as a series of non-chronological stories from the author's life in Australia, Bangkok, and Birmingham, this book reads very much like a series of modern-day parables. Definitely some food for thought.

[Scott Vawser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real. Very real!