Helen Roseveare

British Christian missionary, doctor, and author

Helen Roseveare (21 September 1925 – 7 December 2016) was a British Christian missionary, doctor, and author. She served in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly the Belgian Congo and later Zaire) from 1953 to 1973. Her work in the Congo was marked by her dedication to medical care and her experiences during the Congo Crisis.

Early Life and Education

Helen Roseveare was born in Hertfordshire, England, in 1925. She was educated at Cambridge University, where she studied medicine. During her time at Cambridge, she became involved with the Cambridge Inter-Collegiate Christian Union (CICCU), which played a significant role in her spiritual development and her decision to become a missionary.

Missionary Work in the Congo

Dr. Helen Roseveare in 2003

In 1953, Helen Roseveare went to the Congo as a medical missionary with the Worldwide Evangelization Crusade (WEC). She was stationed in the northeastern region of the country, where she established a hospital and training center for nurses. Her work was focused on providing medical care to the local population and training Congolese medical staff.

Congo Crisis

During the Congo Crisis in the early 1960s, Roseveare's mission was caught in the conflict. In 1964, she was taken captive by rebel forces and endured five months of captivity, during which she was subjected to physical and emotional abuse. Despite these hardships, she remained committed to her faith and her mission.

Return to the Congo

After her release, Helen Roseveare returned to the United Kingdom but felt a strong calling to return to the Congo. She went back in 1966 and continued her work until 1973. During this time, she helped to rebuild the medical facilities that had been destroyed during the conflict and continued to train local medical personnel.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from missionary work, Helen Roseveare returned to the UK, where she became a prominent speaker and author. She wrote several books about her experiences, including "Give Me This Mountain" and "He Gave Us a Valley," which detail her life and work in the Congo.

Helen Roseveare's legacy is marked by her dedication to medical missions and her resilience in the face of adversity. Her story continues to inspire many in the fields of medicine and missionary work.

Related Pages

• Congo Crisis
• Worldwide Evangelization Crusade
• Cambridge Inter-Collegiate Christian Union