The following text is the full biography featured in the back of a new children’s book about Helen Roseveare’s inspiring life. This beautifully illustrated book can be read to young children or enjoyed independently by early readers.
September 21, 1925:
Helen was born in Hertfordshire, England to Sir Martin and Lady Edith Roseveare. She was the second of five children. Her father was a mathematician who designed the ration books used in the UK during the Second World War.
July 1944:
Helen went to Newnham College in Cambridge, England to study to become a doctor.
As well as studying, Helen also played hockey for the university’s women teams and joined a group of students who met regularly to read the Bible. During these Bible studies Helen got to know Jesus better and truly fell in love with Him, as she liked to describe it.
January 15, 1951:
After finishing University, Helen moved to the headquarters of WEC (Worldwide Evangelisation for Christ) where she trained to become a missionary.
February 13, 1953:
Helen embarked on a long journey that took her what used to be called The Belgian Congo.
Since then, Congo has had different names and is today known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
There, Helen helped set up hospitals and trained nurses and doctors.
June 30, 1960:
Congo declared independence from Belgium and a long period of unrest followed. In 1964, Helen was taken prisoner by a group of rebel soldiers who treated her very badly.
Five months later, Helen was freed, and she safely returned to England.
March 11, 1966:
After two years of rest in the UK, Helen returned to Congo, where she served for seven more years.
December 7, 2016:
Helen died at the age of 91 after having spent her last years sharing her story through rousing talks and life-changing books. Many people are still encouraged and inspired by her powerful testimony.
Helen Roseveare’s story has been turned into an inspiring children’s biography in The Do Great Things For God series, which explores the lives of amazing Christian women and will excite young children about the great things they can do for God. The series also includes the stories of Gladys Aylward, Betsey Stockton, Corrie ten Boom and more.
Laura Caputo-Wickham is a children’s author from Rome, now living in Kent with her husband, James, two young daughters and a cat. In her spare time, Laura is involved with her church’s toddler group and helps the children in her local school with their reading.
