Retiring education leader shares story of hope as she catches her final MAF flight in Liberia.
Dedicated missionary Helen Roberts-Evans has looked back at some of the highlights of her years of service in Liberia, as she took her final flight with MAF before retirement.
The Director of the Department of General Education and Ministry with the United Methodist Church Liberia flew from Greenville to the capital Monrovia after a trip which included a week-long Bible study in Greenville Prison.
“It been a wonderful experience, studying the gospel in the cell with prisoners,” she said.
“I see new things every time explaining the gospel to people, who didn’t know God’s words, to accept Bible study within the cells and win many souls through the power of God.”
She shared a touching moment when, while teaching on the book of John, she asked a group what they had learned.
“I didn’t realise that a boy was really paying attention, he explains that God loves us, Jesus died for the sins of the world, that we should love and forgive and that every single human being needs to repent and be born again,” she said.
“Such a wonderful journey of helping people to their spiritual growth. All this happened because of MAF Liberia’s impact of flying in and out of the city.”
Greenville is a community in the southeast of the Liberia and, without MAF flights, missionaries like Helen would face a long and difficult road journey.
“I have felt that it is time for retirement, I am really blessed to have had these years with people in Greenville and the southeastern part of Liberia,” Helen added.
“It went well all because of MAF Liberia’s great impact with the UMC Ministry.’’
It been a wonderful experience, studying the gospel in the cell with prisoners.
As Helen prepares to retire, she is encouraged to know that the work is in safe hands with her successor and the partnership with MAF.
“I have been working and training with another person closely, we have been on many trips in the rural areas on MAF flights,” she said.
“I pray that God will give them strength to continue the job.
“God is using the pilots to get the word of God out and that is such a blessing. This is such a wonderful ministry for the UMC. May God bless MAF Liberia as you continue your service, I will miss all the good conversation with the pilots.’'
The growth of education in remote communities is one of Helen’s greatest achievements. The UMC supports schools in the southeast of the country where, in many areas, they only way to get around would be by motorbike.
“I am thankful for such a great service, transporting school supplies and the members of the UMC Ministry,” she added.
“It was an indescribable moment partnering with MAF. I have been a long-time client, and I was well recognised by staff, Country Director, engineers, and pilots.
“I really enjoy the work - hope, help, and healing, above all I love the vision of MAF.”