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In memory of Helen Sidebotham

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An international leader and beloved member of the Servants family passed away suddenly about midnight Friday evening after spending the week at our annual International Leadership Council in the Philippines.

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Helen Sidebotham had travelled to the airport in Manila Friday evening and was not suffering from any apparent illness or pain. She collapsed in the departure lounge, and we understand she passed away immediately despite attempts to revive her by other passengers and an airport medical team who responded quickly to the situation. At this point we are unsure of the cause of death, but the circumstances point to something rapid and irreversible - possibly an aneurism.

 

Helen's death came at the end of a beautiful prayer retreat and then a wonderful week together with Servants reps and leaders from every team, at the Tanay retreat centre set up by Servants in the Philippines. Our final evening included a moving celebration based around the welcome of the Father in the story of the prodigal son. Tributes were made and Helen was deeply thanked for her hard work in a number of areas - including pulling together that meeting. Helen had tears on her face as we all hugged farewell that evening. It was a fitting note to end a life poured out for others.

The loss of our friend Helen will be felt around the world. She and Peter originally served in Cambodia in the early 90's as interim team leaders, before returning to the UK where Helen took up the role of UK coordinator. She faithfully served in that role through the years, and in the process became the unofficial holder of our organisational memory. We came to rely on her knowledge of past decisions and wisdom to guide us into the future. In 2006, Helen was appointed International Administrator, one of three international leaders within Servants. Her unique gifts and ability to focus on details and logistics were an amazing gift to the health and growth of Servants. Her presence at almost every ILC meeting over the last 17 years is a testimony to her faithfulness and servant-heart. We all remember Helen at meetings with a pile of printed reports and important documents, keeping us on track and well-organised. We also remember her smile and playfulness, always being up for a song or dance, and her great sense of fun and humour.


Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, who are grieving the loss of their beloved wife and mother. We share your sorrow. We have lost a dear friend and member of our close Servants family.


In sorrow and celebration of a life truly lived,

Craig Greenfield and Kristin Jack, on behalf of the wider Servants body and leadership

 

Comments 

 
0 #22 Peter Trotter 2012-02-28 16:13
Just learned today of the loss of Helen. I thank God for her life and devotion to Christ and to mission and pray for her family and for Servants who will greatly miss her. Peter [Glasgow]
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-3 #21 NatashaTah 2012-02-17 08:01
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0 #20 Eunice 2012-02-05 14:00
So sorry to hear about Helen. She blessed me the few times we met in Manila and in London last year with her humility and heart for people.

My prayers are with her family.

Eunice
Delhi, India
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+2 #19 Julian Aldous 2012-02-04 14:38
We remember Helen and Peter mainly from Bristol days and spent New Year with them in 2010/11. We give thanks for a life lived out truly serving her Lord and Saviour, and to know about her final week, it would seem that God had prepared her for her welcome home. She is now is a place of peace, comfort and Life everlasting.
May her life serve as a reminder to us abouyt the things in life which really matter and to life Helen 'store up treasures in heaven which will last forever'
Our love, prayers and support go out to Peter, Esther and Joe and the wider family and we wll pray especially for Friday's funeral service, that it may be a time of celebrating Helen's life amidst the sadness of our loss in losing her. We would loved to have been there but are living in Canada. We look forward to being able to see the video recording.
God continue to bless the work of Servants in Asia as you reach out to many with the love of Jesus Christ
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0 #18 Winston Ruth Ussher 2012-02-04 05:25
We were privileged to know and fellowship with them in Phnom Penh in 94 and later visits. Please pass on the assurance of our prayers and deep sympathy to Peter and family. Winston and Ruth
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0 #17 Joy Scott 2012-02-04 02:17
So sad to hear this news. Helen Peter and I did Khmer language study together with Madam Ketcha as our strict language teacher! I pray Gods peace and comfort for you Peter and your children. Joy
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0 #16 NIc Harding 2012-02-02 21:14
Devastated to hear of Helen's death. So hard to make sense of it. Jenny and I pray for peace and God's presence on Peter and the family.
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+1 #15 Sheryl Haw 2012-02-02 11:16
So sorry to hear this news. Our love and thoughts go to Peter and the family and to all at Servants to Asia's Poor. We stand with you all.
Courage and strength
Micah Network
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+1 #14 Andy Turner 2012-02-02 00:10
Devastating news - Helen was such a generous, kind, hardworking person. She was the all important glue... making the calls, sending the text, posting the emails, arranging diaries, chivvying us along, getting us organised. She was the brilliant 'completer finisher', so needed when you're in a room of prophets and preachers, inspiration and ideas. Honest, committed, prepared to ask the impossible question - an asset to any group. And Helen helped get such a lot done, by getting on, working away in the background quietly heroic - a real servant. Thoughts and prayers for Helen and her family (who were beloved - she was so proud, speaking so passionately of you). Helen leaves a hole - I miss her.
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0 #13 Melissa Swanton 2012-02-01 22:56
An inspirational and amazing lady. A life sold out for Jesus.
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