On International Women’s Day, we have a good opportunity to remember the thousands of women who have given their lives to take the gospel to those who have never heard.

Helen Griffin was just one of those who went alone into unreached tribes to share the love of God.

As a nurse Helen spent 47 years caring for African people, body and soul. God brought thousands of people to know him through this one woman’s ministry. Though she was born in Scotland, Helen made Australia her home when she retired. She became a member of Drummoyne Presbyterian Church in Sydney. She passed away in 1980.

Her ministry with the mission organisation SIM began in Nigeria in 1927. As a nurse she gave years of faithful service to her Lord in Nigeria, 38 of those years in Gure. For a number of years she was the only missionary in the area.

At first a number of tribes were reluctant to let her enter their communities but her midwifery and nursing ability soon won their hearts and before long there were a large number of people interested in the gospel.

She opened primary schools and was instrumental in setting up a Bible Training School in Gure. Graduates of the school went out ministering the gospel in surrounding areas. Helen walked long distances ministering to people, both physically and spiritually, and encouraging the many churches which had been established. It was nothing for her to walk up to 45 kilometres a day.

On the day of her retirement she was taken to the celebrations by a young man named Barnabas, who she had taken in as an orphan in 1945.

She said, “He is quite a scholar and is now the principal of a large Teacher Training school; a big change from the five year old outcast with sores all over his body when he came to us. He is now a handsome man, married with a small child.”

What a fitting picture of the many lives changed by God through Helen’s ministry over 47 years.

Glenyss Barnham works with SIM Australia

Photo: Helen Griffin in Nigeria