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.
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
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