Why I Answered The Call Back To My Roots

Helen Robertson has ministered to prison inmates andgirls in the sex industry, but now she’s come back home

- Helen Robertson

Sitting in a broom cupboard in Bethel Church, Oldbury, seven-year-old Helen Robertson became a Christian.

Little could she imagine that 40 years later, that broom cupboard would become her office! And she certainly didn’t expect that she would become a pastor after almost 20 years ministering to prisoners, prostitutes, and addicts.

Helen’s move into ministry began when a friend’s death in the infamous Lockerbie airline bombing spurred her to fully commit to her faith.

“I’d taught in Sunday school, been to church all my life, but my friend’s death made me realize I wasn’t sure where I’d be if that had been me,” Helen says.

“I had this real sense I needed to get serious about God. That night, I recommitted my life to him. I left banking and went to Bible college.”

After studying, Helen began working at Stafford Elim and became involved in outreach. “Stafford Elim is right by the wall of HMP Stafford. I stood outside the gate and sensed God say, ‘I don’t see the wall and I don’t see the gate.’”

That same week, a lady from the church asked if Helen had thought about prison work. She felt moved to respond and went on to become a part-time prison chaplain.

While rewarding, the work was far from easy.