Lucile Geneva Ford – Biography
Birth: May 12, 1883
Death: May 25, 1973
Native Place: Nebraska
Country: United States of America
Place of Service: India
Lucile Geneva Ford was born in 1883 in a devoted Christian family in Nebraska. Her father, Fredrick Ford, served as a Sunday School superintendent in their local church. When Lucile was born, her mother, Mary Salina, dedicated her to God’s service. From a young age, Lucile dreamed of becoming a missionary in a foreign country.
While studying at Cotner College, Nebraska, she worked hard toward her goal. However, during her graduate studies, she suffered from serious health problems. Because of her weak health, she was advised not to go for foreign mission work. Instead, she served faithfully at a Christian hospital in St. Louis for some time.
Most people would have settled into a comfortable life after that, but Lucile was different. Once her health improved, she joined the College of Missions for further training to prepare herself for missionary service.
In 1915, Lucile received a call to serve in India through the United Christian Missionary Society. After arriving in India, she took charge of the Mahoba Girls’ Orphanage, which at that time cared for 95 girls. Under her leadership, the orphanage quickly grew, and within four years it became home to about 200 girls. Lucile was known for her compassion and care—she was like a loving mother to all the children. She made sure that every girl received both a proper education and spiritual guidance.
After several years, Lucile served for a short time in Harda and later moved to Kulpahar. There, she managed a charitable home for women and started a training center for girls. She firmly believed that women could earn respect in society only when they became independent and self-reliant.
During a severe plague epidemic, Lucile’s orphanage provided shelter to hundreds of people from all castes and backgrounds. She used that time to teach everyone that death does not show favoritism and that Jesus gave His life for all people equally, without caste or class.
Lucile retired in 1948 but continued to serve God faithfully. Even after returning to California, she remained active in ministry through her local church until she passed away in 1973. Lucile Ford’s life remains a strong example of dedication, love, and faith in service to God and humanity.