Faithful to the Call: Remembering Ona Liles
On December 2, 2025, CMF lost a beloved partner and friend, Ona Liles—a man whose life radiated faithfulness, hospitality, and grace. For more than 30 years, Ona and his wife, Ruth, served in close partnership with CMF, impacting countless lives through their work in education and ministry, made possible through the support and partnership of their church, Central Christian Church in Mesa, AZ.
From 1972 to 1977, Ona and Ruth served at Good Shepherd School, a boarding school in Ethiopia, where Ona was a teacher, coach, and principal. During those years, he provided stability and care for missionary families, even through the perilous days of Ethiopia’s Marxist takeover. “When I think of Ona and his impact on our family, it is from those years in Ethiopia,” recalls longtime CMF missionary Effie Giles. “He offered a sense of security and stability for our children during long periods of separation. If there is any one word I would use to describe Ona and Ruth’s life, it would be faithfulness to a purpose that never changed.” David Giles, who would later spend a lifetime in mission service, remembers Ona as a teacher and coach who “taught and modeled discipline, excellence, faith, and integrity.”
After serving for several years in Ethiopia, Ona and Ruth felt called to serve in India. Twice they applied for visas, and twice they were denied. Meanwhile, CMF teammates in Indonesia—who had known them from Ethiopia—asked if they would consider leading a new international school just starting in 1980–81. At first, Ona said no; they were still praying about India. Then they challenged him: “If India turns you down a third time, will you consider Indonesia?” Ona agreed. When India said no again, they realigned their compass and headed to Indonesia. “We are so glad they did,” recalls CMF missionary John Mulkey. “As we’ve said so many times about the effect of the international school there in Central Java on all of the missionary families serving throughout the country: Only God knows the full impact of this ministry to His Kingdom!”
Later, from 1981 to 2001, Ona became superintendent of Central Java Intermission School—later Mountainview Christian School—in Indonesia. Under his leadership, the school grew from a small beginning into a thriving K–12 institution that enabled missionaries to fulfill their calling and raised up future Christian leaders. “He accepted the role God gave him and filled it with grace,” says Lisa Richardson, who served under Ona’s leadership. “His vision and hard work built the beautiful campus the school has today.”
Hospitality was a hallmark of Ona and Ruth’s life. Doug Priest, former CMF Executive Director, fondly remembers homemade ice cream at the Liles’ home—a simple but profound expression of welcome. W. Michael Smith, another longtime friend and CMF General Director, reflects on Ona’s generosity: “He welcomed all of us into his caring and unpretentious world.”
Ona’s influence rippled far beyond the schools he led. His faithfulness supported hundreds of missionary families, whose ministries touched lives across Ethiopia, Indonesia, and beyond. In 2001, the CMF Board honored Ona and Ruth for their 30 years of faithful service. As Smith beautifully pictured, Ona’s life was like concentric circles of light—radiating God’s grace through generations.
We thank God for Ona Liles—a faithful servant, loving husband, and friend to so many. His legacy lives on in the thousands of lives he touched and the ministries he helped sustain. Thank you, Ona and Ruth, for shining the light of Christ so brightly.