A Life of Faith and Service in India
Ella Marie Maddock was one of the earliest trained missionary nurses who served in India on behalf of the Disciples of Christ. She was born in 1865 in Ohio, United States of America, into a faithful Christian family. From a young age, she was raised with strong values of faith, service, and devotion to God.
Ella lost her father when she was very young. As the eldest child, she carried the responsibility of caring for her family. Even with these challenges, she continued her education with determination. After finishing high school, she studied nursing and became a registered nurse in Ohio. She worked for several years with dedication, gaining valuable experience in her profession.
Later, she felt a clear call from God to serve as a missionary. To prepare herself spiritually and practically, she joined the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. There, she received biblical training and also took part in hands-on missionary work. During this time, her burden for foreign missions grew stronger.
Ministry in India
After prayer and preparation, Ella applied for overseas missionary service. Her request was accepted, and she was sent to India to work mainly among women. In 1898, she arrived in Bina, Madhya Pradesh. She first spent time learning the local language so that she could serve the people more effectively. After this, she worked as a nurse in Bilaspur, caring for the sick with compassion.
Later, she moved to Deogarh, a well-known Hindu pilgrimage center in Odisha. There, she served faithfully among women and children. She provided medical help, cared for people in the leper colony, and taught children about Christ. She also spoke with pilgrims who visited Deogarh and shared the message of the Gospel with them. Her life reflected Christ’s love in both words and actions.
Ella worked with great passion and often pushed herself beyond her physical limits. The harsh climate, constant travel, and heavy workload weakened her health. In time, she became seriously ill with a deadly disease. In 1909, at the young age of 44, she peacefully went to be with her Lord.
Her life of sacrifice did not end with her death. Her example deeply inspired her sister Mary, who later came to India and served as a missionary for a short period. Ella Marie Maddock’s life remains a powerful testimony of faith, courage, and selfless service to God and humanity.