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Ella Marie Maddock

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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.

John Bunyan

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Biography

Full Name: John Bunyan
Birth Place: Bedford, England
Parents: Thomas Bunyan and Margaret Bentley
Wife: Mary
Born: November 1628
Died: August 31, 1688
Salvation Experience: At 25 years of age
Famous Work: “The Pilgrim’s Progress” — one of the most popular books after the Bible.

Life Story

John Bunyan was born in Bedford, England, into a poor family. His father was a tinker who repaired pots and pans. John grew up as a naughty and careless boy, used to lying and stealing. He didn’t study much but learned to read and write.

In 1644, his mother and sister died, and soon after, his father remarried. Feeling lonely and hurt, John became bitter and turned away from God. Later, he joined the army and served for two years. Once, when another soldier took John’s place in battle, that soldier was killed. John realized that God had saved his life for a purpose.

After leaving the army, he started working as a tinker like his father. He married a poor but godly woman named Mary. They were poor but faithful to attend church. John read many Christian books and began to think deeply about sin, judgment, and salvation.

Through the help of some Christian women and Pastor Gifford, John came to know the truth of the Gospel. He confessed his sins and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. His life completely changed. Even in suffering, he trusted God and continued to preach about Christ.

Ministry and Imprisonment

John’s daughter was born blind, and soon after, his wife died. Even then, he never lost faith. During that time, England had a law that only licensed ministers could preach. But John boldly declared, “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!”

He preached to large crowds with great power. Because of his preaching, he was arrested and put in prison. The officials told him he could be free if he promised not to preach again — but John refused. He said, “If you release me today, I will preach again tomorrow.”

He spent 12 years in prison, yet used that time to pray, teach other prisoners, and write. During that period, he wrote “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” one of the greatest Christian books ever written — now translated into more than 100 languages.

Later Years

After his release at age 43, John continued preaching and wrote another great book called “The Holy War.” He became a pastor of the Baptist Church in Bedford and helped many people grow in faith.

He wrote more than 20 books in total. On August 31, 1688, John Bunyan went to be with the Lord, faithful till his last breath.

Famous Quote

“It is better to obey God than men.”

Message from His Life

John Bunyan’s story teaches us:

  • God can change any sinner into His servant.
  • Obedience to God is more important than pleasing people.
  • Even in suffering, God can use us for His glory.