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– Medical Missionary to India

Arabella Merrill was an early medical missionary sent to India by the Disciples of Christ mission. She studied medicine at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and graduated in 1887 with top honors. After graduation, she worked as a doctor in hospitals in Chicago and Michigan. During this time, she learned about the inspiring work of Pandita Ramabai in India, which deeply encouraged her.

Biography:

• Born: Around 1865
• Home Calling: –
• Birthplace: Illinois, USA
• Mission Field: India

The story of Pandita Ramabai inspired Arabella and her close friend Olivia Baldwin to serve God as medical missionaries. They traveled together to India in 1889 and began their work in Bilaspur, Central India. They cared for the sick in towns and nearby villages, focusing not only on physical healing but also on the spiritual well-being of the people.

Bible teaching was always included with their medical care. Even though language was a challenge, they shared Christ’s message with all they met. Arabella worked with deep compassion, patience, and full dedication, showing Christ’s love through her service.

Her kindness and devotion attracted many people, and her care often brought comfort to those who were suffering. Due to illness, Arabella had to leave India before the end of 1894. After her recovery, she continued her missionary work in Alaska and Klondike, Canada. She also helped organize and guide activities for the Christian Woman’s Board of Missions.

Arabella traveled across the United States, visiting churches and inspiring young men and women to dedicate themselves to missionary work. She remained a humble, faithful servant of God, bringing hope and encouragement to countless lives throughout her life.

– Missionary to East Bengal (Now Bangladesh)

Ellen Arnold was one of the five young Australian Baptist women who served as missionaries in East Bengal (present-day Bangladesh) during the British rule in India. All five were single and in their twenties, and their mission was to share the message of the true God with the people of India, especially women.

Biography:

• Born: 1858
• Died (Home Calling): 1931
• Birthplace: Warwickshire, England
• Mission Field: India

Although Ellen was born in England, her family moved to Adelaide, South Australia, in 1879. She worked as a teacher there. Around that time, Punchanon Biswas from the Faridpur Mission in East Bengal visited South Australia. He encouraged the churches to send women missionaries to India, believing that Indian women needed guidance and care from other women. His visit deeply inspired Ellen to dedicate her life to missionary work.

Ellen Arnold’s Ministry in India
After receiving short medical training, Ellen traveled to Faridpur, India, in 1882 and began learning the local language. However, due to serious health issues, she had to return to Australia in 1884. Her strong desire to serve God led her back to Bengal in 1885, accompanied by four other women missionaries.

These five women were lovingly called “The Five Barley Loaves,” symbolizing the miracle of Jesus feeding thousands with five loaves and two fishes — as they too brought spiritual nourishment to the people of India.

Ellen managed medical, educational, and construction projects in Faridpur before moving to Cumilla in 1886, where she started a new mission station. Later, she served in Pabna and Ataikola, preaching the Gospel and setting up schools and small health centers to help the community. The local people admired and respected her for her love and dedication.

After a short visit to Australia in 1930, Ellen returned to Ataikola. She continued her mission work faithfully until her passing in 1931.

Ellen Arnold’s life was a beautiful example of faith, courage, and selfless service to God and people.