Aunty Ellen and the Town in Need
What would you do if you were asked to serve in a difficult town? Would you shy from the challenge or rise to the occasion? Unless we find ourselves in this situation, most of us will never know.
When Ellen White arrived in Cooranbong, NSW, the town was almost dead. The poor economic conditions of the 1890s sent many to the cities for work, and the building of a “too-low” bridge meant vessels on Dora Creek took their business upstream. Cooranbong was a town in need.
When thinking about Ellen White, there is a tendency to focus on her writing, however, her time in Cooranbong was spent equally in practical Christianity. Locally, she was known for her regular buggy rides around town, seeking those in need. Stories tell of her generosity, bringing soup and other goods grown in her garden and orchards to help struggling families survive.
At times, she and her secretaries would meet with locals, measuring the heights of children that were most in need. They would then return to her home at Sunnyside and use these measurements to sew new clothing, which would see them through the harsh winter months.
My favourite story is about Ellen’s interactions with local children. I can just imagine what it would be like to see her riding her buggy to a clearing in the bush where she would start a fire. The billowing smoke was a beacon, signalling the dirty faces of children to appear in the scrub. Seeing their Aunty Ellen, children rushed eagerly to sit by her side and receive her food and stories about Jesus.
What lessons can we learn? Firstly, you can create an impact wherever you are, regardless of the condition or circumstances of your town. Secondly, your actions must follow your speech—preach and practice! Finally, though you may feel unequipped to meet new challenges, when we do what we can with what we have, we can make an immense impact.
Reflecting on service, Ellen wrote, “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with people as one who desired their good. He showed sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He invited them, “Follow Me.” MHH 73.4
So next time you’re faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge, start small, and think about simple but meaningful things you can do to work for the good of those you serve. You never know how many lives you will change.
Verse of the day: “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’” Matthew 19:14 (NIV).
David Jones is the Director of Adventist Heritage after 30 plus years as an educator for the Adventist church. His interests include his family, being a Boompa (Grandpa), spending time with friends, boating and sports of all sorts.
