Living out Missional Faith: Ellen’s Story

“It’s about the journey,” says Ellen Ribe about her faith. Her calling to the ministry arrived early, and throughout the years she’s served and led in numerous areas of church organization. While at Northern, she participated in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), and said of her time, “It was hard, but wonderful and powerful. You’re immersed in the lives of people at their most critical point, and I love connecting to people who are vulnerable and honest about their needs. No phoniness.”

Ellen now serves at the DuPage Convalescent Center in Wheaton, IL. Many at this 350-bed facility are physically disabled or developmentally delayed, and 25 percent are under 60. She sees her residents as whole people but knows society often doesn’t. Ellen says they’re amazing people, and she brings spiritual wholeness to them, giving comfort when life isn’t fair.

God used Northern to match Ellen and her gifts to a loving, caring, needy community of disadvantaged but whole people. Northern students and graduates have been serving in their communities for a hundred years, and celebrating the Centennial is a humble reminder of servants like Ellen, graciously caring for and loving God’s people.