Good News Story: Ellie's Story
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
- Luke 2:10-11
Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, MN, God is working through a growing church plant to bring hope and healing in their community! Restoration Anglican Church is committed to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ through their values of reconciliation, hospitality, contemplation, wholeness, and mission.
One member, Ellie, is motivated by her past experiences to now use her giftings to serve others. A survivor of domestic abuse, she wants to work one on one with people who have experienced trauma and help them find stability. God has worked through her brothers and sisters at Restoration Anglican to help Ellie and her young family, and Ellie shares that “there have been hard things we've had to walk though, many ppl have come around us and supported us.” Unfortunately, Ellie knows that her story is far too common. Eager to share hope and help with others, she received her bachelor's degree in crisis counseling studies with a minor in global studies, and is now working to become a licensed counselor.
One Sunday, Ellie came into church a bit late. She had been asking the Lord how He would specifically use her background and education to minister to others, when she noticed the guest preacher for the day. Jake Stum, ARDF’s Executive Director, was visiting Restoration Anglican and highlighted stories of the local church’s hopeful ministry in a hurting world. But before he began, Jake shared a bit about ARDF and the need for more Parish Disaster Response Coordinators. “It was for me,” Ellie said. “I felt that nudge from the Spirit and my heart was beating so fast. It was clear direction from the Lord. This is how God will use me right now.” After the service, Ellie talked with Jake to learn more about this opportunity to serve.
She learned that a Parish Disaster Response Coordinator helps families and churches engage their communities through disaster response, often starting with small steps. Being prepared to help others starts at home, because when families and churches are prepared to face a natural disaster, they then have the tools necessary to reach out into their community when the need arises. Coordinators help to facilitate this preparation and inspire their people to get involved, encouraging a willingness to offer themselves in the smallest of ways. Ellie says one of her main priorities is catching and sharing a vision of loving others well. “It starts in your church, ministering to your own people, and then to your community and to your country. God, show us how to love better!”
We are excited that Ellie is a part of ARDF’s Domestic Disaster Response family, and are thrilled for the expertise and compassion she brings to her role. She, along with Restoration Anglican church, is bringing the Good News of Christ to those around her!
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