The Living Word

Originally published in the Spring 2004 edition of Healing Waters
By Ellen Bishop, RN; Nancy West, Executive Director

Ellen Bishop, RN, began serving at Siloam in February 1999 as a volunteer. The following year, she became Siloam’s first staff nurse. Ellen not only brings medical skills and abilities, but she also brings a depth of spiritual training, maturity and love that patients respond to daily.

The following reflections are taken from journal notes written by Ellen at the end of a busy day at the clinic recently …

“I saw the face of Jesus today – first, in the children from India . They came for immunizations. Immunizations almost always mean tears, but cookies supplied by our faithful volunteer cookie baker brought smiles to their faces. I thought of Matthew 25:35 – I was hungry and you gave me something to eat .

“I saw the face of Jesus in a woman from Somalia . When I gave her water to swallow the pills she needed for parasites, I thought again of the verse in Matthew – I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink . I thank you, Lord that I can serve you at Siloam.

“I saw the face of Jesus in the new refugees now coming to Siloam – the Somali Bantus. Our wonderful partners at World Relief, the resettlement agency that works with so many refugees, had bought them new clothes and shoes. Their smiles reminded me of – I was naked and you clothed me . I rejoiced to see the face of Jesus in the Bantus.

“I saw the face of Jesus in a homeless man who came to the clinic in search of lotion to heal his leg ulcers. As I looked into his eyes, I thought – I was a stranger and you invited me in. Thank you, Lord that you have allowed me to be part of this ministry.

“I saw the face of Jesus in an elderly man from Venezuela who needed heart surgery. In my spirit I heard – I was sick and you looked after me . Thank you, God for making it possible for this man to have a successful surgery that brought the healing he needed and has prolonged his life.

“I saw the face of Jesus in the young refugees from Vietnam . They seemed to be so fearful of the doctors and nurses, but after a smile and a loving hug, I thought of Mark 9:37 – Whoever receives one of these little children in my name receives me.

“It has been a long day. I feel tired and weary, but also full of great joy because I saw the face of Jesus today in many of our patients. Also, I saw the scripture in action – Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me.”