Mrs Ella Campbell.
Home Manager at the DCFI Holiday Home Newcastle.
Me, a manager! You must be joking!
That was my reaction to the suggestion made by a friend of mine to apply for the post of Home Manager at the DCFI Holiday Home in Newcastle.
Why am I here? Let me put you in the picture.
Seeking the Lord's guidance was the norm in the home where I was the youngest of three children.
My parents were godly people and we were taught the things of God from an early age.
I was saved as a child of seven at a children's meeting in the Brethren Assembly where we worshipped, and was baptised some years later.
The Lord led me into nursing.
The Western Infirmary, Glasgow, was where I did general training before coming to the Emerald Isle to do Midwifery at the Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast.
For the next three years I worked as a mid-wife in Aaair House, Ards Hospital, Newtownards, where I met the young man who later became my husband.
It has been our privilege to serve the Lord together in the Gospel.
Carl preaches and I sing.
We have five children, three daughters and two sons.
Since 1989 I have been a midwife in Downpatrick Maternity Hospital, where I have enjoyed helping to bring new lives Into the world.
Recently I have felt it was time for a change and was praying to that end when the proposition was put to me that DCF was the place for me.
After reading the application form I wasn't so sure!
The hours seemed too long, more than double what I was doing, and I wasn't sure that I was able for the job.
It seemed beyond my capabilities.
The application package was put in a drawer and forgotten.
In the middle of the summer the phone rang.
A friend who works in the Holiday Home was in desperation! "Would you not reconsider and come and help us.“
If someone doesn‘t come soon, I‘m leaving!
"Would you come and talk to David?“
An appointment was made and after a long chat, I left the Holiday Home feeling in a more positive frame of mind, saying that I would make it a special matter of prayer.
Sitting at the kitchen table one morning, I asked the Lord to show me very definitely if this was His will for me. "Lord" I prayed, "there will have to be something about disabled in this reading".
I opened a little book that we often read at the family altar.
The verse for that day read 'Strengthen ye the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees' (Isaiah 35:3).
I laughed. God knew I needed to be sure.
The laughter soon left my face as I began to think what the job entailed, and I began to feel afraid.
'Be strong and courageous and do it. Fear not, be not dismayed, for the Lord, your God is with you'.
When asked by a member of the panel at the interview as to whether I felt I could do the job, my answer was "Without Him, I can do nothing.
But, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
How precious is the Word of God, so comforting and reassuring, always the right word at the right time!
As I take on the task I believe God has given me, it is my prayer that the Lord will minister through me to the folks who come to stay in the Holiday Home, and, in so doing, bring glory to His Wonderful Name.
My blessed Saviour,
To do Thy will whatever love demands;
Redeemed and sanctified and in Thy favour,
I gladly yield to Thee this pair of hands.
Ella Campbell. (Mrs)