Ellen’s Big Call

Long ago, in a little house in Gorham, Maine, a girl named Ellen Harmon lived with her parents, brothers, and sisters. She loved to help her mother, read the Bible, and listen to stories. But something happened when Ellen was just 9 years old that changed her life forever. And it wasn’t something fun.

One afternoon, as Ellen, her twin sister Elizabeth, and another friend were walking in Portland, Maine, where her parents had moved to, a classmate ran up behind them, angry about something. She picked up a rock and threw it their direction. That rock hit Ellen square in the nose. She fell to the ground. Blood poured down her face. Her sister screamed. Ellen was barely conscious.

That one moment—just one—shaped the rest of Ellen’s life.

A Time to Heal

Ellen couldn’t go back to school after the accident. Her face had been crushed, and for a long time she was very sick. She would lie in bed, weak and in pain, while her mother read to her and prayed beside her. Months passed. Then years.

Doctors weren’t sure if Ellen would ever be strong again. But while her body was weak, her heart was growing stronger and closer to Jesus. Ellen began praying as never before. She read her Bible carefully. “Jesus is my best friend,” she would whisper to her mother. “I want to live for Him.”

In 1840, when Ellen was 12, something amazing happened in her town. A man named William Miller came preaching a message from the Bible that Jesus was coming soon—maybe even within the next three years! Ellen listened closely and felt her heart beat faster. She believed it. She wanted to be ready.

But not everyone agreed. People teased and even shouted at those who believed in Jesus’ soon return. Ellen and her family were sometimes mocked in the streets. Still, Ellen chose to believe. Even when 1844, the date eventually predicted for Jesus’ return, came and went—and Jesus didn’t return—Ellen didn’t give up. She prayed, “Lord, help me understand.”

And God answered.

She was just a girl who loved Jesus and said yes when He asked her to share His messages.

The First Vision

One cold morning when Ellen was just 17, she was praying with a group of other young women. As she knelt, something strange and wonderful happened. She saw a bright light. She felt lifted up. God was giving her a special dream—except it was daytime and she was awake! She was experiencing what is called a vision.

In her vision she saw people walking a narrow path toward heaven. It was difficult and steep, but above them was a bright light that guided their way—Jesus Himself. Ellen saw that as long as people kept their eyes on Jesus, they were safe. But if they looked away, they stumbled and fell.

When the vision ended, Ellen sat quietly. God had shown her something special—something important to share. But she was just a teenager. A girl with a soft voice and a weak body. She cried, “Lord, I can’t do this! Please choose someone stronger.” But the answer came clearly to her heart: “Tell the people what I show you.”[1]

What Is the Spirit of Prophecy?

Ellen didn’t call herself a prophet. But over time, people realized God was giving her messages—just as He gave to prophets in Bible times. That’s what “the Spirit of prophecy” means—God’s Holy Spirit helping someone speak for Him.

When she became an adult, Ellen wrote thousands of pages and dozens of books, many of which we still read today. She gave advice about health, education, family, kindness, faith, and always—always—about Jesus. She pointed people to the Bible and to God’s love. Even though she didn’t feel brave or strong, Ellen obeyed God. And because she did, millions of people have learned more about Jesus.

Ellen didn’t start out famous or strong. She didn’t go to fancy schools or wear fancy clothes. She was just a girl who loved Jesus and said yes when He asked her to share His messages. She once said, “I have had no claims to make, only that I am instructed that I am the Lord’s messenger; that He called me in my youth to be His messenger, to receive His word, and to give a clear and decided message in the name of the Lord Jesus.”[2] That’s a pretty great job. And guess what? God still uses people—of all ages—to share His love today. You don’t have to be tall, loud, or perfect. You just have to be willing.

Maybe you’re a little like Ellen. Maybe you’ve been through something hard. Maybe you feel small or unsure. But if you love Jesus and want to follow Him, He can use you, too. The same God who spoke to little Ellen wants to speak to you today—through the Bible, through prayer, and through the Holy Spirit. So keep your eyes on Jesus, just as Ellen did.

Want to Learn More?

If you’d like to read more about Ellen White’s life, here are some great books for kids:

Ellen White: Woman of Vision, by Arthur L. White

Stories of My Grandmother, by Ella May White Robinson

Angel Over Her Tent, by D. A. Delafield and Gerald Wheeler

You can read some of the books for free at EGWWritings.org!

[1] See Ellen G. White, Early Writings (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1882, 1945), pp. 13-20.

[2] Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: The Early Elmshaven Years: 1900-1905 (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1981), vol. 5, p. 357.