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At 75, Nurse Becomes Chaplain: Ebbie Murray Takes Post at Alamance Health Care Center

Posted on: Thursday, 23 February 2006, 12:00 CST

By Mike Wilder, Times-News, Burlington, N.C.

Feb. 23--At 75, Ebbie Murray can add a new position to her resume: chaplain at Alamance Health Care Center, a skilled nursing facility in Burlington. That may not be surprising for a woman who went to nursing school in her mid-40s and as recently as last year was still going to Papua New Guinea to do medical work and share the gospel there. Murray said she's always wanted to do this type of work and considers her new job a fulfillment of Psalm 37:4. "Delight yourself in the Lord," the verse says, "and he will give you the desires of your heart." Murray's official title is director of spiritual services. Howard Staples, Alamance Health Care's administrator, said Murray's new position is a first for the center, and is unusual for a facility of its type. "We've never had anyone on staff whose job it was to assist with spiritual direction and spiritual issues," he said. Alamance Health Care is one of nine skilled nursing homes owned by Medical Facilities of North Carolina, and the only one with its own chaplain. At most facilities, Staples said, ministers from local churches help residents with spiritual needs. Murray came to Alamance Health Care Center 13 years ago as a nurse. In her new job, she helps residents and their families who are going through difficult times. She also visits residents who go into the hospital and goes to the funeral home when someone dies. Murray does Bible studies on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

On Tuesday, she was talking with residents about the 23rd Psalm. She'd like to get ministers from nearby churches to help lead the Bible studies. Murray said her job allows her to be there for people who don't get visits from family and friends: "I didn't realize how many people there were here who have absolutely nobody." It also allows her to talk to people about Christ, which is her main goal in life. "Just because they're old doesn't mean they know Jesus," she said. Murray was born in Gibsonville, spent most of her life in Snow Camp, and now lives in Elon. Many folks know her because she's spoken frequently at churches about her overseas missions work. Murray and her late husband, William, had five children; three are still living. She has 13 children and 13 great grandchildren. Aside from talking about the gospel, Murray may be best known for her hugs and her white hair. Murray said she was in her early 30s when her hair turned white. That followed serious health problems and surgery after the birth of her youngest child. During her work overseas, Murray said, she hasn't always been able to communicate with people using words. That's where the hugs come in. "I've hugged all over the world," she said. Mike Wilder can be reached at mike_wilder@link.freedom.com or 506-3046

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Copyright (c) 2006, Times-News, Burlington, N.C.

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Toronto:DR.UN,

Source: Times-News

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