Dr. Kent Brantly, one of the two US doctors who contracted the Ebola virus in Liberia, has spoken out for the first time. He released a statement from his isolation room at Emory University
in Atlanta where he's being treated after he was flown out of Liberia
last week. He is the first Ebola patient to receive experimental serum,
ZMapp. Below is the statement Brantly released to the media yesterday
“I am writing this update from my
isolation room at Emory University Hospital, where the doctors and
nurses are providing the very best care possible. I am growing stronger
every day, and I thank God for His mercy as I have wrestled with this
terrible disease. I also want to extend my deep and sincere thanks to
all of you who have been praying for my recovery as well as for Nancy
and for the people of Liberia and West Africa.
“My wife Amber and I,
along with our two children, did not move to Liberia for the specific
purpose of fighting Ebola. We went to Liberia because we believe God
called us to serve Him at ELWA Hospital." Read more...
“One thing I have
learned is that following God often leads us to unexpected places. When
Ebola spread into Liberia, my usual hospital work turned more and more
toward treating the increasing number of Ebola patients. I held the
hands of countless individuals as this terrible disease took their lives
away from them. I witnessed the horror first-hand, and I can still
remember every face and name.
“When I started feeling
ill on that Wednesday morning, I immediately isolated myself until the
test confirmed my diagnosis three days later. When the result was
positive, I remember a deep sense of peace that was beyond all
understanding. God was reminding me of what He had taught me years ago,
that He will give me everything I need to be faithful to Him.
“Now it is two weeks
later, and I am in a totally different setting. My focus, however,
remains the same - to follow God. As you continue to pray for Nancy and
me, yes, please pray for our recovery. More importantly, pray that we
would be faithful to God’s call on our lives in these new
circumstances.”
