Liberia Natives Pray with Dr. Brantly's Church Congregation

A large crowd of people from the Liberia Community Association gathered at Southside Church of Christ to join in worship with Dr. Kent Brantly’s friends

As Dr. Kent Brantly continued treatment in Atlanta for Ebola, his wife released a statement about his recovery. And his church in Fort Worth received visitors from Liberian natives who now call North Texas home.

Amber Brantly issued the following statement:

“Our family is rejoicing over Kent’s safe arrival,” said Kent’s wife Amber. “We are confident that he is receiving the very best care. We are very grateful to the staff at Emory University Hospital, who have been so nice and welcoming to us. I was able to see Kent today. He is in good spirits. He thanked everyone for their prayers and asked for continued prayer for Nancy Writebol’s safe return and full recovery."

Elder Kent Smith with Southside Church of Christ said Brantly played a large role at their church for about five years.

“He was active with our missions program, taught some bible classes, he and his wife coordinated meals for people who were in the hospital or just had babies,” he said.

So it was only fitting that the congregation gave back to the man whose most recent mission was to live out his faith. Sunday’s service was filled with prayers for Brantly and his family.

“We’re going to have a special contribution that will allow people to contribute to his family and also to the work of Samaritan’s Purse organization,” said Smith. “There’s [also] going to be a time when our children can do something special to express their love for his kids who are their friends.”

Among those who gave and worshipped in service were members of the Liberia Community Association.

“It just touches us so much that people would leave here to go to Liberia to treat our people over there,” said Albert Lloyd.

Many of those who came out from the organization said they have loved ones in Liberia who are dealing with the Ebola virus threat firsthand.

“I have family members in the hospital. I have friends who lost their family from Ebola. A friend that lost his mother, lost his cousins,” said Ernestine Morgan, “It’s heartbreaking to see people, it’s already a Third World country where you have to be out there to survive, and now you have to stay in the house and it’s very very heartbreaking.”

Alfred T-Max Davis said being in lock down is very difficult for his family in Liberia. He also said it’s keeping them from being able to express themselves freely.

“One of our tradition is that we hug, we touch a lot. And so the fact that this disease can spread through bodily fluid, it poses a grave situation for us,” he said.

The Liberians hoped Brantly’s story will shed more light on the reality of the crisis going on in their home country. They’ve set up an account online for those who wish to donate.

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