Charlotte missionary with Ebola remains upbeat in isolation unit

BOONE, N.C. — The two American missionaries being treated for Ebola at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta are said to be improving.
 
Samaritan's Purse released an update Dr. Kent Brantly wrote from inside his isolation unit Friday.
 
"I am growing stronger every day," wrote Brantly. "I thank God for His mercy as I have wrestled this terrible disease."
 
Brantly revealed he and his family didn't move to Liberia specifically to fight Ebola. He said he felt it was their calling to work in the missionary hospital and his focus changed as more and more people became infected with the disease.
 
"I held the hands of countless individuals as this terrible disease took their lives away from them. I witnessed the horror firsthand and can still remember every face and name," he wrote.
 
Brantly also wrote about the moment he learned he had contracted the disease.
 
"When the result was positive I remember a deep sense of peace that was beyond all understand," wrote Brantly.
 
Channel 9 also received an update on Charlotte Missionary Nancy Writebol Friday. SIM coordinated a phone interview with her husband David, who still remains in Liberia.
 
"Nancy is upbeat," said David on the phone to a group of reporters. "She even asked our sons for some Starbucks today during their extended visit."
 
David said plans are in the works for him to return to the United States.  He said he has shown no symptoms of the disease and therefore has not been tested for Ebola.

The following is Dr. Kent Brantly’s statement:

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 (Writebol) 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.

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 firsthand, 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.

WSOC