Do Something: Three Ways to Respond to the Ebola Outbreak

Pediatric Ward at Ganta United Methodist Hospital. Ganta, Liberia.

The first time I had the privilege of being on the continent of Africa, I spent time with the people of South Africa. During one of our last days in Johannesburg, we spent time with a Methodist Bishop.

I was having a hard time preparing to return to the USA. The people I met while in South Africa, specifically the children, orphaned as a result if HIV/AIDS, had grabbed ahold of my heart. I might have stayed longer if we hadn’t purchased round trip airplane tickets. (Shh, don’t tell my family!)

The Bishop turned to me and said, “Sara, Africa has a way of getting under your skin.” Yes, Bishop. I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Nine years later, in 2012, I had the opportunity to go to the West African nation of Liberia, specifically to visit a hospital. One of our global ministry partners, The Ganta United Methodist Hospital and two missionaries, Dr. Albert Willicor and Victor Taryor were supported by the church I was serving. It was once again a reminder for me that yes, Africa has a way of getting under your skin.

Today I am reminded, Africa got under my skin because Jesus grabbed ahold of my heart.

I am reminded that thousands of miles away there are doctors, nurses, families, friends, and communities whose heart beats the same rhythm as yours and mine.

Only they are fighting against an outbreak of Ebola. Their fight is on the front lines.

Mine is deep within my soul. Because I know, without a doubt, our brothers and sisters in Christ are doing everything they can to provide health care for people in their community.

Chapel at The Ganta United Methodist Hospital

The health care I witnessed in Ganta is fueled by the deep faith of the doctors, nurses, and technicians caring for people. Every morning their day begins in the chapel. Their witness extends deep int the community as they provide education and care to people, often with limited tangible resources.

You have heard the news, you have read the reports. Today, I invite you to respond.

Do Something:  Three ways you can respond to the Ebola outbreak

1) Pray. Pray for the doctors, nurses, and communities in West Africa. Pray for open minds and receptive hearts. Pray for wisdom and guidance as health care professionals, churches, and community leaders seek to guide people toward health and wholeness.

2) Give. As you are able, support UMCOR and their relief efforts. UMCOR is providing needed supplies. UMCOR is responding to the needs of the communities impacted by Ebola. UMCOR response is based on connections with the local community, through missionaries and leaders on the ground. And, 100% of your donation will go to the efforts. (You get it, I think UMCOR does great work.)

3) Listen and Learn. Listen to Bishop and Mrs. Innis speak on Ebola. Bishop Innis has invited people into a time of prayer and fasting through Friday. Learn the facts about Ebola. Confession: I probably should have listed this first. Listening to the stories of the people in the midst of any relief effort is the best way to learn how to be helpful.

Watch UMCOR Video: United Methodist Health Care Workers Treat Ebola.

Just two years ago, I sat in the chapel (pic above) and witnessed the faith of the staff at the Ganta Hospital extend into the pediatric, obstetric, primary care ward, and out into the community. Today I am reminded the people of Africa got under my skin because Jesus continues to grab ahold of my heart. And when Jesus grabs ahold of your heart, it’s time to “Do Something.”