Faith-Based NGOs Ask for Prayers for Those Infected

Contact: Palmer Holt, 704-662-2569

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 29, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- Two Americans, including a female missionary from Charlotte-based SIM (www.simusa.org), continue their battle to fight off the deadly Ebola virus in Monrovia, Liberia. 

Photo: SIM missionary Nancy Writebol and her husband David

Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol are serving on a joint team of people with Samaritan's Purse and SIM.  Both faith-based organizations are calling for an international response to the outbreak of Ebola in Liberia and neighboring countries.  The situation in Liberia is critical, as the spread of the Ebola virus continues. 

At present both Brantly and Writebol are stable, yet suffering from some of the symptoms of the virus.  Each is receiving around-the-clock medical care. 

"The next few days are critical in assessing the recovery of these Ebola crisis responders," said Bruce Johnson, president of SIM USA.  "SIM and Samaritan's Purse invite people to pray for the full restoration of our two workers and for the stemming of the spread of this virus across Liberia and other nations of West Africa."

Due to the upsurge in cases of Ebola in the region, SIM and Samaritan's Purse have taken the precautionary step of mandating the evacuation of all nonessential personnel from Liberia. Timing, means, and place of evacuation are being decided now. 

No symptoms of Ebola are present in any of the evacuees, who are being monitored continually. SIM and Samaritan's Purse work under the strictest of safety protocols as established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other world health organizations.

SIM has served in West Africa for more than 120 years.  Two of its three founders died of malaria within the first year.  Yet SIM continued on to become one of the largest Christian medical mission organizations in the world.  Its staff of nearly 3,000 serves in more than 65 countries in additional areas of education, community development and Christian witness.  While SIM stood for Sudan Interior Mission when it was founded, now as a global work it is known as SIM (pronounced S-I-M).

Those interested in learning the most current information about the medical response team at ELWA Hospital in Monrovia should go to www.simusa.org/ebolacrisis.

To schedule an interview with Bruce Johnson, president of SIM USA, contact Palmer Holt at 704-662-2569 or pholt@inchristcommunications.com.