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Prayer Gathering for Rick Sacra

It breaks our heart to find out that the American doctor who contracted Ebola a few days ago is our own missionary, Rick Sacra. As some of you know, Rick returned to Liberia in early August to assist with the medical crisis brought about by the Ebola epidemic. He has been treating obstetric patients, but contracted the disease just days ago. You can read his blog post from August 30 here, how God has been at work, and how there is much work yet to do.

Just a day or two after writing that, he began to show symptoms of Ebola. This article from Yahoo news gives more details.

Yesterday, his wife Debbie wrote to us:

I am writing to enlist your earnest prayer support. On Friday evening Rick began running a fever and on Monday a blood test confirmed that he has contracted Ebola virus disease. Monday evening he was checked into the Ebola treatment ward at ELWA so he can be treated with IVs and other supportive care. Rick has not had any other symptoms yet, but he has become progressively weaker so he was ready for an IV to be hooked up. We are praying in faith that God will strengthen him to fight the virus and overcome this disease as many are doing in the isolation ward at ELWA.

Our mission, SIM, is activating a response team to determine options for managing Rick’s situation. While evacuation is one option, staying in Liberia for treatment is another. Please pray for them to have wisdom as they make decisions on a day to day basis. We are so grateful for their concern and willingness to take care of their people.

Monday morning when I was praying and reading the Word, I opened to Psalm 20 and it expressed my prayers for Rick exactly. Please join me in praying through this Psalm as you lift him up to the throne.

The next two weeks will be difficult ones for our family. Max, Jared and Caleb are all at home with me, but Jared and Caleb will have classes to attend. I’m sure it will be a challenge for them to focus, so please pray for them.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and words of encouragement. I will continue to update you with news of Rick’s condition.

By prayer and in faith, Debbie

Please join us in praying for Rick, Debbie and family. We will be holding a prayer gathering on their behalf Thursday night, Sept. 4, at 7pm in the church parlor. Please join us if you are able.