Considered one of the largest outbreaks of its kind in history, the World Health Organization reported that Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever has so far infected about 3,500 people and claimed the lives of more than 1,900 in West Africa.
According to AG World Missions, among the dead are four Assemblies of God pastors from the Monrovia district of Liberia, and several believers in the Koindu region of Sierra Leone.
The West African countries currently battling the outbreak of this deadly disease are Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria, with a separate outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa. So far, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the disease has been fatal in 55 to 60 percent of the cases reported in the West African outbreak.
In an effort to contain the deadly disease, many areas have been quarantined, and food shortages have resulted. AG World Missions (AGWM) has sent funds to assist struggling areas in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.
“We are grateful for the faithful giving of our donors that enabled us to respond,” says Randy Hurst, AGWM communications director. “We did not have to appeal for funds and were able to immediately send aid to our African brothers and sisters.”
According to AGWM missionary reports, the fear of Ebola has led many people to turn to the Lord. Missionaries are requesting prayer that believers will be empowered to boldly share Christ with those who are seeking hope.
Greg Mundis, AGWM executive director, says, “We need our churches to join us in earnestly praying that God will deliver our brothers and sisters from this dreaded disease, for many souls to be saved, and for the Holy Spirit to minister to those who are working directly with the suffering.”
