Faith motivates many Ebola doctors

WASHINGTON (AP) — Why would an American doctor risk his life to treat Ebola patients in Africa?

That question was raised today at a congressional hearing.

Missionary Dr. Kent Brantly, who contracted Ebola in Liberia but recovered after being evacuated to the U.S., responded that Christians believe Jesus told them to “love your neighbor as yourself,” and that your neighbor is anyone who is in need.

He said missionary facilities currently provide up to 70 percent of the health care in sub-Saharan Africa

New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith said he believes many members of the military who are sent to West Africa will treat Ebola sufferers with the same faith and compassion that motivates volunteers.

Sound:

%@AP Links

300-w-35-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor, with missionary Dr. Kent Brantly, Ebola survivor)–Why would an American doctor risk his life by treating Ebola patients in Africa? AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports that question was raised at a congressional hearing Wednesday. (17 Sep 2014)

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302-a-06-(Missionary Dr. Kent Brantly, Ebola survivor, testifying at House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing)-“in sub-Saharan Africa”-Dr. Kent Brantly says religious conviction motivates much of the medical treatment Africans are receiving. (17 Sep 2014)

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301-a-15-(Missionary Dr. Kent Brantly, Ebola survivor, testifying at House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing)-“your neighbor is”-Dr. Kent Brantly says some doctors risk their lives to treat Ebola sufferers because of their faith. (17 Sep 2014)

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303-a-14-(Missionary Dr. Kent Brantly, Ebola survivor, testifying at House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing)-“on getting revenge”-Dr. Kent Brantly says relatives of one of his patients who died from Ebola refused to believe that was what killed her. (17 Sep 2014)

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Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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