Ridgell's Originals

I guess by now everyone has heard about Dr. Kent Brantly.  He is over in Africa battling for his life.  He has Ebola.  Got it because he was working to treat people who are suffering from this horrible disease.  His wife and kids returned to the States just shortly before he was diagnosed and so appear at this time to be out of danger.  But Kent is not.  There are literally thousands upon thousands praying for his healing.

In the interest of full disclosure... I know Kent and Amber.  Her folks go to Southern Hills where I am an elder.  We've prayed for them before.  For their marriage, for their babies, and for their ministry.

And I hear lots of people saying things not exactly true.

One is that it was not a good idea to go to Africa in the first place.

The other is that Kent is some kind of hero because he got Ebola in Africa.

Both of these miss the point.  The Brantly family is a Christian family.

So going to Africa was not a wise -- or unwise -- decision.  It was a natural outgrowth of their desire to follow the call of Jesus.  Like Jesus, they care about people.  They had medical gifts as a Doctor and Nurse.  They prayed about how God would use them for Kingdom business in this world.  They got spiritual advice and guidance.

And they followed the call of God.  And following Jesus is not about the wisdom of the world.  Never has been.  It is about faithfulness.

And Kent is not a hero because he has Ebola.  Not even because he was exposed doing a courageous ministry.

He was a hero long before he got sick.

He is still a role model and hero.  So is his wife.  They are heroes because they choose to live radical lives of obedience in a war zone.  No, not Africa.  In this world.  They choose to follow Jesus.  The Jesus who saved them and then commissioned them to do battle with the forces of evil in this world.  So other people will have the chance to know what they know.  Hope. Purpose.  Peace.  In a broken world.

Hero?  Yes.  They are heroes because they died with Jesus a long time ago and were raised to a new life.  And they are courageously following that life where God calls them.

Just like many of you are doing.

So I pray for Kent lots.  I am asking God to heal him.  But Kent will be OK no matter what.  That was decided the day he made the only decision that really matters.

So he is a hero worth holding up to our church family.  And especially to our kids.

Because we want to raise more Kent and Ambers.  People that follow Jesus wherever the road leads.

So God, please heal Kent. Thank you for parents that raised kids with radical faith.  Let their story help others see your Son.  And may you be glorified in the life of the Brantly family.  Like you have been.  Like you will be.