Kent Brantly - Called for Life: How Loving Our Neighbor Led Us into the Heart of the Ebola Epidemic

Praise for

Called for Life

Dr. Kent Brantly is responsible for one of the worst weeks of my life. When I told him that, he smiled and said, It wasnt that great for me either! But Kent gives God the credit for saving his life and surviving the deadly Ebola virus that infected him while serving others in the name of Jesus. Dr. Brantly and his wife, Amber, went obediently to Liberia to serve with Samaritans Purse as medical missionaries, and were the recipients of prayers from around the world as they battled an attack that threatened their future. The world watched as Kent was successfully transported back to the United States from Africa. International media outlets captured his every step as he walked from the ambulance into Atlantas Emory University Hospital, where he found physical restorationa miracle from God. You will be riveted by this extraordinary couple who are called for life to serve the Lord Jesus Christthe Great Physician!

F RANKLIN G RAHAM , president and CEO, Samaritans Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

When hope seems dim, Called for Life reminds us of the limitless possibilities of a God-driven life. Dr. Brantlys story inspires us to stay strong in the unexpected crises of lifeto be encouraged to recall Gods promisesto be challenged to examine our own commitment to Gods call on our lives.

M AX L UCADO, pastor and best-selling author

Compelling, factual, and emotional, Called for Life draws readers to reflect on their own journeys to faith in Christ and encourages them to trust God in the crises of life.

N ANCY W RITEBOL , SIM missionary to Liberia and fellow Ebola survivor

Called for Life invites all of us behind the curtain of the news stories and press releases and into the Brantlys lives during the most trying of times. Their love for each other, their faith and courage, as well as the strength and support they received from their network of friends, family, and caregivers is heartwarming and inspiring. When we set out to just do what is right, this behind-the-news-flash story reminds all of us that we live in a global community, that we all have a role to play, and that all of us can make a difference, wherever we are and in whatever profession.

L ISA H ENSLEY , virologist and deputy director at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Integrated Research Facility

As you walk alongside them on their journey, Kent and Ambers poignant story will touch your heart, move you to tears, strengthen your faith, and cause you to trust God more.

D AVID S TEVENS , MD, MA (Ethics), CEO of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations

Called for Life tells the rest of the storywhat went before, lay behind, and follows after the iconic images of a coverall-clad figure gently stepping out of an ambulance and into an international spotlight. Kent and Amber have given us a glimpse inside their previously private world to uncover the roots of their genuine humility, tender love for each other, and deep compassion for their neighbors. Not all readers will fully resonate with their interpretations, but all will surely appreciate their candor, sensitivity, and sincerityand the beauty and suspense of a story well told.

D AVID M C R AY , MD, professor at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine

There are many books about surviving illness, but this is a one-of-a-kind story. What happens when ordinary Christian medical missionaries are caught up in an extraordinary world crisis? Though I know the story, I found my heart pounding as I turned the pages. And it turns out to be a tale not of disease, primarily, but of calling, faith, and love. It is a story of a remarkable family, their community, and their commitment to a hurting world and to God.

R ANDY H ARRIS , spiritual director and instructor, Abilene Christian University

Knowing Kent and Amber personally, I can say that Called for Life is a deep and honest testament to Gods working in the midst of suffering and crisis. Kent and Ambers voices come through the pages in a very authentic way, and you will experience all Kents emotions as he walks through this journey. As an Ebola survivor myself, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

R ICK S ACRA , MD, SIM missionary

Refreshingly, the Brantlys never give trite answers to complex questions like How does God work in healing? or Why is there suffering in the world? Instead, what they give us is a storytheir story, and its one worth reading.

J ONATHAN S TORMENT, preaching minister at the Highland Church of Christ and co-author of Bringing Heaven to Earth

C ALLED FOR L IFE

P UBLISHED BY W ATER B ROOK P RESS

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This book is not intended to replace the medical advice of a trained medical professional. Readers are advised to consult a physician or other qualified health-care professional regarding treatment of their medical problems. The author and publisher specifically disclaim liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use or application of any of the contents of this book.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica Inc.TM Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The Scripture quotation on is taken from the NIV 2011 edition. Scripture quotations marked ( NLT ) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Italics in Scripture quotations reflect the authors added emphasis.

Names and details in some anecdotes and stories have been changed to protect the identities of the persons involved.

Hardcover ISBN9781601428233

eBook ISBN9781601428240

Copyright 2015 by Kent Brantly and Amber Brantly

Cover design by Mark D. Ford; author photos by Gaylon Wampler; ambulance photo by AP Photo / WSB-TV Atlanta

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Published in the United States by WaterBrook Multnomah, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York.

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The Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file with the Library of Congress.

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This book is dedicated to Bobby, James, and the more than 11,000 other people who lost their lives in the Ebola epidemic of 201315.

May your suffering and your families losses not be in vain.