〈劫難災病中的平安〉附記：Brantly醫師的信（中英對照）

以下這封信是Ebola病患Brantly醫師在八月八日寫的，刊於Samaritan's Purse的網站。

我此刻在Emory大學醫院的隔離病房寫這封信，這裡的醫師和護士們給予我們最好的照顧，我的身體日益茁壯。在與這個可怕疾病纏鬥的過程，我實在感謝神的憐憫；也衷心感謝所有代禱的人，你們持續為我，以及Nancy Writebol，賴比瑞亞和西非的病患能夠康復的禱告。

我的妻子Amber和我，以及兩個孩子，不是為了對抗Ebola病毒這個特別目標而移居賴比瑞亞。我們去到賴比瑞亞，乃是相信神呼召我們到ELWA醫院，在那裡服事祂。

有件事是我學到的：跟隨神，經常會把我們帶到意想不到的地方。

當Ebola病毒在賴比瑞亞擴散時，我例行的醫院工作變成是處理越來越多的Ebola病患。我曾握著無數病患的手，眼看這個可怕疾病奪走他們的性命；我親身目睹那種驚懼可怖，至今還記得每一張臉孔和名字。

那個禮拜三(美國時間是七月22日)早上當我初覺不適，馬上自我隔離，直到三天後檢驗證實我的診斷。在得知結果的時候，我記得內心有著難以理喻的深度平安。神藉此提醒我，多年前祂曾教導我，祂會給予我一切所需的，使我能忠於祂。

現在兩個禮拜已經過去，而我是在一個截然不同的環境。然而，我的焦點仍然沒變－跟隨神。當你們繼續為Nancy和我的康復禱告時，更重要的是，祈求我們能在這些新的景況裡，依然忠於神對我們生命的呼召。

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/dr-kent-brantly-full-statement/

讀著Brantly醫師的這封信，覺得他實在是個蒙福的人，才33歲這麼年輕，就清楚他生命的焦點，而且不偏不離。

他這麼行，不是在為自己或是兒孫積德積福，而是讓自己成為恩福的管道，將已經領受的生命祝福分享出去。

我們常說「勇者無懼」。但是Brantly醫師和其他有同樣心志的人能夠如此，因為他們領受的真實平安，是超過身外的破壞與威嚇力道。

凡經歷過的人都知道，那不是想象的產物，也不是把聖經裡神的應許拼湊起來的自我催眠，而是超乎人能理解和預料，充滿內心的「實質穩定」(solid stability)，讓人即使面對試煉和壓力，也「無法」焦慮或是恐懼。就如詩人描述的：「他的心平靜安穩，好像斷過奶的孩子在他母親的懷中」（詩篇131：2）。

神哪！你將完全的平安賜給堅心倚靠你的人（以賽亞書26：3中文新譯本，You keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.）

信的原文如下：

I am writing this update from my isolation room at Emory University Hospital, where the doctors and nurses are providing the very best care possible. I am growing stronger every day, and I thank God for His mercy as I have wrestled with this terrible disease. I also want to extend my deep and sincere thanks to all of you who have been praying for my recovery as well as for Nancy (Writebol) and for the people of Liberia and West Africa.

My wife Amber and I, along with our two children, did not move to Liberia for the specific purpose of fighting Ebola. We went to Liberia because we believe God called us to serve Him at ELWA Hospital.

One thing I have learned is that following God often leads us to unexpected places.

When Ebola spread into Liberia, my usual hospital work turned more and more toward treating the increasing number of Ebola patients. I held the hands of countless individuals as this terrible disease took their lives away from them. I witnessed the horror firsthand, and I can still remember every face and name.

When I started feeling ill on that Wednesday morning, I immediately isolated myself until the test confirmed my diagnosis three days later. When the result was positive, I remember a deep sense of peace that was beyond all understanding. God was reminding me of what He had taught me years ago, that He will give me everything I need to be faithful to Him.

Now it is two weeks later, and I am in a totally different setting. My focus, however, remains the same—to follow God. As you continue to pray for Nancy and me, yes, please pray for our recovery. More importantly, pray that we would be faithful to God’s call on our lives in these new circumstances.