I just received the sad news that Augustin of St George Foundation (www.adecentlife.org) just died of ebola. Eight years ago I was involved in building accommodation for this great work that has rescued hundreds of children from a life on the streets, provided education and reunited them with families. We built the accommodation on a site provided by the Boy scout movement.
In recent months St George has taken in many ebola orphans. Augustin cared for and led the children. A couple of weeks ago he felt unwell and offered himself to the authorities to be tested for ebola. He was placed in quarantine overnight whilst they tested him – Whilst he was negative, his overnight stay was in a small room with someone who was being sick and bleeding and clearly had ebola, it cost him his life. It seems he caught it in the place that is focused on helping people become free of Ebola.
The implications are far reaching. Several staff helped Augustin to hospital and may have been exposed, together with the children and Augustin’s family. This is just heartbreaking. An incredible work, helping and saving many facing real threat. If you pray, then let us indeed pray for Philip, who leads the organisation and the staff at this critical time.