Serge, an international Christian missions organization headquartered in Jenkintown, announced today that a medical missionary has been safely evacuated and is receiving specialized medical treatment after testing positive for the Bundibugyo ebolavirus while serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to their announcement, Dr. Peter Stafford, a board-certified general surgeon with a specialization in burn care, was serving patients in Bunia where an Ebola outbreak was recently identified.

“Our hearts are with the Stafford family and with the Congolese communities facing this outbreak,” said Matt Allison, Executive Director of Serge. “Peter and Rebekah have faithfully served vulnerable communities in Nyankunde with extraordinary compassion and courage. We are deeply grateful for the medical teams, government agencies, and international partners working together to provide care, contain the outbreak, and protect lives.”

“Please pray for our dear colleagues,” co-worker Patric Knaak of Glenside said in a post.

“Serge is asking for continued prayer for Dr. Peter Stafford, his wife, Dr. Rebekah Stafford, their four young children, the medical teams serving in the region, and the Congolese communities impacted by the outbreak,” the announcement said. “Additional updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.”

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Photo: Serge