Dr. Kent Brantly was discharged from Emory University Hospital in Atlanta on August 21, less than a month after contracting a deadly disease,

Brantly contracted the Ebola virus on July 23 while working for Samaritan’s Purse as a medical missionary in Liberia, one of the countries effected by the outbreak of this disease. He remained in Liberia for 9 days after his diagnosis before returning to America to receive treatment.

On August 2, Brantly arrived in Atlanta at Emory University Hospital, making him the first person to ever set foot in America with the Ebola virus. Dr. Bruce Ribner, director of Emory’s Infectious Disease Unit, said Brantly’s arrival caused some anxiety and fear amongst other hospital patients. “But we cannot let our fears dictate our actions,” Ribner said. “We must all care.”

Ribner stated in last Thursday’s press conference that Brantly’s discharge poses no threat to public health.

After Ribner spoke, Dr. Brantly gave a statement to the audience.

“Today is a miraculous day,” he began. “I am thrilled to be alive, well, and reunited with my family.”

He told a condensed version of his story, from the day his wife and children returned home, to the moment he awoke feeling under the weather, soon realizing that he might not return home.

“I prayed that God would help me be faithful even in my illness,” Brantly said. “I prayed that in life or in death, God would be glorified.”

Brantly was in the isolation unit of Emory for 3 weeks, where he received some of the best care possible. His condition improved and the hospital stated he was cured from Ebola last week.

“I serve a faithful God who answers prayers,” Brantly said. “God saved my life, a direct answer to thousands and thousands of prayers.”

Brantly urged those listening and watching to keep praying for the people of west Africa and Liberia, because so many still are fighting the terrible disease.

He and his family are now spending time away together after over a month apart.