When the Ebola outbreak broke out in West Africa Dr. Ian Crozier signed up immediately with the World Health Organization, volunteering his skills to help fight the epidemic. But his time in West Africa was cut short because he contracted the virus and was evacuated America. (He has since recovered.)

Besides the harrowing stories of illness that his story highlights, it's the "moments of grace" happening in the face of a terrifying, incurable illness, that stand out. "Mothers whose babies had died would feed children who were orphaned or alone. 'Childless parents took care of parentless children,' [Crozier] said." Three orphaned brothers under his care as a doctor pushed each other through the disease process, all surviving.

Possible Preaching Angle:

Even against the bloody backdrop of Ebola, the human moments of grace that shine through are powerful reminders of the power of compassion to help heal us.