Local Pastor Combats Fears, Realities Of Ebola Virus

DETROIT (WWJ) - President Obama says progress is being made in combating the Ebola virus in West Africa.

"The truth is that we are going to have to stay vigilant at home, until we stop the epidemic at its source," said Mr. Obama.

Locally, Liberian native, Dr. Charles Boayue, pastor of Second Grace United Methodist Church in Detroit tells WWJ's Stephanie Davis he supports America's efforts to fight Ebola in West Africa.

"In terms of the response coming a little bit later, sometimes those kinds of things happen," said Boayue. "But I am so proud that it didn't have to take forever."

Boayue has lived in the U.S for about 20 years and recently he has lost an uncle and two cousins in Liberia to the virus.

"And it became traumatic experience for me and a constant reminder that Ebola is a very deadly disease and that sooner or later it can affect anyone.

"So, my heart goes out to every American, every resident in this country, that wants to be very cautious," he said. "At the same time, I know that even in thier caution, most people understand that we have to have sensitivity to those already stricken with this deadly disease."

Pastor Boayue, under the United Methodist Church, has partnered with the World Medical Relief Organization - "It has helped them with a dedicated Ebola unit about a month ago, and became the first hospital that had an in -hospital established Ebola unit in Liberia."

He says a friend from Liberia is visiting family and has been asked to self-quarantine.

"And he does not take it the wrong way, he tells me that the authorities here have been cordial, respectful and polite and he understands that they probably have concerns," said Boayue.