The Harris family - Virginia
Mrs. Harris exchanges a smiles and snaps a picture of her granddaughter during Covid-19. (photo submitted)
Occupation: Ministry partner with my husband (Pastor)
What Covid-19 related restrictions are in place where you live? We are asked to stay home and only go out if necessary. Schools are officially closed for the rest of the year.
What has been your biggest challenge during this crisis so far? It’s actually been very busy in our home because my husband is the pastor of our church, so he has been scrambling to get everything on-line, even our ESL program. We are trying to stay connected to our church family and ESL students as much as we can. We needed a quiet break even before this, so am hoping one we get it all organized, we will be able to take this time to refresh in our faith and with each other.
Describe the emotions you/your family are feeling through this crisis? So far, I think our whole family is pretty optimistic and using this time to do things we normally can’t do. As the time has gone on, and we now know of 8-9 ministry colleagues who have the virus (3 critical), it does start to become more real. I am at extreme high risk due to medicine I take for a chronic illness, but just trusting and hoping in the Lord. We are trying to encourage and stay focused.
What are you doing to help cope?: WORSHIP AND MORE WORSHIP! Focusing on God’s promises and trusting Him. Thinking about what so many of our refugee friends have gone through and knowing their resilience and ability to look for the good in tragedy inspires us.
Mr. Harris, left, prays with friends during the Covid-19 pandemic. (photo submitted)
If you have a religious background, how has this crisis affected your faith? I think it is the wake up call for the church to focus on what matters and let this be an opportunity to show Jesus and give hope. The world, and especially the US, has a very negative view of the “church” after these last few politicized years of politics and faith mixing. This is a time for faith to rise above and for Jesus to be seen.
Have you seen any small victories in all of this for you or your family? For my husband and me, just to be able to slow down. These last few years have been the most stressful with both in-laws passing away, a divorce in our family, and at the same time, revitalizing a small church with little resources. I needed a chance to refresh, so we will make the best out of this difficult situation. I think most of our family is enjoying the chance to regroup, but ask me again in a few weeks! We are excited about the unity we are seeing in churches, and the world in most places. Our world needs this, so I choose to focus on this instead of fear and complaining.
To share your story of how you’ve been affected by Covid-19, click here.