Dorothy Wilson
Dear Family in Christ, I have been asked to share how COVID-19 has affected my life as a senior.
First of all, I am thankful to God that He has kept me safe and well, all these months and the Seniors Building that I live in has been Covid-19 free to date. Psalm 91 is a wonderful passage to meditate on and trust in. All God’s promises are YES in Christ Jesus. Of course, I had a part to play in this too. I had to follow all the protocols and not take unnecessary risks. If I needed to go on the bus and the bus was busy I would wait for the next one. I carried extra masks and if I saw someone not wearing one I would offer it and, so far, they have been thankful. Of course, there were days I would wake up and be frustrated by the situation but I would immediately consider how much I have to be thankful for. Although I cannot spend time with my family I praise God I can still see them because of the technology that is available. Never having had a car, I have no trouble going for long walks and discovered a nature walk along a stream very close to where I live and enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation and the many birds and animals and even a beaver has been spotted. Praise God for the wonderful summer we enjoyed. Now that winter is here, God has been teaching me to redeem the time by knitting items that will be donated to charities. I have made new friends during the days I was able to sit outside in the private gardens where I live, socially distanced of course. Having been retired for many years, I have always had lots of time to spend with the Lord, but thankful for those who call and who I have been praying with on a regular basis. I think that as a senior, with underlying health issues, the only negative is the fact that I would be more likely to succumb if I was infected, but I did not run the risk of losing my job or my income (although I am sure prices will be higher when things go back to normal) in fact my health has been better because of wearing the mask, I have had no colds, chest infections, (I usually have two or three a year) so maybe I will use the mask during cold and flu season next year. I was asked if I have grown spiritually since the pandemic, I know I have grown in size since the end of summer when I am not walking so much, spiritually I have learned to accept and make the best of what is happening because I know God is accomplishing His purposes through it all. To Him be all the glory.
2. OLALEYE, Olufemi & Maria
We serve a faithful God who cares for us. When the pandemic started, it was a scary period for me and I was anxious about many things - Matthew 6:33-34. However, through different sermons from the pulpit, attending prayer meetings and bible study classes (Bereans and Young Heart), I began to feel relieved.
This pandemic has made me realize the importance of the support of Church members who sacrificed to shop for us and to support us financially.
It dawned on me that I do not need many material things to survive. My fears and worries disappeared because I am assured of the fact that God is always ready to meet all my needs in life - Phil 4:19.
The lockdown period assisted me to move closer to God through reading and meditating on the Word of God. I also had more time to be prayerful and to continue to persevere (1Thessonians 5:17, James 1: 2-4).
I am alive today because of God's grace and mercy. I must continually glorify God for the gift of life. Many people have passed on since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. All glory be to God!