Coronavirus Pandemic

As antiracist protests continue throughout the nation and worldwide, the Liberty church in Windsor Mill, Md., organized a peaceful demonstration supporting black lives. 

“Believing in the Lord was one thing; getting to know Him though has been life-changing,” shares Amanda Stevens. “I am not the same person that I was even three months ago. I have yielded my life fully to Jesus. And I love Him."

Perhaps some think of “the church” as simply the building where they worship. That term has taken on new meaning as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. A building is not necessary for ministry to take place. 

In 2010, Gavin Simpson, now a member of the Harrisonburg (Va.) church, embarked on a life-changing journey of faith as a missionary. Over the last decade, through Eleventh-Hour Laborers, a nonprofit ministering to the less reached regions of the world, he has worked in India, Nepal, Myanmar, and, most recently, Cuba.

Chesapeake Conference's Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) held an outdoor commencement service during the COVID-19 pandemic late July for both its eighth-grade and senior classes.

New Jersey Conference's Lake Nelson Adventist Academy (LNAA) shut their doors and moved to remote learning platforms last school year. So the senior class, “The Valiant,” hoped and prayed they would be able to experience the graduation exercises. The Lord blessed and provided a way.

Often the scene of athletic contests, Zirkle Gymnasium transformed into a house of worship for a properly masked and social-distanced Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) Class of 2020 commencement service. 

Last school year wasn’t ideal. The COVID-19 outbreak had parents, students, teachers and staff on edge. The combination of “senioritis” and distance learning enhanced the load of pressure on the Class of 2020.

While the COVID-19 virus continues to cause concern, I’m thankful we are finally addressing the racism virus that has infected America for hundreds of years.