In serving as the chaplain in a residential home for men who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, I had been approaching my flock much as I did when I was teaching special education in the public schools:  sermons and Bible Studies were like lessons to plan, and spending time with the men and staff was like fellowshipping and talking with students and colleagues.  Since the Covid-91 pandemic began in March, 2020, I have had to change almost everything I have ever known about working with my people.  I have had to do much of my work via telephone and social media, since my husband and I are caregiver to our elderly relatives and cannot risk infecting them.    Many of the men are experiencing anxiety and boredom, and we feel almost as if the corona virus is an enemy trying to attack us. When I ask for prayer requests, every time at least one is for God to “get rid of the virus!”  I have prayed that myself!  We feel like David, who was looking over his shoulder at actual human enemies and wanting God to “get rid of them” also!

Nowadays, many of us who have medical conditions or care for those who do, feel “poor and needy” in terms of the ways we used to enjoy community, family, and church life.   While we rejoice in Jesus, our light and salvation, we continue to pray, “O Lord, don’t delay!”