July 2020 - LPNI

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July 2020

LPNI Devotion July 2020

A Ray of Light in the Darkness

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

We now live in fear of what we did not know before. We fear the Novel Coronavirus -19. We know of fear from the pandemic of 2019. We fear its effects on many people everywhere in the world, rich and poor, from religious, ethnic backgrounds and a different socioeconomic status. The whole world is floundering and struggling for survival. Many scientists are actively working day and night to discover a suitable vaccine for this virus and pharmaceutical companies competing in this discovery.

During the Quarantine which started in early March and continues, we have experienced many emotions including fear, anxiety, isolation and many more feelings. We have tried to be optimistic, sometimes our hearts and minds are filled with dismay and then worldwide statistics continue to alarm us. Initially, the shock was when we were told that we had to leave our familiar work environments and stay in our homes for two weeks or more, and then we felt fear and anxiety for ourselves and our loved ones ... what will tomorrow look like and what surprises does the virus yet have in store for us?

As Palestinians we have experienced many of the difficulties that have resulted from the existence of The Occupation. Day in and day out we face the dangers that threaten our lives, the lives of our children and loved ones, the danger that threatens our homes and mostly the fear of what the future could bring to us. However, all of these fears and anxiety from our previous experience are visible, but what we experience with Covid-19 is the invisible enemy. People find it very complex and terrifying.

I spent the two months at home with my family, supporting and encouraging them to stay hopeful and faithful. We did lots of things together as a family that we had never done before, and those activities strengthened our relationships. We had the time to listen to each other, to understand each other more than before. Aside from my family, I had to stay connected with our members in the Ajyal ministry who were terrified especially with all of the media and official statements from the Ministry of Health that the elderly are the most vulnerable to the virus. As a result of the shutdown, our seniors found themselves isolated at home again, they are left with no social support nor resources to help them get through this difficult time. They are extremely scared of the pandemic, they are mostly worried about their children, many of whom are living abroad, and they worry about themselves as they are well aware that most victims of Covid-19 virus are elderly which makes them even more vulnerable. The seniors are left without any kind of support, with very vague knowledge of the pandemic, and with no information about how to protect themselves and stay safe. They lack basic support such as delivery services which can protect them by providing their needs without them having to leave their homes and be exposed in the community to the virus

In Luke 10:2 (KJV) we read, Therefore said he unto them, the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. This is what came to my mind and it reinforced for me the important role and mission of Parish Nurses. One of our important tasks is education and spread the spirit of hope in society. This is the time that we need to focus on the importance of spirituality and deepen one’s faith especially in the darkest of times. God is present everywhere and at all times, especially in difficult times when one cannot see any relief and no ray of light.

I pray that you, your families, congregations, and countries remain safe. God is good, God is good all the time, God is present even in the throes of a pandemic. He has overcome the world! Amen

Raeda Mansour, Parish Nurse

Christmas Lutheran Church, Bethlehem