[ad_1]
[singing] Singing: “Oh, brother, I want you to keep going.” And one of these days, and one of these days, you will be free. “Albany, Georgia, became Covid-19’s epicenter in April. Hundreds of cases went back to two funeral services, and resulted in one of the death rates. highest mortality in the country. “It was like a tornado that no one was prepared for. Our churches were not prepared for that, and before we knew it, people were falling like flies.” Pastor Orson Burton lost members of his congregation in the surge, including his wife’s father. “I can see the park.” “Can you see the park?” “But we can’t go to the park.” “No.” “It still isn’t safe.” “No.” “Because everyone is sick.” “Yes, but we pray that the world improves, right?” On April 20, Governor Brian Kemp announced that small businesses could reopen less than three weeks after enforcing a statewide shutdown. For the Burtons, the restart is too soon. “The reopening is already like a slap in the face.” “We have seen how coronavirus can affect our city, our family, our church and it is not worth it.” The harsh reality is that there are no more businesses as usual. ” Pastor Burton is now on a mission to avoid a second spike. Appeal to people who feel conflicted about going back to work. “When the store owner first told me we can go back, I was excited. But that day, I thought about it in my head like, it doesn’t feel good, you know? “” Yes. “” It was not enough time to prepare. “Pastor Burton is doing an outreach like this almost every day, with door-to-door visits and online sermons.” My hope and prayer is that you will continue to take refuge in the place. And we know that even during this pandemic, God has given us resources. “And he is not alone.” Set up the emojis. Prepare the praises. “Make some room in that living room.” Church leaders throughout the city Members are told to stay home through live video and drive-in services. [car horns beeping] The virus has particularly affected black residents here. Some 30 black and white church leaders have come together to remain closed, a decision they announced in this joint statement. “We believe it is in the best interest of our congregations and community that we do not resume the meeting at this time.” “The numbers did not indicate that it was time for our city to open.” “We knew we couldn’t jump back like we used to and start meeting.” “It doesn’t matter if your congregation is small or large – black, white, Hispanic – it doesn’t matter, we are in the same storm.” The pastors’ efforts have been bolstered by the city’s mayor, who helped pass a resolution that encourages residents to continue to take refuge there. “I was a little worried because I thought the ministers were going to say, we have to go back to church. The overwhelming response was that we will not resume worship services in our sanctuary until we have the green light from the medical community. ” Dr. James Black heads the emergency department at the Phoebe Putney Medical Memorial, the only hospital in the Albany region. “It has been absolutely essential that the clergy support us. They realized the importance of social distancing.” While it has seen a decrease in cases, the speed of the initial spread makes it suspicious of the rush to reopen. It took time to reach 160 Covid patients in the hospital, so we’re afraid of a second wave. “We just haven’t gotten over it yet. The fact that the reopening of the venues is allowed is a terrifying prospect for many of us.” .The shutdown has devastated small business owners across southwest Georgia. Dougherty County, where Albany is located, has seen a 4,500 percent increase in unemployment claims since March. Many residents are now forced to decide between safety and its results. “In our classroom in Albany, Georgia, we decided that we would open on Friday after Governor Kemp said we could. I’m sunny I am totally dependent on myself, and so far, I have not received a stimulus check because I am self-employed. I no longer had a choice. “” Some feel more conflicted, like Marcus Scott, who runs Masterpiece Barbershop. “” We won’t reopen. I understand that people have their financial situation and what they have to deal with. receiving a phone call or hearing that this barber passed away because they went back to work, I couldn’t live with it. ” He has decided to keep his store closed for now, but with the support of a local pastor. “We as a church have decided to give each of these barbers a certain amount of resources. For some of these barbers, this is their only income. ” “Hello shepherd”. “Hey, sister, how are you?” “I am good how are you?” Pastor Orson Burton has seen financial stress in his congregation. “Now how are you financially? How do you get paid? What’s going on? What’s so good about that? “” OK, I’m good at unemployment. Everything has been falling into place. “” Be encouraged. Keep moving forward and know that we are going to keep up with you and walk with you. “” Amen. “As more members lose jobs and even return to work, he is doing everything he can to make sure they move forward with caution.” Very good. God bless you. “” Yes, sir, thank you. “” I think if we mishandle this moment for the sake of reopening the economy and bringing in money, we can literally roll back our children and our children’s children for generations to come. “” We just don’t want to bury anyone else. We don’t want to bury more loved ones. We don’t want to bury more friends for Covid-19. “” These are not numbers. These are souls. These are lost lives. We have been through a lot. This is our time to make sure that people are represented in rural southern areas. from Georgia, but also to spread the wisdom and information that will save a life. “
