On March 3, 2020, a tornado devastated the Nashville metro area. New Covenant Christian Church immediately went to work serving their neighbors, and then quickly had to modify their response in light of COVID-19 restrictions. We recently spoke with their Pastor, Rev. Dr. Judy Cummings, for an update. At Week of Compassion, we frequently share that disaster relief is complex and often draws attention to existing inequalities in a community. The convergence of a tornado with a pandemic amplifies just how glaring those inequalities are; how they affect recovery; and how they create even more challenges in a time of crisis. A Sign of Hope6/16/2020  A colorful kite flies against a clear blue sky, its long tail dancing behind it. It’s an unlikely sign of hope in an unlikely place.
Imagine that you and your family have had to leave your home because of a violent conflict. You are living in a tent among other refugees. You have found work and community, but life is still difficult. Then imagine that a global pandemic brings even more challenges and more restrictions into your life--not to mention the threat of illness. This is the reality for Syrian refugees living in north Jordan. |
