Pictures of a Pandemic American Baptist Home Mission Societies

Audio essays from the "Dear Coronavirus..." essay contest at Zion Baptist Church in Petersburg, Viriginia, which was highlighted in episode 11.

First Lady Deborah Shannon of Zion Baptist Church, Petersburg, Va., discusses the essay contest that the church sponsored for youth. Participants were asked to write an essay that began "Dear Coronavirus." It turned out to be an opportunity for youth to release their feelings and frustrations about the pandemic and how it's affecting their schooling and athletics.

Mang Sonna, executive director of Bethel Neighborhood Center in Kansas City, Kansas, talks about the increasing need of the people he serves for food and money to pay electric bills and rent.

The Rev. Julio Gonzalez-Paniagua and his wife Pastor Anatalys Gonzalez-Ortiz discuss the devastating toll COVID has taken on their family, including their struggle with isolation and faith in the middle of so much illness.

The number of cars lined up for free meals every Wednesday at Trinity Church of Northborough in Massachusetts has almost doubled since the pandemic began. Church member Martha Michalewich talks about how an American Baptist Home Mission Societies' COVID-19 Recovery grant is helping to ensure the program continues its ministry to the hungry.

The Rev. Chaplain (Col.) Brett Charsky, Joint Force Headquarters chaplain of the Vermont Army National Guard tells the story of isolation and increasing numbers of suicides in the military.