In March, the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to that.
Though it was jarring for some members, Charles and April Hale of Akron and their daughter, Ciara, got right to work, turning to technology, writing letters and making phone calls. They embraced the chance to be creative with their faith. Because it s such a big part of our lives, when we couldn t go to anyone s door, we jumped right in figuring out how we can (contact) people, April Hale said. It was exciting and a little nervous, but for our family, it was a nice transition.
For people of faith everywhere, requiring them to suddenly stop taking part in what some cases are lifelong traditions and practices, has been disorienting; even traumatic. It has demanded creativity and a dose of resiliency, particularly for the Jehovah s Witnesses, for whom face-to-face interaction is a tenet of the faith.