By Carl Stagner

Meet Mabel and Virginia. Lifelong seamstresses, the two grew up sewing clothing for their families as children, lately honing their craft with aprons, quilts, and other items in their spare time. Two of Beulah Church of God’s finest, these skilled laborers recently stepped up to the plate when the opportunity to serve amid the COVID-19 outbreak became apparent. Facing a widespread shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), Mabel and Virginia are using 100-percent cotton fabric, normally used for quilts, to make masks. Their follow-up distribution to those most at-risk during this coronavirus crisis has extended the Eubank, Kentucky, congregation’s witness and communicated Jesus near and far.

So far, the dynamic duo of design have prepared masks for local doctor’s offices, patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments, employees of nursing homes, truck drivers, UPS delivery personnel, as well as family and friends. Putting the material together wasn’t too much of a stretch for these ladies, who found instructions on a hospital’s website. In light of the style of masks being sufficient for hospitals, they proceeded to duplicate the product for anyone and everyone who might be in need.

Virginia sewing (top of page: Mabel).

Pastor Jessica Hall couldn’t be more pleased.

“Our church theme for 2020 has been ‘Jesus’ mission—our focus,’ she explains. “We have been, as a church, looking for ways to live out the mission of Jesus outside the four walls of our building. I am so proud of these two sisters in Christ who have found a way to ‘be the church’ by freely giving of their time, using their own fabric, and sewing supplies to make these masks for those in need. Many who are working in at-risk jobs, or are at risk due to health issues, are scared because of the coronavirus and the shortage of personal protection, such as masks and gloves. It is comforting to know that there are people who love them, who are praying for them, and who are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure they are safe during this time.”

Mabel and Virginia indicate they will keep sewing face masks as long as they have the materials and the requests keep coming in.

Learn more about the response of Church of God Ministries to the coronavirus (COVID-19), including resources for you and your church, at www.jesusisthesubject.org/theway.