Holding On to Hope

Yvette King

Chaplain & Spiritual Formation Manager, The Bowery Mission

Early Memories of the Pandemic: I remember how desolate the city was. For the most part, the people I did see were our clients and guests. That struck me deeply because you saw them at their lowest and most desperate. And yet, I also saw my colleagues show up every day to keep serving. It was very encouraging to see the love they showed to our guests, no questions asked. Everyone was welcome. Our doors were open for everybody.

Holding on to Hope: For some people, hope in God is all they have left. They need that inner strength to keep getting up every day. God can do that for them. Think about the isolation and lack of connection we’ve all felt, and multiply that by 100. That’s what it’s been like for our guests. In the midst of darkness, there has to be light, and that light is a community of people coming around them, and a God who sees them and loves them.

Meeting Spiritual Needs: The ministry of presence is so important. Even though we're six feet apart, just acknowledging people and saying hello is a big part of the welcome. You can share the gospel sometimes without sharing a word. It’s about being available to listen, letting them know you’re there and they can come and talk if they want to. Prayer is also important, praying with people and over the meal.

What Encourages You: The ongoing commitment of staff and leadership to keep Spiritual Formation activities going. That communicates to everyone that it is valuable. We’ve been able to keep it going, because the commitment is there.

Offering Remote Care: Even though we had to suspend certain activities because of health and safety protocols, we’ve been able to offer certain services and classes remotely to create a sense of consistency. Something really cool is that the same chapel partners who did services in person have continued to do remote services over Zoom. So that gives our clients a sense of continuity and constant presence. Sometimes, it will just be one person singing a capella or with their guitar, but it’s real and raw and authentic.