“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.” – James 2:8
Needless to say, most students did not experience the usual summer vacation this year. As schools began to close in March, opportunities began to shrink. College students who count on internships to help them start their careers found themselves returning home with no chance of summer advancement.
Lia Rubel is one such college student. While attending Emory University, Lia applied to several companies for internships. As the COVID-19 lockdown began, Lia began receiving email after email, canceling internship possibilities. She was convinced she would spend her summer back home with nothing to do.
One day, Lia received a call from a friend. She told Lia that several students were working on a project to help vulnerable people connect with medical care during the lockdown. These students created Telehealth Access for Seniors. They worked across the country to collect phones and tablets. These were distributed to those who needed help connecting. Lia led the efforts in her home state of Vermont.
Together, Lia and 50 other students worked in 26 states to collect and provide devices that would connect seniors to medical providers. To date they have distributed over 825 devices. These devices equal over $38,000. There were collected and given freely.
Things have changed since COVID-19 arrived in our world. However, the need to be kind has not changed. There are many people who are in need. There are those who have the ability to help. If we see our neighbors in need, we are called to respond. Lia Rubel demonstrated that, even in the midst of change and lost opportunity, there is always a chance to love our neighbors.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
