Newport Adventist Church in Newport, Washington, has found a new purpose for its fellowship hall: temporary respite for local medical workers during the COVID-19 crisis.
When the church first opened its Adventist Community Services building more than 10 years ago as a thrift store, the dream was it would be a blessing to the local community and its neighbors. The dream soon faded when the store was closed about three years ago.
Now utilized as a much-needed fellowship hall, the thrift store has found a new purpose in providing a place to rest for doctors and other health care staff in between shifts.
“We are allowing local health workers to stage a sleep and rest area at our Newport Adventist Community Services building,” says Becky Anderson, Newport Church member. “If workers don’t want to go home and risk infecting family or live too far away, our building is available for them. We are equipped with a kitchen, showers, laundry and internet.”
Church members are bringing in beds and sofas to prepare rooms for these frontline workers. Several members have also been stocking the refrigerator with frozen soup and snacks for the workers. The parking lot has been made available for parking as well.
The offer was presented to Angelika Kraus, a Newport Church member and a doctor who practices at the Newport hospital. Kraus extended the invitation to the COVID-19 incident commander at the hospital, and hospital administrators were very receptive.
“The local hospital administration was thrilled to have this option available to them,” adds Anderson.
A space that was once dedicated to serve others has now experienced a repurposing from God. When it seems that doors may have been closed, never underestimate how God has a plan in repurposing — even temporarily during a pandemic crisis.
The Newport Adventist Community Services building is open to local health workers in need of a place to sleep and rest during the COVID-19 crisis.
Church members are bringing in beds and sofas to prepare rooms for these frontline workers.
