Surviving the Pandemic

Surviving the Pandemic

In March, amidst the state beginning to make restrictions on travel, Apostle Tonya Verbal and her husband Apostle Mark Verbal fulfilled a commitment to attend a church service in South Carolina. After returning from the trip, she became ill. She went to her primary doctor first and was diagnosed with mucus in the ear and given an antibiotic. On Sunday, she fell while in the bathroom and couldn’t get up. Her husband tried diligently to pick her up from the floor, but after 45 minutes he had to call the paramedics. Apostle Verbal had suffered a stroke.

An initial test in the ER produced negative results for COVID-19. However, after being admitted to the hospital, a second test was positive. A side effect of COVID pushed her levels up, causing fever and the stroke. This was actually her second stroke.

After two weeks in the hospital battling the disease, Apostle Verbal returned home the day before Easter. Her husband was in quarantine because he was exhibiting symptoms. They were both confined inside, nursing each other. She fell three times after returning home. The disease affected Apostle Verbal’s eyes, causing inflammation. However, God healed her husband during the process.

Apostle Verbal states, “The enemy wants to kill, steal and destroy. Your memory, physical body; it’s meant to strip you and leave you in a position of helplessness. We need to follow the rule of the land. Don’t be ignorant. Be wise and do as instructed. Some days I didn’t know what was going on. I lost track of time. Symptoms are different for everyone. I didn’t deal with coughing, but with fatigue and high fever. Throughout my ordeal, God was my hope.”

Unless you have experienced COVID, you won’t understand where Apostle Verbal is coming from. It takes a while to bounce back and get your strength. Even though she looks like a Queen now, the stroke left a condition of neuropathy (nerve damage) affecting her left side, arm and foot. Pastor Verbal does not view this as a hinderance in her strive for ministry. She is even more “Souled Out” to spread God’s word through her church ministry and her recent online launch of Aunt Francine, where she gathers and encourages men and women. Her advice to everyone to help stop the spreading of this deadly disease is Just Wear the Mask!

Apostle Tonya Yvette Verbal and Apostle Mark Verbal are pastors of Tabernacle of Joy Ministries, Inc. in Durham, NC. She recently celebrated 25 years in ministry, singing, teaching and preaching. You can join Apostle Verbal on Facebook with her Afternoon Manna and Kingdom Nuggets or visit their website at https://www.tabernacleofjoyministries.com/.