REDFORD, MI – This time of statewide lockdown has put a lot of pressure on churches and their pastors, but it has been a stressful time for church members. Michael and Odelle Cadwell have been members of the Temple of Faith Baptist Church in Detroit for more than 35 years.
Odelle has been meditating on a number of passages in the Bible including Psalm 91:2, “I will say to the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust.” That passage hits home for the Cadwells because Michael has had the coronavirus, but thankfully, is recovering. Odelle and Michael take daily walks together. It’s a chance to mail a card, get some fresh air, and walk their dog, Major, who Odelle says “has been suffering from inactivity.”
The “Stay at Home” order has brought the Cadwell’s family closer together than they were before the lockdown. They have four children and two grandchildren. Their children bring care packages to their home and leave them on the front porch. Odelle says waving from the window is difficult, adding that “virtual hugs are not the same.” She says she and her oldest son rarely spoke and now he calls twice a day. They talk now more than before shutdown.
As far as church, the Cadwells say they are adjusting. Their church does a conference call for Sunday school and the church service. Odelle says, “We almost have it down to a science.” Some ladies in the church have zoom meetings throughout the week for prayer and for fellowship. The church is even set up online for members to give.
The Cadwells ask for prayer. They pray that the Lord will continue to bind us together as a church family and that we will come back stronger and better able to serve Him in our respective ministries.
ABOUT THE CADWELLS
Michael and Odelle Cadwell live in Redford, MI and attend Temple of Faith Baptist Church in Detroit MI. They have been members of this church for over 35 years. Michael and Odelle have been married for 42 years. They have 2 sons, 2 daughters, and 2 grandchildren (both boys).