‘God is larger than the virus’; Virginia preacher who defied COVID-19 lockdown dies of the virus

A pastor in Virginia identified as Bishop Gerald O. Glenn who had vowed to keep his church open despite lockdown orders has died of Covid-19 complications a week after he was diagnosed.

The preacher who was said to have showed off his large congregation at Richmond’s New Deliverance Evangelistic Church, Virginia despite warnings, vowed to keep preaching “unless I’m in jail or the hospital.”

The deceased preacher had said during his last sermon on March 22: “I firmly believe that God is larger than this dreaded virus. You can quote me on that,”

“I am essential,” he added, “I’m a preacher — I talk to God!”

His daughter, Mar-Gerie Crawley, who spoke with newsmen narrated that her father had dismissed his flu-like and feverish symptoms as signs of regular infections.

“It becomes very real to you,” she said as she urged people to stay at home.

READ ALSO: COVID-19 10 times deadlier than swine flu –WHO

“I just beg people to understand the severity and the seriousness of this, because people are saying it’s not just about us, it’s about everyone around us.” she said

Meanwhile her mother, Marcietia Glenn, is also sick with the virus and church members say they’re offering their prayers.

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