Carlos Betanzos, from México, who serves as coordinator for Nazarene medical brigades for the México field, tells us about his experience with contracting COVID-19, and encourages us to follow all of our communities’ health department recommendations.
“My name is Carlos Betanzos, coordinator of the Nazarene medical brigades for the Mexico field, a role I have carried out with joy, honor, and passion for just under three years. Currently, besides representing this ministry, I am a paramedic with the civilian protection service in the city of Puebla where I’m from.
It is honestly complicated to know the exact moment I was infected, but I undoubtedly caught it while attending to one of the persons with symptoms we serve. Even though I was always sure to wear my personal protective equipment correctly and follow all of the hygiene measures, it was not enough to avoid infection.
My symptoms began on Wednesday, May 28th, with a slight cough, nevertheless, the symptoms worsened as the days went by. I had a severe cough, fever, muscle aches, joint pain, headache, loss of smell and taste, and trouble breathing. My case lasted around two weeks, during which under the care and correct treatment, and undoubtedly also God’s mercy, I recovered completely.
I thank God that I have been able to resume my normal activities, paying more attention to the necessary protocols to avoid infection again.
I would like to thank all the brothers and sisters who were keeping an eye on my health and my recovery, to all who took time to pray for me. I am sure that each one of these were heard by God. On the other hand, each message or call I received encouraged this servant while facing moments of fear and anxiety.
Brothers and sisters, with love I exhort you to follow all of the recommendations of your communities’ health departments. Using masks, antibacterial gel, and maintaining an appropriate distance between people are essential to protect ourselves and our loved ones. This illness is real, it is serious, tricky, and unfortunately can sometimes be fatal.
I fervently believe that God is in control of every situation in our lives, and situations like these help us depend more on Him, believe in his will, and to believe that all things work together for good.
I hope these words awaken in you all a desire to keep yourselves healthy and safe to continue working in the work that has been entrusted to us.”
