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Guest Contributor– Abigail Klose

While many states have begun implementing vaccine mandates, many hospitals, schools, and businesses across the country have quickly followed suit in implementing their own vaccine requirements. In many cases, Americans across the country are being forced to choose between violating their conscience regarding vaccines or facing termination at their place of employment or school. Individuals who have a personal objection due to a religious belief or have a medical condition that prevents them from getting the vaccine are told to apply for an exemption and are assured they will receive their due process. However, this was not the case for one law student.

Brianna Baker, a law student who was set to graduate in six months from Brooklyn Law School, was shocked to learn her school denied her application for a medical exemption. Having been born with a disease that affects her heart, Brianna’s doctor advised her not to get the vaccine. In our correspondence, she wrote, “When I was three years old, I was diagnosed with Kawasaki’s disease, which has negative impacts on the heart. To this day, I am at risk of myocarditis, aneurysms, and cardiac arrest because of the reduced size of my arteries. My doctors recognize this and the potential link between the vaccine and myocarditis. I think vaccines are great for people who can take them, but I do not fall within this category.”

When Brianna received the school’s denial, it read, “Currently, experts at the Kawasaki Disease Foundation at UCSD are recommending the Covid-19 vaccines to patients with Kawasaki disease. Given that the reported risks of the Covid-19 virus itself and its complications appear far greater and more clinically significant than the risks of the mRNA vaccines, given the information you have provided, a cardiac side effect or death is higher from the virus itself. As there has not been a single reported case of myocarditis with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, if you are not at risk of blood clots, this would be a suitable alternative to an mRNA vaccine.” These statements are especially troubling because the school felt more qualified than the doctor to decide the necessity for an exemption. Brianna’s doctor even wrote a response letter to the denial, further advising the school why she should not receive the vaccine. Yet, she was met with the same response.

“They basically just borrowed information that they found from a quick Google search and a random foundation,” Brianna stated. The article the school used for the denial even said, “there is no scientific evidence that supports this recommendation.”

The denial letter also stated the school would reconsider the decision if Brianna provided documentation regarding the latest episode of cardiac rhythm abnormality, recent electrocardiograms, and information concerning if she remains on therapy for this condition. The electrocardiograms the school wanted would’ve taken two months to obtain since it takes so long to get an appointment. The school later emailed her asking for hospital records of when she last experienced an aneurysm, cardiac arrest, or cardiac problems. Brianna commented, “I had to laugh. No, sorry, I don’t go to the hospital on a weekly basis for heart attacks. All it takes is one heart attack or aneurysm, and you’re dead.”

This denial came as a slap in the face to Brianna. “Trust me, I wish I was normal and could just get the damn shot so people would shut up, but I really don’t want to risk anything with my heart right now.” As with many individuals who have a physical disability or personal conviction that prevents them from getting the vaccine, Brianna is feeling the pressure and moral outrage that typically ensues when one refuses the vaccine. When Brianna begged for a virtual option, the school responded, saying that they “weren’t set up for hybrid learning” and that virtual learning is “no longer a reasonable alternative.” She later learned one of her professors was allowed to teach his class remotely due to living with an immuno-compromised individual.

There were moments, despite the risk and her doctor’s warning, Brianna considered getting the vaccine just so that she could finish her education that she has worked towards for two and a half years. She even emailed her school asking if they would be willing to sign something assuming liability or agreeing to assist her if something ever did happen since vaccine manufacturers can’t be held liable for adverse effects. The school never responded to her email.

The denial has left Brianna stunned as she is left scrambling to pick up the pieces of her life. “I am at a loss for words. Thankfully, I am now attending Liberty University’s Law School for my last semester. Liberty is allowing me to sit as a visiting student.” Since the beginning, Liberty University has led the way in being innovative and accommodating to those who are high risk while still providing in-person education for those who don’t fall into one of those categories.

What is important to highlight in Brianna’s situation is Brooklyn Law School’s malice towards students like her who have a reason not to get a vaccine. Not only is the school forcing her to choose between getting vaccinated or forfeiting her degree, but they are also charging her $250 per credit that she takes through Liberty University as a transfer fee. Brianna wrote, “This wasn’t my decision to change schools. They essentially forced me out because I cannot get the vaccine without it posing a serious risk to my health. That sounds a lot like the first-year contract concepts we learned, duress and coercion.” She further wrote, “They basically kicked me out two weeks before classes started on my last semester. I had to get out of my lease in New York City, pack my belongings in two days, find an apartment in Lynchburg, and find a car to drive there to attend class by Monday. I’ve had to uproot my entire life. It’s just so upsetting,”

According to Brianna, she is not the only student who was denied an exemption. “One of my friends filed a religious exemption, but it was denied even faster than my exemption. Another girl at my school was denied a medical exemption for a psychiatric disorder. So, it’s not just me. I have a feeling they deny people back-and-forth.”

It begs the question: is this law school giving students their due process when it comes to religious and medical exemptions?

“People with physical disabilities are being denied their rights in education simply because they can’t get a vaccine, and it’s so wrong,” Brianna stated.  “It’s actually kind of against the Americans with Disabilities Act, and I don’t understand how a law school wouldn’t understand that. The school claims to be all about inclusion and diversity, but they have demonstrated that they are perfectly fine with excluding a person just because of their physical disability. They’re going against everything they preach. It’s so hypocritical.”

Only a year ago, entire schools transitioned online to accommodate those who were high risk and have medical conditions. Now, students like Brianna, who have a medical condition that prevents them from getting a vaccine, are being denied accommodation to have equal access to education. “Best of luck to anyone out there who has to file for an exemption,” Brianna wrote. “Hopefully, your school or employer will be more accommodating and giving than mine.”

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For weeks, God has been speaking to my heart four words. Every time I say them, I feel broken before God.

Lay. Down. Your. Stone

What are you saying to me, Lord? Why do those words bring me to tears every time I speak them?

Lay. Down. Your. Stone

Is it me? What stones do you want me to lay down?

Each time I am brought back to John 8:1-11(NIV):

 1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11 “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

 

I have read these scripture verses many times. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees were trying to test Jesus. Could they accuse the man they call the Messiah of violating Moses’ law? Those caught in adultery were supposed to be stoned for their sin. But this time, while reading these verses, I began to put myself into this scene.

How could the crowd of teachers and Pharisees be so blind? They had the son of God, Jesus Christ, standing before the woman who was guilty of her sin. He was the only one who had the power to condemn and forgive her sins, but all they could do was think about the stone that was supposed to be thrown her way.

How many times have I been like that crowd?

How many times do I want justice more than the One who is justice?

How many times do I want to throw God’s law in someone’s face, more than I want to remind them of the power higher than the law?

 

Modern-Day Stone Throwing

I can’t help but compare our world today to this scene in John chapter 8. The pandemic, riots, disputes over COVID-19 regulations, racism, and our country’s upcoming presidential election.

I have watched the Christian community react to all of these events. And with every news article, tweet, Facebook post, podcast…God has been quietly speaking to my heart.

Lay. Down. Your. Stone

Then news reports surface of another disgraced Christian evangelical leader who seems to have made a mockery out of God’s commandments leading me right back to picking up a stone.

That stone has words like hypocrite, sinner, and fraud written on it, and I feel ready to strike.

And then, quietly, I feel the brokenness again toward my sin. It’s that ever-present pull of the Holy Spirit calling me out. Instead of Jesus writing on the ground in front of the teachers and Pharisees, he writes it on my heart.

Lay. Down. Your. Stone

I feel broken over those words because I don’t want to walk with the crowd of accusers. I have been in that crowd. I have held stones with my writing, my tweets, my posts, and my voice.

I feel broken inside because I have followed Christian leaders who throw stones, not pointing to Jesus or recognizing their sinfulness.

I feel broken inside because I rarely see sin exposed with compassion and a broken heart toward repentance.

In our modern-day world of communication, I see condemning headlines, angry posts, and a media in the business of stone-throwing.

If I put myself in that scene in John 8, I want nothing to do with that crowd or the modern-day one. I want the measure of my life to point to the saving power of Jesus Christ.

Laying down stones doesn’t mean I forget the commandments of God. It doesn’t mean I look the other way when a brother or sister in Christ sins. It means I drop my stone, remember my sinfulness, and then point to Jesus. He’s there in the midst of it all.

As followers of Christ, how we respond to sin is so important, and the world is watching.

We know the world throws stones—literally! With the violence, protesting, and destroying of property, the world is full of accusers and stone-throwers. Crowds want justice more than the One who is merciful and just.

But as writers, pastors, leaders, teachers— or anyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ— we are to lay down our stones and point to Jesus. Everything we say and do should communicate His truth. He’s the only one that can turn condemnation to redemption.

 

My Prayer

So here I am, Lord, with those four little words you have spoken to my heart.

Lay. Down. Your. Stone

Please teach me how to separate myself from the stone-throwers. I want to be on the receiving end of your mercy and walk in the call of the gospel.

Help me to point to Jesus with my words and my life.

I am called to hold the hand of that adulterous woman after she feels the sting and shame of her sinfulness, and to teach her how to walk in your forgiveness and grace.

And Father God, heal the brokenness in our land. Let a crowd rise up where the gospel of Jesus Christ is the measure of their lives. A people ready to lay down their stones: their sin, their hurt, their pain, their need for justice, and control. And teach us love, compassion, and mercy for the most sinful among us.

Jesus, you laid down your life for me. The least I can do is lay down my stone.

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My family is praising God! Both my mother and father contracted COVID-19 but have since recovered. My father was hospitalized with the virus, and there were some scary moments for my family. We didn’t know if he would recover.

 I have hesitated to write anything because I realize for many families, they have not had this positive outcome. Some are dealing with the loss of loved ones because of this deadly virus. My heart goes out to them. My prayer is that they would feel the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.

But what I share here is to emphasize hope and the power of prayer.

After my father’s recovery, a Christian writer from Sweden contacted me to do a story. David Spaanberger was gracious enough to translate his article in English so I could share it here.

Some details might be lost through translation, but the one thing I want to emphasize in David’s article is that in times of crisis—worldwide crisis—we can’t forget about the importance of the global body of Christ.

In his years of ministry with Teen Challenge, my father traveled all around the world. He gave up so much of his time away from his wife and family to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and help establish the ministry of Teen Challenge.

But that sacrifice came back to us as the global body of Christian believers prayed for his healing. We are grateful!

While many of us around the world cannot meet in our churches and feel physically disconnected from our congregations, let’s remember the power of prayer. And in healing or death, our hope is in Jesus Christ.  

 

 

David Wilkerson’s brother received intercession ​– ​survived corona
American preacher Don Wilkerson, brother of world famous David Wilkerson, became fatally ill from the coronavirus, but recovered fast when receiving intercession and anti-malarial medication. – ​God used various ways and means to bring about my healing, says Wilkerson to The World Today.

Now 80-year-old preacher Donald “Don” Wilkerson is the younger brother of the even more well-known but departed preacher David Wilkerson. Together the brothers established the Christian organisation Teen Challenge, that works with drug rehabilitation, evangelisation and discipling, and today is present in over 90 countries, including Sweden.

Don Wilkerson’s daughter Jule Klose has written a book about the beginnings of Teen Challenge and it is through contact with her that The World Today is able to tell about how Don Wilkerson got fatally ill from the coronavirus.

Julie Klose describes​ how both her 80-year-old dad and her 81-year-old mum started having cold symptoms on 21 March, which was about a week after her dad Don had been away on a board meeting for said Teen Challenge in New York, to where he went by train from northern Virginia.

After a few days of having symptoms, the couple seemed to be feeling better, but after another day or two their symptoms got worse and Julie was getting concerned. – ​On Sunday 29 March I got a phone call from my mum about my dad having difficulties moving his legs, she recounts.

Don Wilkerson had​ to go to the emergency room, where it turned out he had a temperature of over 39 degrees Celsius. A COVID-19 test was taken, and he received treatment for dehydration, but as otherwise both his lungs and blood work looked good, he got to go home again the same day.

On Monday morning he was feeling better, but in the evening he again had a high fever and also chills and an intensive soreness in his body. – He could barely eat or drink, and my mum was struggling to care of him. She also had the virus, but her symptoms were not as extreme, the daughter describes.

On Tuesday morning​ Don was feeling a bit better again, but then came another fever pitch. Fever reducing drugs did not help. The same day the family was also notified that Don had been tested positive for COVID-19.

On Wednesday morning the situation got even more critical. – My mum said my dad was incoherent and was barely responding to her questions. She could not get him to eat or drink, Julie recounts.

Again Don Wilkerson​ had to go to the emergency room, where it was now established that he had contracted pneumonia. The doctor then introduced a combination treatment of antibiotics and anti-malarial medication hydroxichloroquine. The latter has created controversy, as president Trump has recommended the medication even though it can cause serious side effects and experts argue that evidence to recommend it against the coronavirus is missing.

A request for​ intercession for Don Wilkerson was also spread to Christians around the world, through Teen Challenge and other organisations.

Julie Klose describes for The World Today how she was aware of her dad already having been used by God for 65 years, and that she had to trust in God’s goodness even if it were to be that time had come for her dad to die. At the same time she dearly wished this would not be the case. – On Wednesday night, while my dad was in the hospital, I had a moment of going into my bedroom and crying out to God: “Please God, don’t take my dad. I am not ready for you to take him”, she recounts.

On Thursday Don​ Wilkerson woke up at hospital and was already feeling considerably better. He was confirmed free of fever the same day, and two days later, on 3 April, he could go home. – Obviously God has more for my dad to do on earth to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, to help those with addiction to find freedom, and I am rejoicing in that today. My whole family is rejoicing in that today, Julie Klose concludes happily.

She describes how both her parents are now recovering well and have regained their appetite, which they both lost while being ill. – My dad is slowly getting stronger and even enjoying his favourite chocolates. He said: “When I could taste chocolate, I knew I was getting better”, she recounts.

When Julie Klose asks a question from The World Today to her dad, about how he has experienced God’s hand in what he has gone through, Don Wilkerson replies that the word “international”, that previously often felt like hype to him, has taken on an entirely new meaning for him. – People all around the world were sending me messages and prayers while I was in the hospital. You realize the impact of the global body of Christ when something like this happens, he says.

To the Christians of Sweden, Don Wilkerson wants to give a double message. The first one is about how he escaped death. – God used various ways and means and the tools available, even those drugs in treatment, to bring about my healing. I believe the timing to get to the hospital when I did was instrumental in my recovery, he says.

Then he gets back to the significance of the body of Christ at this moment in time. – Don’t forget how important the body of Christ – the international body – is during this crisis. No matter where we live or how we are affected by this, if we are followers of Jesus Christ, our hope is in him, says Don Wilkerson.

By David Spånberger david.spanberger@varldenidag.se