North Philadelphia community celebrates longtime pastor beating COVID-19
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- More than 1.1 million people around the world have recovered from the coronavirus, among them, a pastor from a North Philadelphia church.
An ensemble of horns echoed around the 700 block of West Allegheny Avenue in North Philadelphia Sunday.
Leading the symphony was trumpet player Jacob Hernandez. He was the one playing a medley of familiar music of hope and redemption, including "Amazing Grace."
"He's just a great guy, happy to have him back," said Hernandez.
The soundtrack was perfectly fitting to the signs many held while social distancing on the streets or in their cars to celebrate the man that looked on from above, Rev. Jose Montes.
"He watched us grow up," said Damaris Lugo.
Montes, of New Jerusalem Church in North Philadelphia, has been a pastor for more than 30 years.
"He means the world to us," Lugo added.
Now, after a nearly three-week battle with COVID-19, he is now home and the community he had served could not be more grateful, especially his daughter.
"It's just amazing to celebrate something positive during this time," said Naida Elena Montes.
Naida said two weeks after being admitted to the hospital, things were bleak.
Her father had a fever that wouldn't break. His lungs were filled with fluid and was on 100% oxygen.
Montes says prayers came from near and far and then something incredible happened.
"During that day, the worst of days, they said that was it for him. We prayed and we prayed harder and we felt a supernatural experience that night and the next morning he was up," she explained.
The community collected in their belief that there is strength in numbers and in their faith.
"Even though he felt like he was in a box and he was isolated from everyone, he just wanted to come home to see the people that he loved," Montes said.
MORE COVID-19 COVERAGE
Golf courses, state parks reopen in New Jersey amid COVID-19 lockdown
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney's revised budget includes layoffs, tax increases
Virus restrictions to be eased in 24 Pennsylvania counties
South Jersey doctor suffers stroke after COVID-19 infection
U.S. essential workers hold May Day strike, demand time off, hazard pay
More than 1M infected with coronavirus have recovered worldwide
COVID-19 RESOURCES
Full guide: COVID-19 help, information and resources
Keeping Reusable Shopping Bags Sanitized and Germ-Free during COVID-19 Outbreak
How to get groceries, supplies, takeout, online workouts and home projects while quarantine
Things for everyone to do to pass the time at home
Great homeschooling and educational resources for parents and students
Free 6abc printable activities for kids to do at home
Work from home: Here are some companies hiring remote workers
CONNECT WITH US
