Elder Oscar Mata, pastor in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, works long hours as a COVID-19 hospital chaplain. He is pictured here with Jose David Pineda, a longtime resident in Sioux Falls. In April 2020, the firm Jose worked for became a hot spot for the pandemic, and Jose became infected. He fought the virus for four difficult months.
The medical staff recommended withdrawing life support, sure that Jose did not have a chance to survive. But through much prayer, God performed a miracle. Jose is out of the hospital and recovering at home. He still needs oxygen support, but he is active in his faith. Jose is one of the many pandemic patients Oscar Mata ministers to as chaplain. He is now Jose’s pastor.
