Catherine Adenrele Runsewe, a Pharmacist with the National Health Service (NHS) and Pastor at Jesus House, London (RCCG) speaks to African Voice on Covid-19 vaccine.
Catherine is also the National Director of RCCG UK Children’s Ministry. She believes in the intentional discipling of children and is committed to partnering with parents in nurturing and growing young Christians who contribute positively to society. Her desire to support the wholesome development of children led her to undertake a degree course in Christian Counselling with a view to specialising in Family and Child Counselling. She also oversees the Counselling and Lone Parent ministries in the church.
Catherine is a mentor to many who share her passion to equip children with faith foundations that will assist them in leading successful lives. She is also passionate about inspiring young girls and women through mentoring. She believes that you can experience a positive change as a result of a negative phenomenon by learning and sharing experiences. Catherine is a sought-after speaker and has spoken at various conferences and workshops for women and young girls.
In 2013, she was led by God to start a women’s charity (Grace to Graces) to offer support to victims and survivors of abuse and especially domestic violence. Grace to Graces is a registered charity in the United Kingdom set up to bring a message of hope that Christ is able to mend the broken hearted and offers counselling, welfare, financial, legal services alongside support and advisory services. Their ‘Break the Silence’ campaign works with cultural and religious groups to raise awareness of domestic violence and to remove the stigma around the reporting of abuse.
Catherine’s other interests include cooking, reading, travelling and fashion. She is blessed with many children and grandchildren.
How safe is the vaccine for children and pregnant women?
The vaccine is not being used yet as far as children are concerned but research is ongoing and children aren’t being vaccinated for the time being. For pregnant women, we have to look at each case differently. The GP or consultant would make a decision, weighing the risks against the benefits. If the doctors feel it’s safe to give the vaccine then they will advise that, but there’s no hard and fast rules and each case is different.
What are the likely side effects of the vaccine?
There’s often a bit of soreness, swelling or a heaviness in the arm, and some people have headaches for a couple of days or maybe a fever. Then again, others experience nothing at all. If the patient takes Paracetamol tablets usually advised when having the vaccines then this normally would help. There are very, very rarely more serious side effects like anaphylactic reactions – but this seems to happen when there is an underlying and ongoing serious allergy issue. So all in all, side effects are very minimal and treatable.
How do you convince those who refuse the vaccine due to religious beliefs?
Much of the talk against the vaccine is based on conspiracy theories without any real information or knowledge. The Bible says that people are destroyed through lack of knowledge, so the first key is to arm people with correct information. My aunt was sceptical about the vaccine but watched a talk show with myself, our pastor and other medical experts. She called me afterwards and said she had changed her mind – she had the vaccine! There are many stories like this. Theologically, you have to point out to people that truth will always prevail. You can’t force anyone but you should give direction and ask people to seek the help of the Holy Spirit for direction.
Have you had your COVID-19 vaccine yet?
Yes, I had it in January due to my work with the NHS. It was completely fine and I had no side effects. I am encouraging all my friends and family to take the vaccine. We have a pop-up vaccination clinic at Jesus House and we are encouraging all of our community to come down when we are open and get vaccinated for themselves.
Pastor Catherine will attend a life-changing conference at the Jesus House, London this weekend from 25th to 27th March 2021 https://www.uncommonwomanconference.co.uk
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