Crediting the prayers of his supporters with his quick recovery from COVID-19 symptoms that “were never that bad,” Harvest Christian Fellowship Senior Pastor Greg Laurie said he expects to return to his pulpit on Sunday.
Laurie, who was among several high-profile leaders diagnosed with COVID-19 after attending the Sept. 26 White House nomination ceremony for Judge Amy Coney Barrett, made the announcement in a video statement on his Facebook page Friday.
“As you know I’ve been dealing with COVID-19 and so many of you have taken the time to pray for me and let me know that you’re praying for me so I’m happy to report that I’m doing great and feel great,” the California pastor said, noting that he had successfully completed 10 days of quarantine.
“The fact of the matter is, my symptoms were never that bad. Thank God for that. I know it isn’t that way for everyone and I attribute that to so many people praying. Let’s remember to continue to pray for all of those infected with the coronavirus that they have a quick and complete recovery,” he said. “It is my hope to be back in the pulpit next Sunday.”
Laurie, 67, previously confirmed his positive coronavirus diagnosis with the Christian Broadcasting Network. He said he began experiencing fatigue, aches, pains, fever as well as trouble with his sense of taste.
“Then I found out the news that I didn’t want to find out that I have the coronavirus,” Laurie said.
His positive diagnosis fueled political headlines as it came at a time when several others who attended Barrett’s nomination ceremony, including President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, tested positive for the deadly virus which has killed more than 200,000 Americans.
“I just wish that at a time like this we could not politicize this and show compassion to people that are struggling with this. It’s real,” Laurie, who also attended Franklin Graham’s prayer rally held in Washington, D.C. that same weekend, told CBN earlier. “It really is a pandemic that’s swept our nation and even the world.”