Punished for not taking COVID-19 vaccine

Dear Pastor,

I greet you in the mighty name of the Lord our Saviour, and I hope this letter finds you well. I have never written to you before, but I do enjoy reading your articles. I look forward to your response as I find this matter to be unfortunate and unjust.

Some time ago, I took up a job offer overseas, working with the government in a correctional institution. One day while on the job, I got injured by an inmate and had to seek treatment at the hospital. I had to pay out of pocket and it was quite expensive. Prior to this, I had health insurance, as this is a must-have when working with the government, especially in my field. However, my card was cancelled about 10 months before the incident. This was because I refused to take the COVID-19 vaccination.

I held my ground and endured a lot. I brought the matter of my health insurance to their attention from the get-go and asked why they continued to deduct the monthly payment from my salary, despite my not being able to access the benefits from the service. Unfortunately, no one cared to do anything about it. They all said that this was the consequence of the choice that I made, and that I just had to live with it.

The doctor recommended follow-up treatments, but I couldn't always afford it out of my pocket. Sometimes I would go, but most times I had to let it pass.

Today, I am back home and constantly thinking about how I was treated along with all the money they unfairly took from me. I tried talking to a few lawyers while I was there. However, at that time, if people heard that you didn't take the vaccine they weren't interested in having much of a conversation with you. Can you advise me on what to do?

Thank you, I await your reply.

Initial Withheld

Dear Writer,

I am sorry to know that you were injured on your job. I hope by now you have recovered. You said that you were encouraged by your employers to be vaccinated, but you refused to do so. Your real concern is that although you were not vaccinated, money was still deducted from your salary for that purpose. When you questioned it, you were told that you are 'suffering the consequence of the choice you made'. I am not sure that I fully understand what that means.

You should have appealed to the insurance headquarters and lay your case to them to receive justice. You said you have spoken to lawyers, but no one has been able to help you. It seems to me that this matter is deeper than what you have mentioned. You should try and pursue the matter further, although you are no longer in the country where you were employed.

Pastor