Southern Indiana Business May-June 2020 | Page 43

Donnie Roark Groups & Outreach Pastor at Eastside Christian Church Definition of leadership: The ability to engage, equip, and empower other future lead- ers. I believe that everyone has the ability to be a leader in some capacity. Not all forms of lead- ership are about being front and center. Some forms of leadership are in the background. How has the coronavirus outbreak impacted your life most and what will you tell future generations about COVID-19 from your perspective? The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted my daily life. I have been work- ing from home, and my wife has been temporarily laid off. So with both of us at home, we are adjusting to that work from home balance. We have an 9 month old at home, so we have enjoyed the additional time spent with him. This pandemic has impacted me in other ways as well. I have multiple family members, including my mother, who serve in the medical field on the front lines every day. I also have a brother with Cystic Fibrosis who could be severely impacted if the virus were to reach him, so we are keeping that in mind in all that we do.  I would tell my son and future generations, that this virus reminded me that God has designed and created us to be in relationship with others. The whole social distancing recommendations have made that much more difficult. Thankfully we have amazing technology now and can still connect, but I think I have learned that it still isn’t quite the same as in-person interaction. So I would tell them to deeply value the relationships that they have, and never give up meeting with one another. We all truly need each other to get through times like we are going through. May / June 2020 43