Several members subsequently reached out to WCNC-TV in Charlotte, claiming that the Charlotte event was the culmination of 12 weeks of gatherings across the East Coast that began in July. They also claimed that the convocations continued even in areas with high case counts, and even in the wake of several outbreaks and deaths among members. One member shared a letter from Bailey in which the bishop insisted that members come to services "when you can." In the letter, Bailey also rebuked several pastors who told their flocks to stay home, saying that members should not become "lazy and non-supportive in (their) weak state."