In the summer of 2021, while COVID was still pretty much in full swing, Sylvia Hayashi, health ministry leader at Desert Cove church in El Mirage, Arizona, had a dream of a large health and wellness fair. She shared her dream with other church members, and a date was set for March 20, 2022.
She then starting contacting people she knew from other local Adventist churches in Arizona. Telma and Chris Bearden from the Clearview church in Surprise said they would help her contact different businesses and entities that would be a good fit for a health fair. By March, nearly 85 vendors had been signed up, encompassing a wide variety of topics, including nutrition, fitness, medical services, senior services, and church and community ministries. Some of the activities included a bouncy house, a kid’s petting zoo, and collector cars. There was something for everyone.
Held from noon to 3 p.m., the event included a talk from Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism Director Carlos Munoz and a concert by Michael Harris, closing with a presentation from Dr. Rose inside the church. In addition, representatives from Good News TV and the Arizona Conference Adventist Book Center were on hand.
The church’s mission is to reach people as Jesus did by meeting their needs. One of the main purposes of the health fair event was to be an outreach to the community. Ministry of Healing, Illustrated Great Controversy, and Steps to Christ books were given away at various booths to both vendors and people from the community. The church plans on following up with classes on diabetes, smoking cessation, healthy eating, cooking, and Bible studies.
____________________
By Cathy Fields
