18 May 2017 | Budapest, Hungary [Alla Nommik] Union Health Ministries Leaders from across the Trans-European Division (TED) met in Budapest, Hungary, for two days, 8-9 May to share together what it means to have an abundant life through Jesus.
Jesus’ disciple John wrote down His words, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). These words raise some important questions: Is my life abundant? What does it mean to have life more abundantly? If Jesus would like to give me more abundant life, how can I accept it? Can I help others to accept it too?
Great Britain has started an approach called Centres of Hope, Health and Healing. Here a local church acts as a community hub, running a variety of health-enhancing activities and events throughout the year. Church members commit themselves to help the community around to become healthier both physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.
“It was both encouraging and energising to hear the excellent work being done around the Unions and to share ideas in the discussion sessions,” British Union Conference Health Ministries director, Sharon Platt-McDonald stated. “The health updates segments gave scope for reflection to enable us to review current practice and develop our ministry skills.” She confessed to feeling hugely inspired by the meetings and would ‘return to base’ with increased enthusiasm for a holistic health ministry.
Leaders shared that health retreats and camps are good places to relieve stress and learn practically what it means to lead a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes we are afraid to change our ‘not so good’ habits, but when we experience what a positive difference little changes can make in our lives, then it is more likely that we want to continue living in a new way. Health magazines are also a good way to promote positive change, as are the TV shows and web pages.
“We have a team of wonderful, professional people and I am proud of being part of it,” Finnish Health Ministries director, Saija Tarro stated. She only started working for the Finnish Health Association in April and so was immensely grateful for the possibility to participate in the meetings. “I want to thank Torben Bergland, TED Health Ministries director, for the possibility to meet and share ideas, and learn from each other.”
We would like to enjoy good health on this Earth, however, we know that it is not all there is. God has prepared something more for us in the life to come, as the Bible tells us, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Alla Nommik states, “We would like people around us to have this hope as well, and assurance in their hearts that better times are yet ahead; and that while preparing for this new home in heaven, we would like to take the best care of the life that God has entrusted to us on this Earth.”
To find out more about health ministries or to get involved, contact the health leader in your local church and ask what you can do to help yourself and those around you. [tedNEWS]
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tedNEWS Staff: Victor Hulbert, editor; Esti Pujic, associate editor
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tedNEWS is an information bulletin issued by the communication department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Trans-European Division.
