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In a commitment to the holistic health of its workers, the West Visayan Conference (WVC) recently hosted a transformative Health Camp, providing ministers and their spouses with vital spiritual, physical, and mental renewal. The event, held from March 15 to 19, 2025, took place at the serene AdvenTours Health Farm in Miagao, Iloilo.

Focused on providing both spiritual nourishment and physical and mental transformation, the Health Camp featured a distinguished team from Aenon Healthcare Malaysia. The team included Dr. Ted Chew, Mrs. Annie Chew, Dr. Lee Yew Hoong, Mrs. Chung Soot Mei, Mr. Siew Chue Kong, Mrs. Ching Soot Wai, and Karen Cheng.

The initiative was designed to equip pastors and their families with vital health knowledge and medical missionary skills, empowering them to serve their congregations more effectively.

Pastor Kerry Estrebilla, the president of WVC, expressed his gratitude for the event, stating, "God is worthy of praise for this wonderful occasion taking place here at AdvenTours Health Farm. The dream of hosting a program at this center, which highlights the health ministry of our conference, is gradually becoming a reality. Currently, there is an ongoing seminar in partnership with Aenon Healthcare Malaysia."

As the world encounters increasing resistance to the gospel, medical missionary work presents new opportunities for ministry. Dr. Chew highlighted this idea by stating, "In the last days, people will be resistant to the preaching of the gospel. However, when you combine it with medical missionary work, it can break through those barriers. I have witnessed this time and again."

Each day at the health camp began with morning health checks, which included monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. This was followed by a devotional session led by Mrs. Chew, who emphasized the importance of integrating health reform into our spiritual mission. She expressed, "We are truly convinced that we should help and teach our people, especially Seventh-day Adventists, to share this good news—the everlasting gospel and a healthy lifestyle—because this is an essential part of the Three Angels' Messages."

A holistic approach to wellness was the camp's focus, incorporating exercise, nutrition, and emotional well-being. "Move It" exercise sessions by Kong encouraged daily stretching and movement.

Healthy Meal Preparation by Cheng showcased straightforward, nutritious, and delicious plant-based cooking, highlighting the phrase "You are what you eat."

During the health camp, participants are encouraged to take Daily Digestive Walks—a 30-minute walk after meals to aid digestion and promote better health. Cheng demonstrated simple, nutritious, and delicious plant-based cooking, emphasizing the saying, "What you eat is what you are."

Several enlightening lectures on essential health topics were conducted by Mrs. Soot Mei, covering Emotional & Mental Well-being, "How Emotions Affect My Spiritual Growth," "Managing Stress: The Good & The Bad," and "Handling Expectations Wisely."

This includes a presentation by Dr. Lee Yew Hoong on common health concerns and natural remedies, covering topics such as hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, cancer prevention, lifestyle changes, joint diseases, and natural healing.

Additionally, there will be discussions on natural healing principles, emphasizing that "perfect health depends on perfect blood circulation" (presented by Dr. Chew) and "the power of natural remedies" (presented by Mrs. Chung Soot Mei).

Dr. Lee shared an encouraging message about disease prevention: "Preventing and treating many common diseases is quite simple. The key requirement is having the motivation and desire to change your diet and lifestyle, and to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine."

The utimate goal of this initiative is not only to support ministers and their spouses but also to promote health reform within local churches and communities. Dr. Lee emphasized the vital role that pastors play in this movement, stating, "Pastors play a crucial role in the growth of the church. That’s why our team came to the West Visayan Conference—to equip you to lead the way in health and wellness."

Pastor Estrebilla echoed this vision, referencing Ellen G. White's Ministry of Healing, which says, "We pray and dream that this health movement will spread to our churches. But it must start with our pastors—because those who take the lead in this movement must be the shepherds of the flock."

Pastor Rey Portugalete urged his fellow ministers to embrace medical missionary work: "Please join our ranks as we learn more skills for medical missionary work through these health camp series. Together, we can bring true healing—physically, mentally, and spiritually—to the people we serve."

The WVC Health Camp is more than just an event—it is a movement to integrate faith and wellness, ensuring that God's workers are equipped, energized, and empowered to fulfill their mission.

The principles shared in this camp are universal truths—health is a gift from God, and we are stewards of our bodies. The West Visayan Conference continues to pave the way for a healthier, stronger church, one step at a time.

Catherine Princetia Bernal, West Visayan Conference

The article's original version was published on the official Facebook page of the West Visayan Conference.