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To fulfill the mission to preach, teach, and model health and well-being by reflecting God's love in serving, the leaders of the Health Ministries department across the Central Philippine Union Conference gathered for a priority program cascading and consultative meeting.

The advisory meeting took place at the CPUC headquarters in Gorordo Ave., Kamputhaw, Cebu City, on Feb. 12, 2024, with the theme "Unifying Faith, Health, and Community."

Pastor Gaudencio Buque, director of the Health Ministries Department for the CPUC, spearheaded the meeting with the presence of Mrs. Ma. Rizaline Alfanoso, DrPH, and director of the Health Ministries Department for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.

The meeting started with a morning devotional, during which attendees sought God's guidance and direction for the year ahead. The leaders also reviewed the mission, vision, and core values that a CPUC worker must embody before outlining and discussing the topics of their gathering.

The gathering addressed several key initiatives, including health-gospel evangelism throughout CPUC, health and lifestyle conferences, leadership seminars for local church health ministry leaders, and annual health emphasis in all local churches. Discussions also focused on an evangelism collaboration with the Adventist Mission department to reach elite societies, Muslim, Chinese, and unentered communities.

The leaders also emphasized the need for regular health certification training for pastors and church leaders to enhance the effective and rapid dissemination of health programs.

This certification training will improve the implementation of "Heal Thy Lifestyle" programs in local churches. It will also support health initiatives across the union, including the celebration of Nutrition Month, the observance of Health Emphasis Week, ICPA Forums, Drug Prevention Week, and programs focused on smoking cessation and addiction recovery.

In relation to these initiatives, all missions and conferences should also join the International Cooking Show, which will take place in July. Each entity must submit a three-minute video on healthy viand, smoothie, and drink preparation.

Another agenda discussed was the digitalization program, including the Online Health Survey Plan and the Online Health Certification Program.

Digitalization programs bridge geographical barriers, especially for pastors and church leaders in remote areas, as digitalization can improve access to vital information and resources.

These programs can deliver essential health training tools, updates on best practices, and educational materials directly to remote locations, enhancing the leaders' ability to implement effective health initiatives within their communities.

Digital tools can also facilitate communication and collaboration, allowing remote leaders to connect with experts, share experiences, and access support networks, ultimately strengthening their capacity to promote health and well-being.

An online health survey plan helps gather data on a church's health needs. These data can then be used to develop targeted health programs and track the impact of interventions.

In addressing those who have no phones or internet access, Dr. Alfanoso said, "The leaders can print the surveys for them and guide them in answering. Or the leaders can lend their phones and assist them in answering."

She added that the problem of undelivered pre-event circular memoranda could then be avoided.

Another program introduced is the "Online Health Certification Program," a weekly one-hour international health leadership training program for church leaders. SSD initiates this program and requires satisfactory compliance from participants.

The Health Ministries department also gears towards multimedia ministry wherein each mission and conference should collaborate with television and radio networks and create health-emphasis programs.

To further strengthen the health ministry, the leaders decided to organize Adventist health professionals. This will enable them to create a network of health advocates who can conduct various programs. Additionally, the leaders can invite those interested to become medical missionaries.

The leaders also stressed the importance of addressing mental health issues by organizing programs and conducting surveys. By assessing the prevalence and specific mental health needs within the church, the department can develop awareness programs. Additionally, they can provide accessible and supportive mental health services to promote mental well-being and resilience.

Due to the large number of programs, calendars for activities were also distributed and addressed to synchronize them with SSD-wide initiatives.

In closing the event, Dr. Alfanoso expressed gratitude to all the leaders for their enthusiasm in guiding the departments within the health ministry. He particularly thanked Pastor Buque for ensuring that the programs launched and facilitated by the SSD and General Conference are effectively channeled and disseminated.

The meeting concluded successfully, with each leader returning home with a sense of commitment to make 2025 a year of more intensive health evangelism.

Lyn Lucero, CPUC Communication Department