“The Adventist Health Message is our most powerful tool to live and share hope,” Dr. Roel Cea, director of Health Promoting Universities at Montemorelos University, recently shared with hundreds of attendees during a health promotion training in Colombia. “Every health principle we teach is an invitation to a life of purpose, balance, and faith,” he added.

The Seventh-day Adventist health message serves as a cornerstone of the church’s mission, offering a wholistic vision of well-being grounded in biblical principles, said Cea. He explained that this approach integrates physical, mental, and spiritual health, emphasizing the importance of healthy habits such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, sufficient rest, and—above all—hope in God. “It’s not just a set of practices; it’s a life philosophy designed to improve individual quality of life while also transforming communities through the sharing of these principles,” he stated.

This message was at the heart of two major health promotion congresses held recently in Colombia. The first took place in Cartagena from November 1-3 and the second in Bogotá from November 15-17, 2024.

Together, these events gathered over 600 health promoters, including professionals, church leaders, and community members, eager to become agents of change in their local community, organizers said.

Montemorelos University and the Inter-American Division (IAD) supported the congresses, which highlighted the Total Health initiative. This IAD-driven program, led by Montemorelos University, aimsopes to help individuals practice, share, and serve through the Adventist health message.

In Cartagena, attendees explored the Healthy Mind program—a 60-day plan promoting gratitude and acts of kindness as key practices for strengthening emotional well-being. Meanwhile, in Bogotá, the focus shifted to I Want to Live Healthy, a set of eight natural remedies designed to guide individuals toward a healthier lifestyle.

The principles covered included staying hydrated, maintaining a positive attitude, eating more salads, exercising, resting adequately, avoiding harmful foods, eating a hearty breakfast, limiting dinner portions, and fostering happiness. Both events underscored the critical intersection of faith, physical health, and mental wellness within the broader framework of healthy living.

Dr. Cea, along with Adriel Vega and Luis Aguilar, led the trainings, underscoring the need to empower leaders who can spread the health message within their churches and communities. “The goal is not just to transform individual lives but to create a collective impact that reflects the love and hope that come from God,” Dr. Cea explained.

These congresses are part of an ongoing partnership between Montemorelos University and the IAD, which seeks to extend the health message to other regions across the Division’s territory.

Looking ahead to 2025, plans are in place to further enhance the focus on mental health through both in-person and online courses. The goal is to make the Adventist Health Message a practical, effective tool for training leaders and church members, preparing communities to meet today’s challenges with hope and purpose.

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division website.