The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Western Venezuelan Union, one of its administrative headquarters in the country, recently celebrated the impact of a health initiative developed throughout 2025 in the southwest region. The program, known as Health in Mission, mobilized Adventist health professionals and active church members to address the urgent physical and emotional needs of thousands of people during that year.

Orlando Ramírez, president of the Venezuelan Union of the West, explained that this health action has become essential as Venezuela continues to face severe economic and medical challenges.

“Many people cannot access sufficient services through the public health system, while private care is inaccessible to most,” Ramírez emphasized.

In response, the Adventist Church developed an ongoing strategy that combines free medical assistance, emotional support, and discipleship, while also mobilizing local congregations to form small community health groups.

Laying the foundations for community impact

Before each major medical brigade, churches formed small health groups that conducted several weeks of wellness classes and built relationships with community members, Ramírez explained. Following this preparation period, volunteer Adventist doctors, the union's missionary team, and outside donors collaborated to offer free clinics.

This year, the outreach program provided medical services to more than 5,000 people in San Cristóbal, Táchira state, according to organizers. Services included dental care, gynecology, pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiology, gastroenterology, nutrition, psychology, physical therapy, general surgery, and ophthalmology.

“From the first months of the year, our organizing team worked intensively to ensure the necessary spiritual, logistical, and medical preparations to effectively impact the communities of San Cristóbal,” said Nancy Perdomo de Rivas, director of Health Ministries for the Western Venezuelan Union. “During this initial phase, we strengthened partnerships with Adventist health institutions, local congregations, and dedicated volunteers who share the message of hope that characterizes the Seventh-day Adventist Church.”

Five-phase strategy for a comprehensive ministry

Health in Mission was developed in five phases, beginning in January in coordination with the Southwest Conference of Venezuela. The process encompassed everything from training and organizing small health groups to connecting with community members, offering medical clinics, and spreading the gospel, and concluded with nurturing new interest through discipleship, which culminated in November.

“After receiving three or four weeks of health instruction, people are invited to the free medical clinics,” Rivas said. “People were fully prepared and eager to come and receive care.”

From October 18 to 24, medical professionals and church members worked together at eight preaching centers in six districts of the San Cristóbal metropolitan area, offering what Rivas described as the "threefold ministry of Jesus," which includes teaching, preaching, and healing. Administrators, departmental leaders, pastors, elders, teachers, and laypeople joined forces with healthcare professionals from the Barquisimeto Adventist Hospital, Adventist clinics, and various wellness centers to serve thousands of people.

Ramirez noted that the donor ministries and Samaritan's Purse, which provided medicines, have played a key role in supporting the initiative.

Celebrating the decisions and the ongoing transformation

At the conclusion of the health campaign on October 25, more than 1,200 church leaders and members gathered at the Arminio Gutiérrez Gymnasium to celebrate the baptism of 10 new believers and reflect on the spiritual impact of the initiative. In total, 353 people joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church thanks to the combined efforts of healthcare and evangelism.

“This week, we witnessed the glorious manifestation of God’s power. Through the influence of the Holy Spirit, many hearts were touched: men, women, and children surrendered their lives to Jesus,” said Ramírez. “The project not only serves the community but also mobilizes the church, so organizing in small groups has been essential.”

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