As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe in a better city and life. It doesn't only pertain to that "better city" in heaven – the New Jerusalem and eternal life – but it also concerns having a more abundant life.
For this, the Ministry of Healing, page 143 counsels us: "Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, 'Follow Me.'"
To illustrate this, Pastor Wilson introduces Dr. Manuel Alva, a physician in the Adventist Community Services Center of Influence in Chicago, Illinois, reaching urban people through health ministry.
As one who has experienced high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other health problems, he knows how it feels to be sick. By applying the eight easy principles of health, he has restored his health. And he has become a different person with God's intervention.
Inspired by this experience, he conducts health seminars and cooking demonstrations in his clinic. There are also spiritual lectures about humility, forgiveness, overcoming anxiety, and others.
With this, Dr. Alva wants to plant a seed in every person who visits his clinic. Through that seed, he envisions that the entire city will germinate and bear fruit for God's glory through their conversion stories.
May this story be a blessing that will inspire you to find ways of reaching more people for Jesus wherever you are.