Ninety-seven people participated in a free Health and Wellness Expo hosted by the Gladstone Seventh-day Adventist Church and Greater Kansas City Ethiopian Seventh-day Adventist Group last September. The event was held at a local community center with the help of over 50 volunteers, including nurses from North Kansas City Hospital, students from Concord College and Northland
CAPS, and church members and friends.
Attendees visited stations related to the eight laws of health—nutrition, exercise, water, sunlight, temperance, air, rest, and trust in God—and participated in various assessments and activities including bloodpressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol screenings, body fat percentage, cardiovascular fitness, lung capacity and massage. Books and tracts were available in both English and Amharic, and elders were present to talk or pray with people as needed.
A mobile food pantry was available for part of the afternoon as well and served 28 families. Raffle prizes were drawn throughout the day. There was also a Kids Corner for children of volunteers and health expo participants that offered face painting, games and goody bags.
This was the third and most well-attended health expo the church has hosted, and discussions are already underway for next year’s event.
Alyce Kelsey is the Gladstone Church communication leader.
