by Lauren Powell
“What could a small congregation of 100 members do to reach out to the community,” questioned Patricia Powell, Health Ministries leader at Venice, Fla., Church. For some time, she had entertained the idea of holding a health fair. After all, other churches with God’s help were conducting health fairs. Why couldn’t her church?
She really became motivated after reading a statement by Dr. Ben Carson, “We should not be satisfied with ordinary attainments. If we can do something of ourselves (in ‘our own’ power), then it’s not big enough, and we cheat God of an opportunity to show us and the world what only He can do.”
Believing through God that anything and everything is possible, the Church members moved forward in faith to hold one of the largest community events they had ever hosted. The goal for the fair was to gain community presence while spreading the powerful health message with a theme of Stay Strong, Live Long. Among the 23 exhibitors were:
- Venice Regional Hospital
- Florida Blood Center Bus
- Literature Evangelists
- Smoking Cessation Programs
- Full Plate Diet
- Community Health Professionals
Sponsors for the health fair included: Home Depot, Whole Foods, Office Depot, and Publix.
The Stay Strong, Live Long Health Fair helped Venice Church bond with individuals in the community, and many have signed up for various health-enrichment programs. The new church ties created with the community are invaluable, and church members offer thanks to God for the benefits both they and the community received through the Health Fair.