Murray Barracks Seventh-day Adventist church in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, conducted a mini-health expo on Sunday, June 3.
Based on the NEWSTART lifestyle program, the day-long event was held in the main gymnasium at the local army barracks, with attendees including community members and soldiers who live at the barracks.
In line with the acronym NEWSTART, health stations were set up to cover aspects of nutrition, exercise, water, sunlight, temperance, air, rest and pastoral counselling. Basic tests were conducted, including body mass index (BMI), glucose and blood pressure. Demonstrations on the use of home therapy and natural remedies were much appreciated by the attendees.
Children were taught the basics of good health, in their own special way, and ended their day with a promise to choose healthy habits on a “health passport”.
The local conference’s Adventist Book Centre team had health resources and books on display.
Local church health director Ruth Paun was overwhelmed with the support of church members and local medical professionals who volunteered their time and effort to reach the community with messages of health and wellness.
She said most of the health issues in PNG are preventable so efforts should be directed towards encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.
“The health message given to us is truly the right arm of the gospel to reach our people with the good news of salvation, as Christ our Lord demonstrated during His ministry on earth,” she affirmed.
Another health expo is planned for October when a follow up on the tests will be conducted to gauge improvements in health.