June 20, 2025 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | Naiyah Van Why for Adventist Review
A couple of years ago I was convicted to begin a health group at my church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As I began learning more about nutrition, I was discouraged by the seeming disinterest in my church. I remember thinking, The church needs to know about this! It struck me that our church was commissioned with the health message, but it felt as though no one was practicing these lifesaving principles. I wished that someone would step up and start a health ministry. Then I realized that I could be that person! I may not know everything, but I was willing and able, and that is all God asks for.
I was absolutely terrified to begin; I had no idea where to start or what to do, so I asked our church what they wanted. I created a paper survey to determine members’ health needs and what type of health counsel they felt was best for our local church. There was an overwhelming response for a plant-based cooking class, so that was the first thing we did.
I began with a presentation on plant-based nutrition, and we learned how to cook several healthy dishes, including cornbread and butternut squash pasta. After this meeting I began an eight laws of health series covering individual health principles, followed by fellowship and nutritious food.
My goal for this group was to inspire people to take care of the “temples” God gave us so we could be ready and able to do His work. Though the class was small, its impact was real. Several church members began to make changes to their lifestyle, implementing what they learned and finding great rewards in doing so. What started as a small ministry has become an ongoing opportunity to serve others through health and education.
If you haven’t considered it, I encourage you to start your own health ministry in your town! We need to share the health message with the world, but how can we do that if our own church knows nothing about it? You don’t have to have certain qualifications or abilities. I certainly didn’t. God is willing to use anyone! If you have questions and concerns, ask God. He’s more than willing to hear your prayers and worries.
Naiyah Van Why studied nutrition and dietetics at the University of New Mexico. She currently works for Castle Valley Academy near Moab, Utah, United States.