Venezuela: Adventists take a stand against smoking

Hundreds of marchers from some 30 Seventh-day Adventist Churches took to the streets of Barquisimeto with signs and banners to take a stand against the consumption of tobacco, on June 1, 2013. Images by David Buenaño/IAD

June 19, 2013 – Barquisimeto, Venezuela…David Buenaño/IAD Staff

More than 2,000 Seventh-day Adventists marched through the streets of Barquisimeto in west central Venezuela earlier this month to speak out against tobacco and drug consumption. Holding banners and signs, young and old promoted a healthier lifestyle as they marched 18 blocks. The march ended at Ayacucho Park Plaza for a special program.

Young and old hold up signs through the streets of Barquisimeto, in West Venezuela during the special march.

Gabriel Guerrero, a municipal leader representing the mayor’s office of Irribaren, thanked the Adventist Church for their support in the fight against the drug epidemic.

“The work that you are doing as a church is admirable and altruistic, you seek peace and the welfare of others,” said Guerrero as he addressed the crowd and onlookers. “The church can count on the support of the municipal district’s office for any event that can benefit our community.”

An onlooker gets her blood pressure taken at the Ayacucho Park during the health expo gathering after the two kilometer march.

Onlookers were directed to a set of booth exhibits where they could learn about nutritious foods and a healthier lifestyle.

“When we organized this march, we didn’t only think about speaking out as a church and organization against tobacco and its effects,” said Pastor Miguel Berbis, health ministries director for the west central church in Venezuela. “We wanted our friends neighbors and special guests to attain a healthier lifestyle while attending in our health expo.”

The event was part of celebrating the World Health Organization’s No Tobacco Day observed every May 31 around the world. The activity also provided medical check-ups and intercessory prayer.

Church administrators, leaders and members joined the more than 30 area churches in the event, according to Berbis.

More health expos are planned in the coming months said Berbis.

For more information on the church in West Venezuela, visit unionvenezolana.org