02 August 2009

Health Expo creates impact in Johor Bahru

“There has never been an event like this in Johor Bahru but the Seventh-day Adventist Church made it first to happen to reach out to the public in such a huge scale,” said Pastor Samuel Money, district pastor for the Adventist church in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, about the City Health Expo held on August 2-3.

During this event, 15 volunteers drove from Kuala Lumpur to Johore Bahru to join with the local team in this first expo organized by the Seventh-day Adventist church in cooperation with the City of Johor Bahru and the local government.

The expo kicked off with the opening ceremony headed by Y.B. Mok, municipal councilor of the area. Y.B. Datuk Shahrir, Member of Parliament, was expected to attend but he did not make it due to a pressing appointment. He, however, sent his financial contribution in appreciation to the services provided by the Adventist church to the community.

The 60-member volunteers consisting of four medical doctors, five nurses, four Information Technology specialists, four pastors, elders, youth, mothers, and church members tirelessly worked to serve the community through health screening, counseling, cooking and hydrotherapy demonstration, exercise, and temperance awareness, among others.

It was a sight to see church members from the far districts of Pontian, Kulai, Skudai, Kota Masai, Mega Ria, Ulu Tiram, as well as from nearby churches in Johor Bahru came in full force to support the event.

“The event was a showcase of God’s love to His people,” a participant was heard saying. “What you have been doing is very noble. Mind you, everything is free, the doctors and other staff services. Why do you do this?” she asked.

“Of course she got my quick and humble answer: ‘As members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, God has blessed us with a lot of things—good health, most importantly—and we want to share these to people like you’.”

Health expo leaders observed that the impact created by this program expo will go a long way in advancing the Lord’s work in this field of labor and the management recognizes the all-out support of church leaders and members in making this a success. [Jane B Yap]