Outreach and Mission

DENTON – More than 100 individuals attended a health fair at the Denton First Seventh-day Adventist Church this past September. Community volunteers offered health screenings, a blood drive, wellness evaluations, flu shots, Better Living tips and more.

“Before the health fair, I had not heard of the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor had I seen it as a strong community presence in Denton County,” one Texas Health Resources nurse stated. She was providing flu shots for anyone attending the health fair. “I am very pleased to see how the church brought together not only health and wellness, but also community groups to help families, homeless communities and serve as advocates for children and women in the community. This is amazing.”

While the community is fast becoming aware of how Denton First church is collaborating, participating and organizing projects alongside local community groups who advocate for individuals and families that need help, the urgency for service and mission comes within the church membership. “Once the needs of our neighbors are addressed, they can more readily receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Derek Lazarus, Denton First church pastor shared. Service to others has fueled the church community into community mission, a goal Lazarus has been actively working on. For anyone attending the health fair, this statement was witnessed by the awareness of individuals who walked through the door, visited the booths and left with information about the church, along with plenty of material for physical and spiritual well-being.

“I had seen the sign outside announcing the health fair for weeks,” recalls Tony, Denton county resident. “I don’t know this church, so didn’t think much of it, but two weeks ago I lost my job. We just stopped in to see what it was about and now my family has received vaccinations. It’s amazing how God places this spirit of care in the hearts of others.”

“As Christians, this is what we are called to do. To help our neighbors, our brothers and sisters,” Lazarus adds. “It is an enormous privilege to engage with community groups that have the same vision of helping others. This is how we begin planting the seeds of hope, service and ministry in our community.”

By Dixil L. Rodriguez