Webinar Showcases Flavorful and Fast Vegan Cooking

The Arkansas-Louisiana presented its first-ever live cooking demonstration webinar on March 18. Seeking to put to rest the idea that cooking vegan meals is either too time-consuming or doesn’t produce tasty results, Marjorie Belizaire, health ministries director, showed that a flavorful full meal dish could be prepared and served in less than 30 minutes. Hillis Jeffries, who pastors the Lake Charles and DeRidder churches in Louisiana, stepped away from the pulpit for a moment to join Belizaire in the kitchen. The goal was to prepare a beautiful, delicious vegan “chicken” cacciatore dinner in a short amount of time in our own conference kitchen.

Jeffries and Belizaire emphasized the physical and cognitive benefits of each item used in the meal preparation and meticulously detailed each step in the process. Viewers learned that olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and has strong anti-inflammatory properties, garlic not only improves cholesterol levels but boosts the immune system and spinach and basil are both linked to better cognitive function (as well as having a host of other benefits). Everything was made from fresh ingredients, rich in vitamins and fiber. 

Since this was the first time for a webinar of its kind hosted by our conference, we were pleased to see the viewership quickly reach the low hundreds during the presentation. Within hours of airing, the number of views climbed to nearly 1,000. For a small conference, this level of engagement was considered a success. 

We’re very appreciative of those who supported this outreach and thankful also to those who shared it and continue to do so. This video can still be seen on our Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Facebook page and YouTube. 

Juliana Mercado, administrative assistant for the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Youth and Young Adult Department, managed the technical aspects of the webinar, marking her first experience in broadcasting an event of this kind. Her efforts were instrumental in making the presentation a success.

Before the webinar aired, health ministries leaders in various churches promoted the event, encouraging members to share it with friends and neighbors. Many participants even purchased their groceries in advance, preparing to cook along with the host. 

The final plate of sauce-covered vegetables can be served on a bed of noodles or rice.  “The blend of flavors and knowing that it was a healthy mix did my soul good,” said one participant. “The results were both delicious and truly satisfying.” 

In the spirit of health evangelism, we plan to have future webinars to reach out to those seeking a better lifestyle by implementing the natural laws of health put in place by our Maker. We look forward to hydrotherapy training; mental health talks; and discussions on the importance of rest, exercise and time spent with our Heavenly Father. 

By Frances Alcorn, Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Communication Director

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