Now is a good time to reflect on your health. How have you been caring for your body temple during 2025? Have you been doing things or caring for your body in ways that bring honor and glory to God? It may seem unnecessary or even unimportant but as stewards you have been entrusted with the awesome task of keeping your temple fit physically, emotionally and spiritually. Your body is a temple which implies holiness. Romans 12: 1, 2 says to present your body as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God and be transformed by the renewing of your mind. This means that you should be careful to treat your body, mind and soul well always giving God your best.                    

Being healthy is something God wants for you. In your humanness, it may seem like an arduous task, but God does not leave you helpless. If He asks you to do something, He will definitely help you to do it. If you are serious about it, obedient and are committed to being in the best health possible, then you can do so because God promised He will help you.

We have been given the Health Message over 100 years ago through Sis. Ellen White.  It is all about making healthy food choices, being physically active, choosing water as your main beverage, basking in the sunlight, being temperate in all things, breathing in fresh invigorating air, getting enough rest and sleep and putting your trust in God alone. It is not all about vegetarianism. However, it is a prescribed dietary choice, not a forced one. It is also your responsibility to know, live and share the Health Message.

Just imagine every member prospering in good health! Can you imagine what that will do for us and our witness? It will totally transform us; our church membership will grow, and God will definitely be pleased and honoured.

Today, we celebrate Health Emphasis Day across our Conference. I implore you to support the work being done in your church. Encourage your Health Ministries team, pray for them and support them. Help to strengthen the right arm of the Gospel in your congregation.

Dr. Franc Geneus, our IAD Health Ministries Director calls us to action, “We invite you to consider how each of you can be a part of this work. Reflect on your own role in the Health Ministries and seek ways to get involved. Whether by serving in your community, sharing your time, or supporting those on the front lines of ministry, every action counts. Let us pray together for the strength and wisdom to carry out this great mission. May the Lord richly bless you in your commitment to be bearers of His love and hope in the world.”

We look forward to sharing and promoting health even more in 2026. There will be inter-church wellness challenges, health evangelism training, health expos, fitness boot camp, health screenings, 8 Weeks to Wellness Boot Camp, health seminars and workshops that will cater to all ages. Stay tuned and plan to participate so you can get fit physically, emotionally and spiritually bringing honor and glory to God.

                                                                                                                                                 Shandera Smith serves as the  Health Ministries Director (since 2022) of the South Bahamas Conference.  Smith has dedicated her life to health and wellness, working in the Dietitian and Nutrition Unit at the Department of Health, Ministry of Health in the Bahamas. Smith also serves as the secretary of the South Bahamas Conference ASI Chapter.