Dozens of enthusiastic health ministry leaders came together on August 8-11 for an inspiring time of training and fellowship. Dr Lhalaine Alfanoso, Division Health Ministries director, planned the Advisory with the vision to build momentum for partnerships and outreach in the larger communities across the territory. Government public health officials and researchers made presentations, inviting the church to join hands and collaborate to make communities healthier. Stop smoking programs, addiction prevention and recovery were among the areas identified as needed in the Philippines. Leaders from other countries shared reports of how health is opening to way to serve and meet the needs of community members and to share God’s love and compassion. Training for division wide addiction prevention and recovery is scheduled to happen in 2017. The goal is to prepare and equip health workers and lay members to be actively involved reaching the cities through comprehensive health ministries.
