Students offering health screening at a local Food Lion
“Will you be a speaker at one of the monthly meetings for international students at the University of Virginia?” asked a distinguished-looking lady on the last day of a health seminar held at my church. What an excellent opportunity to share the health message!
Three Hartland students came with me to the meeting where over seventy people gathered for a friendship night. The University of Virginia (UVA) students bonded with the Hartland students while learning new ways to stay healthy. “You are welcome back anytime,” the organizers told me. “Will you do a presentation again in February or March?”
The lady who invited us wants to help our students colporteur and give Bible studies to UVA students. And yes, we are planning a cooking class there next spring.
I also had the privilege of organizing the students in the Health Outreach class to give free chair massages and blood pressure check-ups on Sundays. This term, they went to two local Food Lion stores, as well as a Lutheran church where the Three Angels’ Chorale gave a concert. The reception was excellent. A lady who received a massage at Food Lion said, “It was great! If I had time, I would do it again.” The pastor of the Lutheran church commented, “Our members especially appreciated the food samples. Let’s plan a cooking class in my church.”
At another event, we gave out food samples and massages in a local library. Jim, a neighbor from Rapidan, attended, but not on purpose! “I went to the library to check my email,” he says. “One of the students met me at the door and said, ‘Come into the conference room and get a free back massage.’ So I did. Afterward, he gave me some pamphlets about his school.”
Jim decided to check Hartland out. Not knowing much about Adventism, he was tentative about the kind of reception he would get at Hartland. “I felt really awkward coming here,” he recalls, “but I am glad that you are so friendly and receptive.” Before he left, he stopped at Hartland Publications and bought The Great Controversy.
It is my joy to see how Hartland students touch the people’s hearts through the health message. Please pray that the Lord will continue to bless these contacts.
