For Tehachapi church, a desire to connect with the local community has brought about a full calendar of events. This summer, the church hosted a “Health Expo Plus” event at a local park on the main street through town. “This event was the first ever of this magnitude hosted in Tehachapi by our church,” Pastor Jose Gutierrez explained.
Church members of various professions stepped up, including a dentist and dental assistant who offered free visual dental exams, including recommendations for better dental health. Two local barbers and a hairstylist offered more than 30 free haircuts for both adults and children. Several nurses from Tehachapi Valley Adventist Health joined to offer free blood pressure readings and health screenings.
Gutierrez shared how the church had heard from members of the community and, with the church’s desire to do evangelism, matched the event to the needs around them. Beyond dental exams and haircuts, the event offered a host of other health services that showcased keys to healthy living—all at no cost.
Beyond health services, the church utilized the opportunity to share about a handful of other ministries the church has to offer. The director for the Tehachapi church’s God’s Closet ministry was available to serve those who needed food and/or clothing. Free books, GLOW tracts, and other literature were offered on Bible Prophecy and living in the last days. A prayer area allowed those who had special prayer requests to receive prayer. A balloon artist made special creations in the Kids’ Corner. Free giveaways included cookbooks, Bibles, and activities for children.
The ministry didn’t conclude that day. “This event was a bridge event,” Gutierrez explained, “which will be followed by cooking classes teaching the plant-based way of eating healthy and a prophecy seminar.” These events are now taking place at the church and will continue in the following weeks and months.
“This community outreach was deemed a success, as many locals braved the heat and humidity (as well as a couple of short rain showers) to see what Health Expo Plus had to offer,” shared Lisa Molina, Tehachapi church secretary.
Throughout the event, 132 members of the community attended, 12 signed up for Bible studies, 15 families received food, 150 pieces of literature were shared, and many showed interest in Bible prophecies. Several people requested Bible studies, more information on healthy eating and the Seventh-day Adventist church, and future visits by the church outreach team.
