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In the early days of the Adventist Movement the ‘Health Message’ was known as the ‘right arm of the church’.  People then, less so than now, were interested in learning about healthier ways to live. Hospital and sanitariums sprang up in which patients learned the benefits of hydrotherapy, exercise, healthy eating and much more.rnrnThese days most of us have little or no contact with a hospital or health clinic bearing our church name. Unlike the old days when career choices were apparently limited to being a pastor, nurse, teacher, or secretary we now have people working in a wide range of occupations and doctors and nurses in the local congregation aren’t necessarily well-represented.rnrnThis does not mean that the Health Message is becoming a weak right arm. The Health Message today is as relevant as it has ever been and possibly even easier to implement in local churches than ever before.rnrnToday local churches have a raft of support services available through the NZPUC. A bigger picture of whole-person health has emerged. Health Ministries is more than how many vegetarian cooking classes your church does in a year. It is looking at our communities and asking ‘what is their need, how can we meet it?’ Health Ministries is supporting churches in becoming a part of the Adventist Movement.rnrnTo achieve this, supportive and collaborative networks  have been developed with our colleague ministries resulting in a much stronger and solid foundation by which to lead and support our churches, schools, and other entities within the NZPUC. Adventist Health Ministries is working closely with Discipleship, Education, ADRA, and HOPE to bring about the cultural change that is needed for the 21st century. The evolving focus of our collaboration is on “how can my church or school become or continue being a positive ‘influence’ within my community?”  Local or national government agencies are also part of the conversation.rnrnOur wonderful health message (focusing on whole person health) is the key to making inroads into a secular society filled with pain, suffering, and heartache. We have a message and way of life that will heal, restore, and bring relief, while teaching resilience to those who yearn for a better way of life. It can empower those who use it in their ministry.rnrnBut most importantly, once we have shown them “sympathy”, and “ministered to their needs”, we will “win their confidence” and then we can ask those we help to (like us) follow Jesus (ChS 119.3)rnrn“I came so they can have real and eternal live, more and better life than they ever dreamed of” John 10:10