The Cedar Rapids Seventh-day Adventist Church successfully held its first NEWSTART Health Expo in June, drawing 17 unchurched community members and numerous local congregants. The event, part of a proven outreach initiative, marks a significant step in the church’s community engagement efforts. Over 30 volunteers contributed to the expo, many participating in such an event for the first time. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from volunteers indicates strong support for future initiatives.
The expo, preceded by a 3k walk with 55 church volunteers, offered free health screenings and wellness information. Medical professionals, including Dr. Sharon Collins and massage therapist Julie Morse, provided expert guidance to attendees.
“This expo is what I need right now,” said one unchurched attendee who received prayer just 20 minutes into the event. Another recent widower participant spent over two hours at the expo and has since been regularly attending church services.
The event’s success builds on Pastor Essam Habib’s experience organizing four similar expos in other districts over the past decade. “The NEWSTART Health Expo has consistently proven to be an effective tool for community outreach and evangelism,” said Pastor Habib. “It opens doors to spiritual conversations through addressing physical health needs.”
