Most corporations write their mission statements on paper and file them away, often leaving customers unaware of the company’s purpose and driving force. At Adventist Health, however, mission is manifest in hospital facilities and employee-driven ministries.

“The deliberate placement of icons and art within Adventist Health facilities illustrates our commitment to sharing God’s love and communicating the healing ministry of Christ,” explained Wayne Judd, assistant vice president of mission and planning at Adventist Health. “Especially in this ‘experience economy,’ we seek to provide our patients, visitors and employees with whole person care—aesthetically pleasing environments, compassionate care and enriching encounters.”

Though the media and methods may vary, the underlying message remains the same. Featured below are examples of “Mission Illustrated” at Adventist Health.

“Garden of Eden”—Castle Medical Center, Kailua, Hawaii

Hawaii’s soaring Koolaus Mountains and lush vegetation are depicted on a custom-designed, stained glass mural located in Castle Medical Center’s chapel. Some believe it to be the warm spring of the Castle “mana” (spirit). Inspiration for Hawaii’s “Garden of Eden” was drawn from the state motto: “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness”—and Isaiah 42:12—“Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim His praise in the islands.”

Nearly 2,000 hand-cut pieces of slab glass comprise this breathtaking 18-feet-wide by eight-feet-high mural, meticulously designed and constructed by Clinton W. Conley, art instructor for 30-plus years at Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, assisted by student employees of the former Rio Glass Works in Healdsburg, Calif.

The backlit mural’s natural scenery and soothing sounds of a water fountain invite patients, family members, visitors and employees to come into this quiet place to find rest, hope and healing for their souls.

“Christ, Our Healer”—Paradise Valley Hospital, National City, Calif.

Paradise Valley Hospital (PVH) has bronzed its mission statement, set front and center for all to experience, understand and enjoy. “Christ, Our Healer,” located in the middle of the circular drive at the main entrance to the hospital, features a larger-than-life figure of Christ helping to care for a baby resting in his mother’s lap. Another child is at her side.

The concept for “Christ, Our Healer”—a 1,500-pound sculpture created by Alan Collins—originated in the 1980s. Dedicated in 1991, money for this project was donated from employees, medical staff and friends, coordinated through the hospital’s foundation.

“We want all who pass by it—physicians, employees, volunteers, patients and guests—to feel beckoned and reassured by this visual portrayal of our Christian identity and spiritual mission, regardless of personal philosophy or belief,” said Terry Hansen, president and CEO of PVH.

“The Christ of Kern County”—San Joaquin Community Hospital, Bakersfield, Calif.

This large, framed mural, featuring Christ among scenery of the San Joaquin Valley, is prominently displayed in the main lobby of San Joaquin Community Hospital (SJCH). Painted by Elfred Lee, “The Christ of Kern County” was commissioned by the hospital in 1987.

While the 15x10 mural is displayed prominently in the hospital’s main lobby, it’s also close to the hearts of SJCH’s caregivers. Pocket-sized “Survival Kits” featuring a reproduction of “Christ of Kern County” were given to more than 800 employees at a recent event. The cards feature a segment of the painting, incorporate inspirational texts from the Bible, list Adventist Health’s mission statement and other helpful stress-busters.

“People comment on ‘Christ of Kern County’ all the time,” said Sandy Wyman, director of pastoral care at SJCH. “Positive feedback from employees was also received from our most recent spiritual life survey. We’ve also recently purchased 15 prints by artist Nathan Greene to display in various units.”

Physical art isn’t the only form of artistic representation within Adventist Health. Musical and dramatic talents also abound.

AHMen—Adventist Health’s Corporate Office, Roseville, Calif.

Adventist Health’s corporate office in Roseville shares its musical talents through the octet AHMen (Adventist Health Men). The Ahmen’s mission is to bring glory to God and to uplift their fellow human beings. The group keeps a busy schedule performing at local Adventist churches and at organizational functions.

The Epiphany Trio—White Memorial Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif.

Nothing reaches the heart more deeply or transcends cultural, religious and ethnic barriers like music. The Epiphany Trio features the vocal talents of White Memorial Medical Center (WMMC) employees Madelaine Ayala-Melenciano, social worker; Janet Shaw, respiratory therapist; and Sophie Falcon-Cordero, occupational therapist.

“These three women are dedicated to their health care professions, but they are also sincere Christians who desire to uplift God through their musical talents,” said WMMC Chaplain Paul Crampton.

Epiphany performs primarily at hospital events and is working on recording their music, thanks to the donated talents and equipment of Mediy Rangingispan, a fellow employee who is also a sound producer.

The White Memorial Drama Team

Still in its infancy, the White Memorial Drama Team aims to share biblical truth and God’s love to a diverse community. Led by Chaplain Elias Molina, the group presents dramatic sketches featuring God’s love and humanity’s love working together and other expressions of spirituality.

“Drama is a non-threatening way to present serious topics,” explained Molina. “The audience can relate to the actors since they are fellow employees. They can take what’s relevant to them from our performances and apply it to their own lives.”

The St. Helena Hospital Men’s Chorus—St. Helena Hospital, Deer Park, Calif.

The St. Helena Hospital Men’s Chorus began in the spring of 1981, and they’ve been on the road many weekends ever since. Led by director Wendy Skeels, the 40-member chorus began as a small group that was assembled to sing for a spiritual emphasis weekend at the hospital.

“Many men who sing in the chorus have said this is their ‘weekly therapy,’” said Skeels. “From an audience perspective, many have shared that when words can no longer reach them, the music does.”

Scheduled at least 10 months in advance, most of the chorus’ performances are for Adventist churches. The group also presents several programs during the Christmas season at the Yountville Signs Memorial Church.

Creative methods of illustrating Adventist Health’s mission of sharing God’s love are helping reach individual hearts for eternity.