CHIP programs are sprouting up around the Pacific Union at a rapid pace. At the close of 2004, there were 23 Adventist churches in seven Pacific Union conferences that had conducted 23 of these life-changing, “Coronary Health Improvement Project” health education programs.

While making friends for the church, this 30-day, video-based ministry is changing lives for time and eternity. For Janet Larsen and her Calistoga team, CHIP has become an almost yearly custom, providing an unprecedented opportunity for the community to improve its health through an affordable, scientifically sound health program.

In the fall of 2004, Mary Lou Adams, a Roman Catholic, spoke with her doctor about her increasing problems with high cholesterol and diabetes. When Adams expressed her desire to avoid increasing medications, her doctor encouraged her to try the upcoming CHIP program.

Adams felt some apprehension about going to a Seventh-day Adventist church, but decided to attend the first night. She was unaware that seated at the same table were Pastor Owen Bandy and his wife, Gloria. During the program, Adams built friendships and interacted with disarming church members. At one point she remarked to Gloria, “I’ve been thinking about looking for a church to attend. Do you go to this church?”

At the end of the program, Adams' blood sugar level had dropped more than 53 points and her cholesterol dropped 88. Two weeks after the program ended, Larsen invited Adams to give her testimony in church about how CHIP had helped her. Thinking that this would be an opportunity to thank the church for providing this class, Adams agreed. She sat nervously on the front row waiting her turn to share.

By the time the service ended, she knew this church was where she wanted to be. “God is here,” she told the pastor. “I want to talk to you about what I have to do to join your church.” As she studied over the next few weeks, she commented more than once, “I would have never come here just to study the Bible with you, but CHIP opened the door.” On June 25, 2005, Adams was baptized.

Well over 1,000 CHIP graduates in the Pacific Union are enjoying better health and now view the Seventh-day Adventist church with positive memories and open affection.

The sixth annual CHIP summit, featuring health seminars and training for running CHIP programs, is scheduled for Nov. 15-20 near Santa Fe, N.M. For more information and heart-healthy recipes, visit www.sdachip.org or call 866-732-2447.