Wanting to meet the neighbors, members of the Fresno Asian church hosted a health fair Nov. 7. The small congregation is blessed with doctors, dentists, nurses, teachers and great cooks.

“This church has been a light in the neighborhood for many years,” says Verna Moores, head elder. “This was a fun and interesting way to attract our neighbors.”

Free massages and food samples were two of the most popular stations. There were nine service stations including diabetes screening, dental check-up, chiropractic, blood pressure, stop smoking, and literature. Drawings for free prizes, games and crafts gave guests reasons to stay for awhile.

A yard sale drew crowds who were then invited inside to the fair. Proceeds from the sale went to former members now serving as Adventist Frontier missionaries in Thailand.

Advertising included door-to-door invitations and posters in local businesses. Youth from the nearby Fresno Spanish church added manpower on two Sabbath afternoons.

“They're definitely people in need,” says Joe Khoe, elder. "The fair focused on physical needs with clothing, food and health, and spiritual needs. It covered all the bases of what people need to be content in life.”

More than 100 people signed interest cards and follow-up programs began in January including presentations on health, marriage, parenting and finances. In March, the church will host the Amazing Facts satellite series with Doug Batchelor.