Sonora resident Catherine Allen began 2006 with a spinal injury and two back surgeries. In the following months, her health declined, her weight ballooned and she began to have chest pains. "I prayed and prayed," says the former nurse. "I was looking for a church, anything that I could hold onto for some hope."

Then Allen picked up a flyer for a CHIP (Coronary Health Improvement Project) program hosted by the Sonora church as part of an innovative new health outreach. With a family history of heart disease, she knew she had to attend the 30-day lifestyle course.

"It's the best thing I ever did," Allen says. "It saved my life. My cholesterol was 316 — totally out of control. I went on the CHIP diet immediately and started exercising. My cholesterol came down 100 points in six weeks without drugs. It has changed my life!"

Health improvements are not the only benefit Allen received. "One thing led to another, and I began studying the Bible with one of the gals in the program. Now I've been attending church for about a month and a half. I love it. It's scripturally-sound, based on Bible truth. The church members are wonderful people."

Project LifePath

A one-year health initiative led by the Sonora church in partnership with Sonora Community Hospital, its physicians, and other local organizations, Project LifePath is funded by the camp meeting evangelism offering, the Consortium of Adventist Physicians, the local church and participant fees. The project is designed to create friendship evangelism opportunities by offering a variety of health education courses for area residents.

Courses offered include CHIP programs, stop smoking classes, a wellness maintenance program, weekly exercise classes, support groups and a monthly newsletter. A twice-yearly depression recovery seminar offered at the hospital cooperates with Project LifePath.

Community organizations provide support and credibility to Project LifePath. Physicians refer patients to programs, and the hospital distributes promotional flyers with employee paychecks. CHIP classes are held at the local Delta Blood Bank. The Sierra Non-Profit Resources Center sends flyers to their contact list.

"I know this is of God," says project coordinator Charmaine Daniels. "Everything seems to be in harmony. It's like a big puzzle, and all the pieces are just fitting effortlessly into place. People came forward who have the same burden [for health evangelism] to support me and the program." Daniels' background includes a master's degree in public administration and experience in running corporate wellness programs.

Daniels and her team of church volunteers make sure the health courses build bridges to friendships and evangelism. "I believe fully in the health message and its ability to reach people," says Daniels. "It's the burden that God has placed on my heart. I have to do it."

Participants are connected with church members through a four-tier volunteer program and existing church outreaches. These include Wednesday night Soup for the Soul — a light supper and classes such as quilting, computers, prayer, Adventures, WIRED (for youth), Sabbath services, Bible studies and an upcoming youth-led evangelistic series.

"Project LifePath is working fabulously!" says Pastor Jim McMurry. "People are coming to classes like crazy, then they are coming to church and taking Bible studies."

Bible worker Connie Allen teaches church members how to give Bible studies during an eight-week class. These ministry-minded volunteers knock on many doors inviting people to the health programs and are doing follow-up with participants interested in Bible studies.

Long-term plans for Project LifePath include health programs for children, wellness retreats and developing a training program for other churches. "I want people to come learn what we've done and see how they can replicate it in their own community," explains Daniels.

Her dream is that many more people like Catherine Allen will be reached as other churches learn from Project LifePath's creative approach to health outreach. "I know God put [Project LifePath] in my path to save my life and to save my soul," says Allen.

Sidebar

Details of Project LifePath Health Outreach:

· Collaborative effort between Sonora Seventh-day Adventist Church, Sonora Community Hospital, local physicians, the Delta Blood Bank and other community organizations.

· Offers a variety of wellness programs designed to educate individuals regarding healthy lifestyle choices and assist them in making, and maintaining, those changes.

· Church member volunteer program allows long-term friendships to form with community participants.

Four Tiers of Volunteers:

1) Prayer Partners – Commit to praying with, and for, Project LifePath participants.

2) Wellness Volunteers – Attend health programs and assist in various capacities.

3) Wellness Partners – Act as mentors to CHIP participants during the program and for at least 12 months following.

4) Health Ministry Coaches – Individuals who have participated in Project LifePath programs and received additional training commit to facilitating a 10-month support group for health program alumni.

· Existing church outreaches and Bible studies with church members provide spiritual growth opportunities.