By Henry R. Moncur III | ACTU Communication
On June 6, 2026, the Health Ministries Department of the Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) of Seventh-day Adventists will spotlight health and wholeness across its region by hosting a Health Festival. This event marks a collaboration with the Inter-American Division (IAD) Health Ministries Department to celebrate 163 years of the Adventist health message.
Centered around the theme, “Recommit to Health: A Journey to Wholeness, Mind + Body + Spirit,” the festival aims to remind members and communities of God’s plan for holistic wellness encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Celebrating a Legacy of Health Ministry
This initiative honors the origins of the Adventist health message which began in 1863 when Ellen G. White received a vision promoting healthy and balanced living as a part of Christian stewardship. Over the years, this message has evolved into a global ministry focused on healing, prevention, education, and compassionate care.
Local churches within the Atlantic Caribbean Union are encouraged to organize health-related programs designed to engage all ages. Activities will include Sabbath School presentations on the history and significance of Adventist Health Ministries, wellness challenges, health education materials, and community outreach initiatives promoting healthy living.
Imterniza McCartney, director of the Health Ministries Department for the Atlantic Caribbean Union, emphasizes that this initiative aims to inspire members to view wellness as integral to Christian life. “God desires for His people to experience wholeness in every area of life. This festival represents a renewed commitment to healthier living and stronger communities transformed by Christ’s healing ministry,” McCartney stated.
Promoting Whole-Person Wellness
Central to this emphasis is the promotion of holistic lifestyle principles encapsulated in the acronym C.E.L.B.R.A.T.I.O.N.S. which encourages individuals to adopt healthy daily habits. These principles include making wise choices, exercising regularly, drinking sufficient water, creating healthy environments, nurturing faith, getting adequate rest, breathing fresh air, practicing temperance, living with integrity, maintaining optimism, eating nutritious foods, and fostering strong social support systems.
The festival is intended as a catalyst for ongoing lifestyle changes rather than just a one-day event, calling on members and communities to embrace healthier living in line with God’s vision for abundant life.
Research associated with Adventist lifestyle practices has demonstrated positive outcomes related to plant-based nutrition, regular exercise, spiritual commitment, and community support. The anticipation is that the June 6 event will motivate practical lifestyle changes while reinforcing spiritual commitments across the region.
A Mission of Hope and Healing
The Atlantic Caribbean Union is encouraging churches to involve children, youth, adults, and seniors in meaningful and interactive activities that promote health education and personal wellness. Organizers believe the initiative provides an opportunity for churches to serve as centers of hope, healing, and restoration within their communities.
The Health Festival also aligns with the union’s broader mission emphasis of transforming lives through whole-person ministry. As the church celebrates more than a century and a half of health ministry, leaders continue to affirm that caring for the body is closely connected to nurturing the mind and spirit.
The biblical foundation for the emphasis is found in 3 John 1:2 which states: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
Through this special health emphasis, the Atlantic Caribbean Union joins the Inter-American Division in reaffirming its commitment to sharing God’s message of hope, healing, and wholeness with the world.
About ATCU The ATCU, headquartered in Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas, comprises 29,439 members across four fields: the Cayman Islands Conference, the North Bahamas Conference, the South Bahamas Conference, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Conference. Additionally, Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Jamaica, is co-owned and operated by both ATCU and the Jamaica Union.