Conference Promotes Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Story by Liz Bailey

A recent weekend event held by the Mountain View Conference (MVC) was filled with the presence of God, fellowship with other Christian believers and delicious food, say conference leaders. In keeping with its initiative, “Let’s Grow Together,” MVC hosted the Health Weekend at Valley Vista Adventist Center in Huttonsville, W.Va., as they strove to help their members grow in every way possible.

Considering that health encompasses more than just what one eats, speakers were brought in to educate on multiple areas of health and share specific testimonies of how their lives have changed.

Jim Buchanan, district pastor of the Cumberland and Frostburg churches in Maryland, spoke Friday evening about spiritual health. On Sabbath morning, participants began the day hiking around the campgrounds, followed by a healthy breakfast. Later that day, Buchanan’s wife, Elaine, shared her testimony on how exercise has prolonged her life despite living with multiple sclerosis. The afternoon included an outdoor scavenger hunt, followed by a cooking class. After supper, Brenda Owens, a nurse practitioner from the Cumberland church, spoke on mental health. The day ended with a game night.

Sunday morning started with another hike, followed by a presentation from Jenny Garospe, a member of the Elkins (W.Va.) church, who shared insights on overcoming addictions, and the event concluded with a brunch, where participants bid farewell.

“It was such a blessing to see the Lord working in the lives of our people,” says Elaine, “and I was also blessed to be able to share what God has done for me.”