Jose R. Alarcón – Aurora, Colorado … The Aurora First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Aurora, Colorado, recently demonstrated that the church’s mission extends far beyond its walls by hosting its first Community Health Fair, June 7.

Dozens of church members volunteered their time, talents, and compassion to serve their neighbors. The event was more than a health initiative—it was a living expression of Christ’s ministry and the church’s commitment to holistic mission. The Bible states, Jesus was going about in all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every sickness among the people (Matthew 4:23 NAS).

Throughout the day, families from the community received practical resources and encouragement through the Eight Natural Laws of Health: nutrition, exercise, water, sunshine, temperance, air, rest, and trust in God. Additional services included health education, medical consultations, community partnerships including the Fire Department, children’s activities, and distribution of school backpacks with school materials, creating an atmosphere of care for every generation.

The greatest testimonies come from the volunteers themselves. Dr. Lori Supit, Aurora Church’s health director and leader of the event, stated, “The health fair seemed to have a positive impact on both the church and community by creating and engaging environment where adults and children alike could learn practical ways to improve their health.” She added, “This health fair also served to strengthen connections among church members and the community, fostering a spirit of fellowship, support, and outreach.

Trevor Munson, a American National Red Cross* representative at the health fair, shared, “I was encouraged by the level of engagement and the strong sense of community throughout the day. Everyone was incredibly supportive and wanted to learn more at each station, not just go through the motions.”

“I feel that my role representing the Red Cross Blood Donation Services was well integrated with the health principles presented and caused many people to think about positive health outcomes, including signing up for the blood drive next month,” he continued. The Red Cross will hold a blood drive event on Tuesday, July 7, from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m., at the same location.

“The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ and prepare people for His soon return,” remarked Jose Alarcón, Aroura First lead pastor. “By following Jesus’ example, Aurora First’s Health Fair became an avenue through which practical service opened doors for meaningful relationships and future spiritual conversations.”

He continued, “Such events also strengthen the congregation. Members who volunteered discovered that the mission is not limited to pastors or evangelistic meetings; it is the responsibility and privilege of every believer. Working side by side fostered unity, developed spiritual gifts, and renewed a sense of purpose.”

The success of this health fair illustrates an important truth: a church on mission is a church that is alive.

When believers move beyond the sanctuary to meet the needs of their neighbors, they become the hands and feet of Christ. Mission is not simply a department or an event—it is the very identity of the church.

Jeremiah wrote, Seek the prosperity of the city where I have sent you into exile (Babylon), and pray to the Lord in its behalf; for in its prosperity will be your prosperity (Jeremiah 29:7 NAS). In this moment of displacement, loss, and bitterness, God instructs His people to get involved, build, pray for their new city, and flourish as well. God’s instruction is tied to the Great Commission. The mission of the church is to make disciples while living as exiles in this world.

* The American National Red Cross is not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Jose R. Alarcón is lead pastor at Aurora First Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied by Jose R. Alarcón.