By Jim Feldbush

At 7:33 a.m. on May 9, 1980, the freighter MV Summit Venture collided with a support column of Florida’s Sun- shine Skyway Bridge, sending more than 1,200 feet of bridge into Tampa Bay. The connection had been broken and the people on the north side could no longer reach the people on the south side. After much debate, it was decided that a new bridge must be built. It would look a little different, but its purpose would be the same—to once again connect these two communities.

For more than 150 years, the Adventist church has had a special message regarding health. This message is especially intended to build bridges, to connect the community within our church walls to the community outside.

During the past few years, there’s been a surge of public interest in living a healthy life. Internet, television, and radio outlets are flooded with articles on exercise, sleep, good nutrition, and the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Of course, these themes are not new to Seventh-day Adventists; we’ve been talking about them for years. In fact, we have a unique whole-person approach to addressing these health issues. And because there is such intensive public interest in good health right now, it’s a perfect time to build new bridges.

The five Adventist hospitals of Colorado (Avista, Castle Rock, Littleton, Parker, and Porter) have built a new bridge to connect with the members of their communities, including employees, physicians, neighborhoods, and patients. By using a concept called CREATION Health (with educational materials produced by Florida Hospital, a part of Adventist Health Systems) to serve the members of these communities, the five hospitals have seen lives changed as they’ve helped hundreds improve their blood pressure, blood sugar, body-mass index, etc., as well as witnessing the difference God makes in life and health.

What is CREATION Health?

CREATION Health is an acronym (see sidebar) for a timeless message of living life to the fullest. It is simply a new and attractive “bridge” for truths that have long existed.

This approach takes people where they are and leads them on a journey over time that will help them live fuller and healthier lives. It’s about taking away negative labels, treating people with love and respect, and creating long-term, trusting relationships that lead to better lives. It’s about using time-honored principles to reach people with the healing love of Christ. Through community events, biometric screenings and activities in our hospitals, teaching patients about the benefits of whole person care, and meeting with small groups of physicians to help them live fuller lives, the Colorado Adventist hospital approach to CREATION Health is making a significant difference in the lives of many.

The philosophy of the hospitals’ efforts is encapsulated in the words of Ellen White: “. . . As the medical missionary works intelligently to relieve suffering and save lives, hearts are softened. Those who are helped are filled with gratitude. As the medical missionary works upon the body, God works upon the heart. The comforting words that are spoken are a soothing balm, bringing assurance and trust . . .” (Manuscript 58, 1901). The team has discovered that an attitude of grace and understanding for each individual’s journey has made all the difference.

The CREATION Health team is building bridges by simply doing good, as Jesus did, and by helping to improve the health of those they meet.

Jim Feldbush is director for mission and ministry at Porter Adventist Hospital. To learn more about this innovative program, contact Dr. Eric Shadle, CREATION Health Manager for the Adventist Hospitals of Colorado, at [email protected].