Only 52 percent of Seattle's population is affiliated with Christianity, according to the Pew Research Center.
Ellen G. White’s counsel could not be more timely and relevant in reaching the people in this city: “First meet the temporal needs of the people, and relieve their physical wants and sufferings, and you will find an open avenue to the heart, where you may plant the good seed of virtue and religion” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 227).
The Greater Seattle Filipino-American Church has established the iLive2Serve Foundation as a health and wellness nonprofit organization to effectively reach the southeast Seattle community.
The first free community health seminar, “Heart Disease: Prevention and Treatment,” was held on Sunday, July 24, at the Jefferson Community Center. More than 30 people from the community attended the event.
Guests seemed receptive of the information on healthy lifestyle provided through the cooking demo, lecture and question-and-answer session led by a panel of two naturopathic doctors and one cardiologist. They also enjoyed the meal, and some even went home with raffle prizes.
The responses of the attendees were positive and encouraging. Nessy Borge, Filipino Community of Seattle vice president, comments, “This is a noble and much-needed initiative in order to have a healthier community. It sure makes a difference.”
Another guest enthusiastically says, “Let’s do this again!” Church members are excited to serve and grow the friendships that have begun.
A guest wins a raffle prize given by Grace Gamponia, a local doctor.
Doctors Rolly Fulgencio, Francis Yuvienco and Mark Kinjo provide health lifestyle information during the seminar.
Nessy Borge asks the doctors a question during the question-and-answer session.
