Under the leadership of Principal James Previlus, Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Academy hosted a dynamic and inspiring Wellness Week of Prayer from May 4–8, 2026. In conjunction with the school’s commitment to academic excellence, the Wellness Week of Prayer emphasized the importance of strengthening both physical and spiritual health, encouraging students, educators, and families to pursue wholeness in every aspect of life.

Each morning began with a vibrant worship experience led by the students. Through enthusiastic song service, Scripture readings, and heartfelt prayers, students actively participated in creating an atmosphere of praise and worship. The worship services were followed by engaging morning devotionals presented by Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Health and Possibility Director for the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists.

Throughout the week, Dr. Sankey-Battles shared a series of messages centered on the theme “God’s GPS – Guidance, Protection, and Saving Grace.” Her presentations highlighted how God’s guidance, protection, and saving grace help us live lives that are healthy, happy, and holy. Using Bible stories, Scripture, real-life scenarios, simulations, and uplifting songs, the messages encouraged students to make choices that honor God, practice disability inclusion, and promote overall wellness.

To reinforce the lessons, participants were challenged to practice healthy habits throughout the week. The daily health challenges included:

• Reading the Word of God for at least 15 minutes each day
• Drinking 7–8 cups of water daily
• Walking or engaging in physical activity for 30 minutes each day
• Getting 7–8 hours of sleep each night
• Smiling more and stressing less

These practical wellness goals were designed for children, educators, and parents alike, emphasizing that healthy living is a family and community endeavor.

The worship experiences were informative, interactive, and inspiring, reaching more than 160 students and educators. Through engaging discussions and meaningful participation, attendees were encouraged to recognize that caring for their bodies, minds, and spirits, as God’s temple, is an important part of God’s plan for their lives. To increase awareness about disability inclusion, the rules of disability etiquette were presented, and the teachers were blindfolded and guided around the sanctuary by students. This simulation exercise reinforced the importance of being sensitive to and including individuals with and without disabilities in school, church, and community activities.

As the week concluded, the hope and prayer remained that the lessons learned would extend far beyond the classroom and chapel, inspiring lasting lifestyle changes. By combining faith, health, and education, Bethel SDA Academy continues to equip students not only for academic success but also for lives of purpose, wellness, and spiritual growth.

The Wellness Week of Prayer served as a powerful reminder that when young people follow God’s GPS—His Guidance, Protection, and Saving Grace—they are better prepared to navigate life’s challenges while growing into healthy, happy, and holy disciples of Christ. To schedule a wellness week of prayer and disability inclusion training contact Jennifer.Sankey@secsda.org or call 352-720-5206.

Written and submitted by Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles

On July 2026, the first-ever Health Expo at the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventist (SEC) Haitian Camp was a memorable day of learning, fellowship, and commitment to live Healthier, happier, and holy, while reaching higher up to God. Families, children, youth, adults, and seniors gathered to participate in an event designed to promote caring for our bodies as the temple of God through healthy living. The health expo was held in the spacious gymnasium. 

One of the highlights of the expo was the nine interactive health education stations, each focusing on an important aspect of whole-person health. Attractive bright, beautiful, and bold banners with lifestyle habits including benefits and recommendations along with table top displays contributed to the learning, social, and spiritual experience.

Participants learned about disease prevention, nutrition, physical activity, trust in God, hydration, social support, temperance, mental wellness, rest, and moderation. Every station featured engaging hands-on activities, educational demonstrations, and useful giveaways that made learning both enjoyable, fun, and memorable.

Smiles filled the expo as people of all ages explored the exhibits, enthusiastically participated, asked questions, enjoyed the massages, blood pressure checks, and received valuable resources. Adding to their fun and fellowship, participants took pictures in front of the banners which had the statement, “I commit  to “ specific lifestyle change. 

The expo not only provided physical and spiritual education but also strengthened relationships among church members, churches and the community, demonstrating what can be accomplished when believers unite to serve others. Participants left with practical knowledge they could apply in their daily lives.

The God-blessed success of the event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of with Dr. Nicholas Louis, SEC Haitian Ministry Director, Dr. Franck Geneus, InterAmerican Health Ministry Director, Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Ph.D. SEC Health and Possibilities Ministry Director, and the dedication of many volunteers with representation from more than eight churches, who worked together with a shared mission of serving the community. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and spirit of compassion created a welcoming environment where every attendee felt valued, cared for, and could reach higher up to God through learning ways to care for their mind, body, and spirit.

A special honor of the day was the presence of Dr. Nicholas Louis, President of the Haitian Group, who visited the expo. 

His visit inspired everyone involved and underscored the importance of health ministry as an essential part of Christian service and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Further Dr. Geneus provided lifestyle banners, registration app, and health resource app to register participants. Lesli Ahonkhai, SEC Adventists Community Services Liaison provided material about community resources. 

The first SEC Haitian Camp Health Expo was a God-blessed success – it was a ministry of compassion, education, and connecting people to Christ. It reflected the commitment of the participating churches to care for the physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being of God’s children.

As the event concluded, participants departed with new knowledge, useful resources, a renewed commitment to reach higher up to God through healthier living. Organizers and volunteers celebrated the day’s success with gratitude to God, looking forward to making the Health Expo an annual tradition that continues to bless the participants for years to come.

Volunteers and Participants

Dr. Nicholas Louis, Director of Haitian Ministry Southeastern Conference of SDA

Dr. Franck Geneus, Health Ministry Director Interamerican Division