4/23/2025
by Belkys Gomez, Church Secretary
At the heart of Montgomery, where faith runs deep and fellowship runs strong, a quiet revolution is taking place—one meal, one tip, one conversation at a time. Under the passionate leadership of Dr. Christopher Daniels and his dedicated team, the Health Ministries Department at Montgomery First SDA Church is reshaping lives through the powerful union of faith and wellness.
What began as a vision to educate and empower has now become a dynamic movement—transforming the church community into a place where healthy living is worship in action.
A Ministry Rooted in Purpose
Dr. Daniels, a physician and member of the church, was invited to join and lead the Health Ministries program. A program that in partnership with community programs, has become not a ministry to provide treatment, but for prevention, education, and transformation. With prayerful intention, he formed a health team composed of healthcare providers as himself, chefs, educators, and everyday members with a passion for wellness. Together, they crafted a an action plan that would bless the entire church body through practical tools, spiritual encouragement, and shared experience.
Learning to Live Well: Education for Every Season
Each month, the church hosts "Healthy Potlucks Sabbaths"—where not only healthy meals will be provided bu also interactive classes covering topics like food safety, plant-based nutrition, heart health, mental wellness, and even the biblical foundations for a healthy life in hopes of creating a healthy recipe book that is inspired by church members. Guest speakers from local clinics, in house health educators, and health organizations are invited to speak, bridging science and scripture in a way that resonates deeply.
Church members, young and old, are learning that good health isn't complicated—it’s about informed, faithful choices made one step at a time.
Healthy Bites, Heavenly Flavor
Sabbath fellowship dinners now feature something extra special—vibrant, nutritious meals that nourish the body and delight the taste buds. The Health Ministries team, with support from church volunteers, introduced the “Healing Kitchen” initiative, where members share and sample plant-based recipes designed to lower cholesterol, reduce blood sugar, and boost overall vitality. Through the encouragement of more consumption of Fruits and Veggies, church members and visitors can expect a wonderful variety of healthy eating options.
The goal is for families to provide and develop a Montgomery First SDA Healthy Recipe Book, and will leave with recipe cards, cooking tips, and an invitation to the Healthy Cooking Club, where hands-on demonstrations teach members how to make wholesome meals on a budget.
Special Events, Sacred Impact
Throughout the year, Montgomery First SDA hosts a variety of special events, such as:
Luncheons for Military Families and Visitors – every first Sabbath of the month.
Acts of Peace Food Drive - Dates soon to follow! Be on a lookout.
Annual Health Fairs, where members and neighbors receive free screenings, health consultations, and personalized wellness plans.
Sabbath Potluck - 2nd and 4th Sabbath of Month with the 4th being dedicated to wholeness and health eating.
And much more!
Each event is woven with the message that healthy living is not a trend—it’s a testimony.
Transformation in Fellowship
Beyond workshops and recipes, the greatest change is happening through fellowship. Messages inspired by the Spirit of Prophecy, Ellen G. White writings are being shared every Sabbath in the church bulletin. Health is no longer a private journey—it’s a shared lifestyle, rooted in love, support, and spiritual accountability.
A Vision for the Future
Under Dr. Daniels’ leadership, Montgomery First SDA Church continues to grow as a beacon of health and hope in the community. Plans are already underway for a Community Garden, a digital recipe book, and outreach programs that extend their wellness message beyond the church walls.
Because here, at Montgomery First, health isn’t just about adding years to life—it’s about adding life to years, all to the glory of God to "Love God, Love People!"