On Friday, 25 April, Stanborough Park church became a beacon of leadership, compassion, and purposeful action, bringing faith and health together in a powerful expression of service.
In a compelling display of community engagement, faith leaders received vital training on the importance of monitoring blood pressure and detecting atrial fibrillation – equipping them to be champions of early intervention and heart health in their congregations and wider communities. This health initiative coincided with the culmination of the church’s Forgiveness Project, a transformative journey of healing and reconciliation rooted in the Christian message of hope and renewal.
Demonstrating the spirit of fellowship, Enoch Kanagaraj BEM, founder of One Vision, shared a home-cooked Indian meal with attendees. This act of hospitality underscored a powerful truth: that building community health goes beyond education – it is founded on relationships, trust, and compassion.
This achievement was made possible through exceptional collaboration:
Kevin Hallahan, Lead for Health Inequalities at NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board, remarked:
“It has been a privilege to work alongside faith leaders who are so committed to improving health outcomes in their communities. Faith spaces are trusted environments, and initiatives like this can truly save lives.”
Rachael Ford, Project Manager at Health Innovation East, added:
“Innovation in healthcare is not only about technology. It’s about reaching people in meaningful ways where they are. Today has been a shining example of that.”
We also acknowledge Pastor James Shepley and Pastor Clifford Herman for their leadership and hospitality. They expressed:
“Stanborough Park church is honoured to be part of this life-saving initiative. Our mission is to serve God by serving people, and promoting health is part of the gospel in action.”
Faith, Health, and Hope: A Response to Health Inequalities
Black and Asian communities continue to face serious health disparities – including higher rates of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, mental health issues, and infant and maternal mortality. These disparities stem from a complex interplay of genetic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors, alongside unequal access to healthcare.
Recognising the need for urgent local action, the Faith and Health Networking Board – led by One Vision – is spearheading prevention-focused initiatives across Hertfordshire. By uniting faith leaders, healthcare professionals, and community organisations, the Board is fostering trust, encouraging early intervention, and bridging the gap between services and the communities they aim to serve.
At One Vision, prevention is not an afterthought – it is the foundation.
Through culturally sensitive education, accessible support, and strong partnerships, One Vision and its allies are addressing health inequalities before they escalate into crises.
A fairer, healthier Hertfordshire begins with prevention, partnership, and purpose. And it begins now.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church remains deeply committed to this transformative mission, striving to live out the gospel call to serve, heal, and uplift every member of our diverse communities.
As the Bible affirms:
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2 NKJV).
And in the words of Ellen G White:
“The gospel of Christ is to be bound up with medical missionary work. It is to be the work of the church in lifting up the fallen and healing the sick” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 300).