Arizona Conference

TOP RIGHT: A volunteer conducts an eye exam in the vision department. BOTTOM RIGHT: Medical volunteers check vitals before guests enter the facility. FAR RIGHT: Volunteers at the healthy living booth. BELOW: The event would not be possible without the help of the many volunteers.

Arizona SonShine

Arizona SonShine held its seventh annual event in Prescott Valley, Arizona, on June 16 and 17, 2022. The organizers and volunteers believe that to reach people’s hearts with the love of Jesus, their physical needs must be met first—then they are able to hear about Jesus. Known as “Christ’s Method Alone,” this is what Arizona SonShine is all about. “We believe it, we live it, and we see the results!” is part of the motto that drives the efforts of the organization.

Dental services like fillings, extractions, and cleanings were offered. In the vision section, doctors and technicians offered eye exams and glasses for those who needed them. In the medical department, people were treated by general practitioners, nurse practitioners, diabetes counseling, naturopathic care, and foot care specialists. A healthy living booth offered counseling for various health aspects, which include the Eight Laws of Health. Yavapai County also brought a large group of volunteers who offered WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), family planning, vaccines, etc.

One of the biggest concerns this year was getting enough volunteers, both professional and nonprofessional, to sign up to help. Organizers prayed and placed the concern in the Lord’s hands, and by the time of the event they had everyone they needed to make it successful.

At the Prescott Valley event, 308 guests were served. Exit surveys revealed 29 requests for programs on plant-based cooking, 25 for healthy diet, 20 for depression recovery, 20 for stress management, 17 for grief recovery, 13 for cardiac health, 12 for aging gracefully, 11 for money management, 10 for children’s activities, 10 for estate planning, nine for Bible study, eight for diabetes reversal, seven for stop smoking, and five for addiction recovery. Follow-up programs by the local church are an essential part of reaching the people for Jesus.

Arizona SonShine is a non-profit entity of the Arizona Conference that is funded by donations. Because of the support of the Arizona Conference, the Pacific Union Conference, the North American Division, and numerous grants and donations by individuals who believe in the mission, they have been able to continue this ministry. This has allowed the organizers to provide free services and follow-up programs to those who need it.

There will be other events each year throughout the state. To see what future events are coming up, visit www.arizonasonshine.com.

____________________ By Cathy Fields

Learn and Grow

The Seeds for Life Community Garden at the Page All Nations church in Page, Arizona, offers a creative evangelism approach that centers around connection and education. Pastor James and Nancy Crosby are finding new ways to connect with the community through an attractive garden greenhouse on a street corner—in the middle of town. Addressing a need for activities in Page for families with younger children, the idea of a gardening class for children ages two to six was born.

Starting on April 22, 2022, the Learn and Grow Gardening Class began under the shaded pavilion at the All Nations church. Every Tuesday afternoon during the following eight weeks, from six to nine toddlers with one of their parents gathered for some outdoor education and fun. Each class began with a short lesson about a garden topic, continued with crafts and handson activities in the garden, and ended with an upbeat goodbye song with motions that the children learned by heart. The first week in the garden, the children learned about tools and safety in the garden. They were able to hold different tools that were just their size and take a nature scavenger hunt through the garden.

At the next class, each child had the opportunity to pick out their own seeds and get their hands in the dirt to plant a little pot. The children examined different kinds of soil to determine the best kind for their plants. The children learned more about germination and the parts of a plant as they looked at seedlings and small plants already growing in the garden. By the end of the next class, the children could identify the parts of a plant and were eagerly watching their plants germinate.

In the following weeks, the children learned about different kinds of fruits and vegetables that grow in the garden and how to take care of their plants. They learned about how different weather affects the garden and how God sends the sunshine and rain to help our gardens grow. During the classes, the children were able to enjoy baby chicks in their little cage and cautiously look at the beehive where bees swarmed in and out, pollinating plants in the garden. The children learned that chickens help to scratch up the soil for planting and keep away bugs.

After nine weeks, the little group left with many happy memories from their time in the Learn and Grow program. The All Nations church looks forward to building on these relationships and new connections in their community. Their prayer is that the seeds of truth will blossom in the hearts of these children as they continue to learn and grow.

____________________ By Anne Crosby