The Spirit of Truth (SPoT) Seventh-day Adventist Church in Regina faced a challenging reality: The community grappled with health concerns and a noticeable disconnect between the church and the public. Three dedicated leaders – Bonnie Lust, David Ogram, and Juanie Quinto – recognized this as their call to action. Their mission? To bridge this gap through Christ’s method of mingling with people, showing sympathy, and ministering to their needs.
The team faced its first hurdle: transforming a 2,400-square-foot room at Southland Shopping Center into a space that offered health and hope. They needed to recruit and train volunteers, set up 12 comprehensive health stations, and, most importantly, convince the community to attend. The challenge wasn’t just logistical—it was about building trust and breaking down barriers.
Over three days in February 2025, the SPoT Health Expo, with help from approximately 40 volunteers (mainly church members plus some of Juanie’s co-workers) unfolded like a carefully orchestrated symphony. Each of the 12 stations became a touchpoint for connection:
“During a visit to Southland Mall we saw a NEWSTART sign” shares Mohit, a local resident. “Curiosity caused us to go in to get our blood pressure checked. The volunteers at the NEWSTART stations helped me understand how simple lifestyle changes could transform my health. A few weeks later I enrolled in the CHIP program, and now my whole family is learning to make healthier choices.
“We saw every church member play a role in the Health Expo”, recalls Dr. Nana, one of the Church volunteers. “We saw genuine smiles and the hearts of many people moved towards God. The Health Expo helped us to understand that our health message is truly the right arm of the gospel. We need more Health Expos.”
The impact of the SPoT Health Expo rippled through the community:
- approximately 170 members of the public attended the Health Expo and received health education and made personal contact with Church members
- 30 of them signed up to attend future health programs
- 15 requested that they be notified the next time that the Church holds a Depression & Anxiety Recovery Program
- 14 indicated that they wanted to attend vegetarian cooking classes.
- 13 said that they would like to attend a “Complete Health Improvement Program” (CHIP) in the future. 3 of them completed from the most recent CHIP program held in April and May 2025.
- 2 began Bible studies, seeking spiritual wellness alongside physical health
“At the Health Expo I leaned about the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) says Payel a Regina resident. I had many questions about lifestyle, health and diet, so I attended CHIP. The program taught me about proper diet and the best ways to change my lifestyle. It not only helped me to take care of my physical health but it also taught how to improve my mental health and it answered all of my questions about how to have good health.”
The Health Expo became more than just a three-day event – it catalyzed ongoing community wellness. The Spirit of Truth Church emerged as a trusted resource for holistic health, embodying its mission of connecting communities to Jesus through practical ministry.
As the CHIP and Depression & Anxiety Recovery programs and vegetarian cooking classes continue, participants become ambassadors for the Spirit of Truth Church and promoters of good health practices in their circle of contact. The church’s vision and mission are realized as health connections evolve into spiritual conversations and meaningful relationships.
By Pastor Troy Guderyan, Church Pastor
