Christine Jackson-Fraser
Kevin Rogers
Henrique Gomes
The South Atlantic Conference and the Carolina Conference partnered with the Adventist Medical Evangelism Network (AMEN) in October 2025 to host a two-day free health clinic that drew hundreds of residents seeking essential medical services. The event, held in Charlotte, N.C., and coordinated through Churches for Healthy Community Partnerships (CFHC), brought together eight congregations in an effort organizers said blended healthcare with faith-based outreach.
Participating churches included Charlotte Berean, Sharon, Northeast, Trinity Worship Center, Village Church, Iglesia Adventista Central de Charlotte, Park Church, and Macedonia Baptist. Organizers adopted the theme “Love is Serving,” underscoring the clinic’s goal of meeting community needs through practical and spiritual support.
The CFHC initiative began in 2018, grounded in the belief that health ministry functions as a form of evangelism by offering what organizers describe as “healing hands” to the community. Over the past six years, the coalition has expanded its reach across 45 zip codes in 21 cities, providing health education, screenings, and preventive services to residents who lack access to routine care.
“Our goal is simple: to meet people where they are and show them the love of Christ through service,” said Deborah Johnson, CFHC organizer.
The AMEN Free Clinic brought together medical professionals from North Carolina and several other states, along with local pastors and volunteers. Organizers transformed the venue into a multipurpose treatment center offering dental cleanings, eye exams, blood sugar checks, mental health counseling, and massage therapy. Free prescription eyeglasses were also provided.
Among the volunteers was Darryl Williams, communications director at Northeast Church, who offered free haircuts to men who had gone months without one. James Harris, M.D., an ophthalmologist from Hickory, N.C., provided vision care, while dental assistant Jessica Sousa helped patients understand their treatment plans by translating in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Throughout the weekend, the clinic blended medical service with spiritual care. Near the exit, the Prayer Station became what volunteers described as a central gathering point for conversations, reflection, and encouragement. Kevin Rogers, pastor of Charlotte Berean Church, said many visitors paused after receiving care to seek prayer or share personal struggles.
“It’s proof that when we care for the body, we open the door to the soul,” said David Graham, director of community services and disaster response for Carolina Conference. “Events like this show Jesus to the community.”
Children also played a role in the event’s outreach. Nearly 100 young participants collaborated on a mural depicting themes of peace and unity. Organizers said the artwork will be displayed at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte before being auctioned to support community programs.
By the clinic’s close, 526 patients had received an estimated $300,000 in free services. Volunteers completed 256 dental procedures and 162 vision exams, and fitted 160 pairs of prescription glasses. Organizers reported a strong spiritual response as well: 32% of the attendees said they wanted to participate in additional health seminars, 10% requested Bible studies, and 5% expressed interest in prophecy-focused sessions.
South Atlantic | January 2026
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