More than 105 enthusiastic young and young-at-heart individuals lined up at the start of the South Atlantic Conference Health Ministries 5K Run/Walk, May 16-18, 2025. This was the culminating event of a weekend filled with health information organized by Richard Berry, M.D., Conference health ministries director. From a 5-year-old to a 91-year-old, they all crossed the finish line and received a medal.
The retreat was held at the Conference’s River Oaks Campground in Orangeburg, S.C., and commenced Friday evening with Alex Howard presenting information on the benefits of clean water.
On Sabbath morning, Stephen Mills, M.D., shared information on diabetes and how to lower blood sugar. All were amazed at the visual aids he provided, showing the sugar content of some of the major soft drinks.
April Smith, Conference women’s ministries director, finished the morning session with a presentation on “The Clean Life,” highlighting the importance of healthy habits.
Ron C. Smith, D.Min., Ph.D., Southern Union Conference president, highlighted his testimony of how God brought him through to overcome his own personal health crisis.
In the afternoon, Richard Berry, M.D., conducted a CPR class.
The Sabbath ended at the lake and gazebo with a nature scavenger hunt organized by Charlene Berry, and a Vespers thought given by John Newlove, Conference youth and young adult director, assisted by his wife, Maria.
Saturday night was filled with a vibrant workout program organized and executed by April Smith. The retreat is an annual event, and in 2026, a health retreat cruise is being planned.
South Atlantic | August 2025
Comments are closed.