New Orleans Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted an “End It Now Sabbath” on Aug. 22 to raise awareness about abuse and encourage compassion, healing, and action. The event was held under the leadership of Pastor Ronald Costa.
The day began with blood pressure and glucose screenings, followed by a Sabbath School skit illustrating the many forms abuse can take.
During the worship service, Marjorie Bélizaire, M.D., Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Health Ministries/Health Evangelism and Women’s and Family Ministries director, presented a message about compassion. She emphasized that people should experience Christ through the ways church members listen, respond, protect, and care.
Afternoon seminars focused on recognizing the effects of abuse, increasing community awareness, protecting kidney health, and accessing resources such as insurance and Medicaid.
At the conclusion of the event, the congregation committed to helping break the cycle of abuse in all its forms by speaking up and showing Christ’s compassion.
