Health Leaders Affirming Day

SHREVEPORT, LA. – We believe the Arkansas-Louisiana (ARKLA) Conference has the best health leaders in the nation! They work hard for their churches, have great ideas and initiatives and use the health message to evangelize. On Nov. 2, 2023, they were celebrated with the first “Affirming Day” at the conference office in Shreveport, La. Leaders from Clinton, Gentry and Bonnerdale in Arkansas; Eben-Ezer, Shreveport South and Slidell in Louisiana joined with the ARKLA office staff in learning about ways and means to use and promote healthful living to our members and other interested individuals. Multiple items were handed out to assist in their ministries and ARKLA Conference Health Ministries/Health Evangelism Director Dr. Marjorie Bélizaire, gave training on how to plan a budget for their local department and conduct a needs assessment for their communities. Bélizaire talked about how to assist the pastor in a vision for the church, aiding in their growth and moving them in a positive direction locally. 

Following lunch at Olive Garden, the American Red Cross gave a training class for Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR and how to use the AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Leaders and staff finished their certification and received certificates, good for two years. CPR and AED machines save lives; and the ARKLA Health Department would like to see each church in the territory be equipped with the AED machines.

By Marjorie Bélizaire, M.D.