How The Adventist Health Message Saved My Life

TULSA, OKLA. – At 18 years old, I weighed 175 pounds. But 35 years later, I weighed 404 pounds and had no energy.

In September 2022, after moving to Tulsa, Okla., I took the first step toward reclaiming my health. Having just had some blood drawn, I was approached by the technician. 

“Were you told that you weren’t supposed to eat breakfast before coming?” the technician asked. 

I was puzzled. “I haven’t eaten since about 6:30 last night,” I responded. 

The technician asked, “Are you sure?” My A1C was 14, more than double the threshold for being considered diabetic. 

“Are you trying to kill yourself?” my nurse practitioner asked me when she saw the bloodwork results. “If so, I see success in the next couple years at most.” It was the wake-up call I needed. Familiar with the Adventist health message, I put into practice many of the principles I had learned, particularly those from the lifestyle program Diabetes Undone. My meals became highly regimented as I tracked calories and nutrients. I also started walking..

Today, I weigh 225 pounds. My last A1C was 5.3, well under even the pre-diabetic threshold. I’m within two inches of what my waist size was when I was in academy 41 years ago, and I’m a better witness for the Seventh-day Adventist health message.

The health message our church teaches, alongside Diabetes Undone, saved my life. Regaining one’s health is not easy, but it can be done. I’m living proof.

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By Jim Landelius
Pastor & Native Ministries Director

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