Christ Community Health Services, Inc.
Memphis, TN

As written by Patria Johnson, Program Manager

Sunday Dinner Done Over

Pastor John is very committed to his congregation. Although his job transferred him to Atlanta, he commuted to Memphis weekly to preach on Sunday. Not only did he preach on Sunday, he also made visits to the hospitals and home visits to people who were sick and shut in. Like so many pastors, he rarely took time to go on vacation or spend quality time with family.

It was a crisp spring Sunday afternoon following a power-packed worship service. Sister Faith noticed that Pastor John was not his usual self. He was always jovial and upbeat. She decided to ask him if he was feeling okay. “Pastor John, how are you today?” “I am really tired, but I don’t know why,” he replied. “Have you been getting enough rest?” asked Sister Faith. “I try to, but I get up in the middle of the night dying of thirst and not to mention I have to make multiple trips to the restroom,” replied Pastor John.

“Have you seen your doctor recently?” questioned Sister Faith. “No, do you think I should?” answered Pastor John. “Yes, Pastor John, I really think you should because you may be having some issues with your blood sugar. Do you have any one in your family with diabetes?” replied Sister Faith. “Yes, my father has sugar diabetes,” Pastor John responded. “Well, let me know if you feel better after seeing your doctor,” Sister Faith requested.

The next Sunday, Pastor John stopped Sister Faith to inform her that he had seen his doctor and was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. “Thank you so much, Sister Faith, for encouraging me to see my doctor. I have to admit. I was really scared to find out what was wrong with me. You know those doctors always want to take your money and make you buy a lot of medicine. I now realize the importance of taking care of your body and knowing your family health history.

“You really helped save my life because my blood sugar was 400 [four times the normal reading] when I saw my doctor. Thankfully, the medicine he gave me is bringing it down,” stated Pastor John. “You were very blessed because you could have had some serious health problems like kidney failure and blindness if you did not seek treatment,” Sister Faith said.

“I want to get my church involved in more health activities. What do we need to do to get started?” “Well, Pastor John, I heard about a program called, Memphis Healthy Churches that will help us develop an ongoing health and wellness ministry,” replied Sister Faith. “Will you call their office to let them know I want to meet with them and get our church involved?” Pastor John requested. “Alright Pastor, I will call them tomorrow,” Sister Faith replied.

Just days later, Pastor John met with the Memphis Healthy Churches Program Manager and signed his congregation on with the program. The following Sunday Pastor John told Sister Faith, “I signed us up with Memphis Healthy Churches and I have a packet of information for you, since I volunteered you to be our Church Health Representative.” “I don’t mind Pastor John,” replied Sister Faith. “I will do whatever is necessary to get us on track with our health.” After attending the first Memphis Healthy Churches quarterly Meeting, Sister Faith presented her ideas to Pastor John. “I want us to have a bulletin board with health information and a ‘Health Tip’ in our Sunday Bulletin weekly.”

“That is perfectly fine Sister Faith,” Pastor John stated. “Thanks Pastor John! Is it alright for us to allow Memphis Healthy Churches to set up some health screening and wellness surveys?” asked Sister Faith. “That is exactly what I want us to do!” exclaimed Pastor John. “You go right ahead and get set up.” “Fantastic!” shouted Sister Faith.

“One last thing, can we change our Sunday menu?” asked Sister Faith. “What exactly do you mean by change?” “Well, we would have salads and fresh fruit,” replied Sister Faith. “Okay,” replied Pastor John.

“The only thing we would have to cut out is the fried chicken,” stated Sister Faith. “I can deal with the salads and fruit, but I don’t know if I can give up my fried chicken,” remarked Pastor John. “Sure you can Pastor, we will bake the chicken instead of frying it,” replied Sister Faith. “I will try it, if you think the members will go for it,” replied Pastor John. “Now Pastor, you know that you are the champion and your members will follow your leadership,” said Sister Faith.

Finally, the very next Sunday Pastor John preached a sermon on health and the importance of heart-healthy eating. The congregation joined Pastor John in eating a heart-healthy buffet filled with fresh fruits, steamed vegetables, and baked chicken.

“I have to admit that baked chicken was not bad, I guess I can get used to eating chicken without frying it,” said Pastor John. “Several members commented to me on how much they enjoyed the meal.” “I just knew everyone would follow your leadership, Pastor John,” commented Sister Faith. “We have to keep in mind that small steps will bring about big changes when it comes to making healthy lifestyles.” “You’re so right, Sister Faith! Our congregation is on the right road to healthy living.”

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