PHOTOS: ARAYA MOSS
TOP LEFT AND MIDDLE: Students and teachers from Professional Institute of Beauty School gave free haircuts and offered free nail care services. TOP RIGHT: In addition to volunteers from West Hollywood Spanish church, City of Hope brought no less than 40 volunteers. Here, a volunteer demonstrates the eye exam. BOTTOM LEFT: Two women speak to a representative at the COVID-19 vaccination and booster station. BOTTOM MIDDLE: Guests pick up food donated by the church, part of its twice-monthly food bank. BOTTOM RIGHT: A volunteer from West Hollywood Spanish church prays with an attendee.
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West Hollywood Spanish Church Serves 230 People at Health Fair
his summer, West Hollywood Spanish church partnered with City of Hope to host its first large-scale health fair. The day-long event provided care for 230 people in the surrounding community. Health stations lined the fellowship hall where volunteers administered free medical services such as blood pressure readings, glucose tests, diabetes screenings, footcare, ultrasound checkups, and more, plus vision tests and dental cleanings. Outside, haircuts, nail care, food, and clothing were also offered. Lunch was provided for all in attendance. “We wanted to make an impact in the community and serve as many people as possible,” said Franklin Grant, West Hollywood Spanish church pastor. “The mission of our church is to serve. Jesus gave us the mission to teach and preach in His ways. We take this seriously because that’s the reason for our existence. Otherwise, why are we here?” Church members advertised the event weeks in advance by sharing announcements on social media and distributing flyers in the neighborhood, the latter being most effective. Prayer was at the heart of this event from beginning to end. A faithful team prayed every morning in the weeks leading up to the health
48 Pacific Union Recorder
Southern California Conference
fair. During the event, prayer was offered with those who wanted it. Feedback from attendees reaffirmed the church’s commitment to serve as God has called us all to do. “We saw such joy and gratitude on the faces of those who attended,” said Grant. “People were so grateful to us just for being there. We are simply doing what God asks of us: to be kind, compassionate, and tenderhearted.” This health event has prepared the way for building and maintaining relationships with the community. A few weeks after the health fair, West Hollywood Spanish church’s Vacation Bible School program welcomed back to the church many of the same families served at the health fair. The church’s fall revival this October is another way to remain connected to and meet the spiritual needs of this growing community. Plans for another health fair are already in motion, and Grant hopes the church will be able to host health fairs like this twice yearly. “We’re here to help in whatever way we can; we have to just get up and do it,” Grant shared. “I think our problem sometimes is we’re afraid of challenges, but the joy we experience serving far outweighs the fear.” ___________________ By Araya Moss