Students from the William Carey School have started several Sunday morning fellowship groups in the rural
area surrounding the community. Through these groups it is hoped that churches can be planted.
Community residents who are members of the fellowship groups hosted some of our outreach sessions.
Most of the residents come from Amazioni (a blend of Christianity and traditional African religion) and
Hindu religious backgrounds. The people expect that religion address practical health matters. Hinduism
and traditional African religion are largely unable to address the modern epidemic disablers and killers
such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or HIV/AIDS. Here is an opportunity for the
church to follow the example of Jesus and address total health needs - mind, body and spirit.
We were surprised to find a high level of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity in the community.
Many South Africans are emerging from poverty only to be cut down by inadequate physical activity and
an inability to choose healthy foods. The old way of eating for Indians and black Africans included beans
and samp (boiled dried corn) with fruits and vegetables. Now, people are eating increasing amounts of
foods such as candies, potato chips, soft drinks and white bread.
pictured above.
homes and carry camp chairs and a table in case people lack furniture.
had some poorly controlled cardiovascular disease risk factors. He went to the area health clinic and on recheck we found that his conditions were much
improved. We prayed in the name of Jesus with him on both visits.
our course, he was overweight. He has lost a
substantial amount of weight during the past six
months due to diet and exercise. He told us that he
was concerned that people might think he has AIDS
when he gets back home to Zambia but is quite
pleased with his new appearance. He told us that he
plans to work in a copper mine in Zambia to save up
enough money to buy a health kit.
School, we taught the students to measure their own Body Mass Index (BMI). Higher
BMI is correlated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Most of the students were
at normal body weight. Most of the students at normal body weight perceived
themselves to be underweight before learning the facts about obesity.
