Hanford English SDA Church Celebrates Successful Completion of 4th Annual 40-Day Wellness Challenge

The Hanford Seventh-day Adventist Church recently celebrated the  successful completion of its 4th Annual 40-Day Wellness Challenge—an  inspiring, community-centered program that continues to serve our church  and community. Designed as a Bible-based lifestyle initiative, the challenge  once again brought together individuals and families committed to  improving their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. 

Running from January through early March, the program combined  principles of faith and lifestyle medicine with practical tools for everyday  health. Participants engaged in weekly group sessions, virtual check-ins,  and educational experiences that emphasized connection, accountability,  and long-term wellness habits.

A Growing Community Impact 

“Medical missionary work brings to humanity the gospel of release from suffering.  It is the pioneer work of the gospel. It is the gospel practiced, the compassion of  Christ revealed. Of this work there is great need, and the world is open for it.” — Medical Ministry, p. 239 

This year’s event demonstrated remarkable engagement, with 65  registered participants and total participation reaching nearly 80  individuals throughout the program. The challenge maintained its family focused approach, offering a dedicated children’s and youth program,  ensuring that wellness education extended across generations. 

The event was also impacted by the support of Souls West Bible School and district churches Lemoore SDA and Armona SDA. Invitations were shared directly to friends, door to door, at Physician’s offices to their patients, and through social media marketing advertisements and videos. The most successful marketing was through  

invitations directly to known contacts and patients as well as word of mouth  by people who had attended prior.  

One of the most meaningful milestones came at the conclusion of the  program, where approximately 40 participants graduated, celebrating  their commitment and completion of the full 40-day journey. The graduation  event served not only as a recognition ceremony but also as a time of  fellowship, reflection, testimonies, and a sense of shared accomplishment.

A Holistic  Approach  to Wellness 

What continues to set the Hanford SDA Wellness Challenge apart is it’s  experiential and holistic design. Participants were encouraged to: 

● Learn biblical and health principles that support whole-person  wellness 

● Connect in small groups for encouragement and accountability

● Track progress through health assessments and implementing  measurable “SMART GOALS” 

● Experience practical lifestyle changes through nutrition  demonstrations, plant-based meals, and group activities

The inclusion of biometric screenings, physician-guided goal setting, and  before-and-after assessments reinforced the program’s commitment to  measurable health improvement. 

Positive Outcomes & Participant Feedback 

Survey feedback from participants reflected strong satisfaction and  meaningful lifestyle changes. Many reported improvements in energy  levels, healthier eating habits, weight loss or medical improvements,  stronger spiritual engagement, and a deeper sense of community  connection. The group-based model proved especially impactful, as  relationships formed during the challenge became a source of motivation  and lasting support.

In response to the question: “What did you appreciate the most?”  community members shared: 

● “My team!! It was so nice, reassuring, and the dynamic was  wonderful. The lessons and learning aspect was a wonderful  experience.” 

● “The amazing presentations, fellowship and absolutely delicious food  made with lots of love.” 

● “Learning more about God, healthy recipes and having a good team  to do it with, oh and also the good food!”

Another community member shared: “That’s what’s so wonderful about SDA, you all are a joint effort, you all work like busy bees doing what ever is necessary to make this wonderful 40DW a success. If I had to pick, I appreciate all the speakers and all the valuable  information. I’m thankful that they always incorporate a part of the Bible  which makes their message complete.“ 

Looking Ahead 

As the church reflects on our fourth “40-Day Wellness Challenge”, we are grateful to how God has blessed us individually and as a community. We are reminded of the power promised when combining the good news of the gospel with health ministry and look forward to Christ’s continued work in and through His church. 

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My  yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will  find rest for your souls. - Mat 11:28-29

Written by Erik C. Lloyd