Sep 19, 2024, 10:48 AMTegemea Champanda
Health Expo sends shockwaves to Hexham Communities in Reading
On Saturday, 14th September 2024, Reading Angaza SDA Church witnessed a one-of-a-kind 'Health Expo Shockwaves'. Hundreds of people gathered at Hexham Community Centre not only to witness but to fully participate in the event. A variety of activities took place both inside and outside the centre’s facilities, including health talks, health screenings, health literature, free snacks and meals, networking, and much more. The event was scheduled to run from 11:30 am through to 5:00 pm, but it extended past 6:00 pm, with people still wanting to stay.
Around 11:30 am, the Pathfinder Drum Corps of Reading Angaza and Reading West SDA Church made their presence felt by parading the streets, inviting people with flyers and posters. This kind of introduction sparked a unique interest among the people around the centre. Many were seen standing by their front doors, recording the drumming and marching on their phones. As a result, hundreds flocked to the centre. For the very first time, the new partnership between the church and the local authority—Reading Borough Council—made the Health Expo 2024 the talk of the day. We hope and pray that this partnership will grow stronger as we team up to serve our communities.
The keynote speaker, the Honourable Mayor of Reading—Cllr Glenn Dennis—was ushered in by the Drum Corps with great splendour. The grand entry left the audience awestruck, and the Mayor reflected on this experience in his speech. He said the parade reminded him of his late wife, who used to be fascinated by such displays whenever they went on holiday.
Edith Samambwa, SEC Health Director, who attended part of the event in the afternoon, commended the occasion in an interview with the Reading Angaza local pastor, Pr Baraka Butoke. She remarked:
"My message to the churches, right from when I started the Expo this year and last year, is that we need to partner. We are not the only people who know these things. Yes, God gave us the original message, but now there are people who come on board... we need to go to those people and say, 'You know what we do. We see you do this. How can we work together?'"
Pr Baraka Butoke concluded the day with a vote of thanks to all key players who made the day a great success. Among those mentioned were Hexham Community, Reading Borough Council, facilitators, sponsors, the Reading Angaza family, the Drum Corps, and all attendees. He left the people with two takeaways:
Keep Hope Alive
He said that sometimes things may not turn out the way we want, but we must "Keep Hope Alive." Keep Faith Alive
He continued, saying that even when you have done everything right and matters seem to get worse, "Keep Faith Alive."
"For we believe there is a God somewhere who can do more than we can do. Keep HOPE and FAITH alive."
After sharing this takeaway message, Pastor Baraka concluded his vote of thanks.
On Saturday, 14th September 2024, Reading Angaza SDA Church witnessed a one-of-a-kind 'Health Expo Shockwaves'. Hundreds of people gathered at Hexham Community Centre not only to witness but to fully participate in the event. A variety of activities took place both inside and outside the centre’s facilities, including health talks, health screenings, health literature, free snacks and meals, networking, and much more. The event was scheduled to run from 11:30 am through to 5:00 pm, but it extended past 6:00 pm, with people still wanting to stay.
Around 11:30 am, the Pathfinder Drum Corps of Reading Angaza and Reading West SDA Church made their presence felt by parading the streets, inviting people with flyers and posters. This kind of introduction sparked a unique interest among the people around the centre. Many were seen standing by their front doors, recording the drumming and marching on their phones. As a result, hundreds flocked to the centre. For the very first time, the new partnership between the church and the local authority—Reading Borough Council—made the Health Expo 2024 the talk of the day. We hope and pray that this partnership will grow stronger as we team up to serve our communities.
The keynote speaker, the Honourable Mayor of Reading—Cllr Glenn Dennis—was ushered in by the Drum Corps with great splendour. The grand entry left the audience awestruck, and the Mayor reflected on this experience in his speech. He said the parade reminded him of his late wife, who used to be fascinated by such displays whenever they went on holiday.
Edith Samambwa, SEC Health Director, who attended part of the event in the afternoon, commended the occasion in an interview with the Reading Angaza local pastor, Pr Baraka Butoke. She remarked:
"My message to the churches, right from when I started the Expo this year and last year, is that we need to partner. We are not the only people who know these things. Yes, God gave us the original message, but now there are people who come on board... we need to go to those people and say, 'You know what we do. We see you do this. How can we work together?'"
Pr Baraka Butoke concluded the day with a vote of thanks to all key players who made the day a great success. Among those mentioned were Hexham Community, Reading Borough Council, facilitators, sponsors, the Reading Angaza family, the Drum Corps, and all attendees. He left the people with two takeaways:
Keep Hope Alive
He said that sometimes things may not turn out the way we want, but we must "Keep Hope Alive." Keep Faith Alive
He continued, saying that even when you have done everything right and matters seem to get worse, "Keep Faith Alive."
"For we believe there is a God somewhere who can do more than we can do. Keep HOPE and FAITH alive."
After sharing this takeaway message, Pastor Baraka concluded his vote of thanks.