Did you know that the second leading cause of death among males between the ages of 25 and 34 in Florida is suicide? It’s becoming a trend across our country, revealing the severity of the pain that people seem to be dealing with physically, mentally and emotionally.

People are engaging in risky behaviors and addictions of all kinds to cope with their pain. Followers of Jesus with godly character, hearts of compassion and competency in skills serving within the domain of Health/Medicine/Wholeness have much to offer those struggling with the need of healing, wellness and inner freedom. In John 10:10 Jesus says, “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” The Greek word for “life” is zoe and means “life as God originally intended.”

From the very beginning, embedded within the Creation story in Genesis, are eight principles for walking in an abundant life:

• Choice – taking charge of your life
• Rest – replacing chaos with calm
• Environment – creating an oasis that nurtures your spirit
• Activity – staying young mentally and physically
• Trust – expressing one’s faith in a loving Heavenly Father
• Interpersonal Relationships – celebrating the people in our lives
• Outlook – the key to opportunity
• Nutrition – fuel for peak performance

These godly principles create a lifestyle of well-being and wholeness, allowing one to serve and give of themselves to those in need. Whether it be as medical professionals, counselors or those that promote health via exercise and nutrition, there is a need for followers of Jesus to actively disciple those called to this domain, so that God may be glorified and people honored and well served in and through it.

We’ve been commissioned to transform lives and entrusted with helping people move from hopelessness and pain to hopefulness and peace.