Medical professionals from the Vida Sana Center, operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the East Venezuela Union, and volunteers pose for a group photo at the conclusion of a free medical outreach serving community members in Caripe, Monagas, Venezuela, February 14–17, 2026. [Photo: East Venezuela Union]
Volunteers provide medical services, outreach, and training while promoting a holistic approach to health and ministry.

March 31, 2026 | Caripe, Managas, Venezuela | Gabriel Moncada, Gabriela Becerra and IAD News Staff

More than 500 people received medical care and spiritual support during a health and mission outreach held February 14–17, at the Vida Sana Center in Caripe, Monagas, Venezuela.

The four-day initiative brought together more than 20 volunteers who provided a range of services, including triage, pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, psychology, traumatology, dentistry, podiatry, and ultrasound exams, along with the distribution of medications. Each consultation also included emotional and spiritual guidance, organizers said.

A family meets with a medical doctor during a free health outreach at the Vida Sana Center in Caripe, Venezuela, reflecting the church’s commitment to holistic healing and community service. [Photo: East Venezuela Union]
The program opened on Sabbath with a musical service led by Od. Darlys Belisario, health ministries director of the East Venezuela Union, setting a tone of gratitude and reflection. The opening session was followed by training designed to reframe medical missionary work as an expression of compassion and hope, organizers said.

Community Impact

During the “Missionary School of Health Evangelism” seminar, psychologist and volunteer missionary Luisa Otahola emphasized that medical care extends beyond diagnosis and treatment. “True success lies in helping patients not only recover their well-being, but also become messengers of these principles,” she said.

Lorena Fernández, a Vida Sana Center collaborator, reinforced the message, noting that the call to serve is not limited to healthcare professionals. “Every church member is invited to reflect the character of Jesus in every act of service,” she said.

A volunteer provides a massage to a participant during a Vida Sana Center health outreach in Venezuela, reflecting the church’s commitment to holistic care and community impact. [Photo: East Venezuela Union]
Organizers also announced plans to launch the first Missionary School of Health Evangelism in August, aimed at equipping more individuals to integrate health and ministry in community outreach.

The spiritual closing message was presented by Dr. Raydel Espinosa, director of the Adventist Clinic in Maturín, who encouraged participants to view their work through a broader lens. “We are ambassadors of the kingdom of heaven in a territory of pain,” he said, urging attendees to see people beyond their illnesses and recognize their need for restoration.

A mother and her son consult with a medical professional during a health outreach in Caripe, Venezuela. [Photo: East Venezuela Union]
Throughout the outreach, all individuals served were registered for ongoing follow-up as part of a broader missionary effort. Participants highlighted both the medical and spiritual value of the initiative.

José Gómez, whose son received pediatric care, expressed gratitude for the services provided. “This kind of care is truly needed because there are many illnesses,” he said, thanking the team for their dedication and spirit of service.

A Place of Restoration

Belisario explained that Caripe was selected in part because the Vida Sana Center plays a key role in the church’s mission. “These centers are meant to be places of refuge,” she said. “We are working to reactivate them alongside permanent missionaries and volunteers who support this cause.”

A health professional from the Vida Sana Center in Venezuela shares a spiritual nugget during the community outreach. [Photo: East Venezuela Union]
She described the outreach as a blessing, noting that volunteers were able to serve as “the hands of Jesus” to those in need. She also highlighted the center’s role in promoting the eight healthy habits, which aim to reduce suffering and encourage care for the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.

For many in Caripe, the initiative offered more than medical attention—it brought renewed hope, organizers said. When health and mission come together, they said, the result goes beyond physical recovery, fostering meaningful and lasting transformation in people’s lives.