Young people and adults participate in one of dozens of 5K and 10K races promoting healthy living during the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “2026 Total Health Impact” initiative held across Guatemala from April 19–25, 2026. [Photo: Guatemala Union][Photo: Guatemala Union]
Medical outreach, radio programs, and community service efforts promote wholistic wellness across Guatemala.

May 18, 2026 | Guatemala City, Guatemala | Gustavo Menéndez and Inter-American Division News Staff

Medical brigades, radio programming, health campaigns, and community outreach activities promoted wholistic wellness across Guatemala through the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s nationwide “2026 Total Health Impact” initiative, which reached more than 45,000 people throughout April.

Led by the Guatemala Union Mission, the initiative mobilized church members, healthcare professionals, and volunteers across the country to provide free medical services, health education, sports activities, evangelistic outreach, and community support programs aimed at improving physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

A young volunteer conducts a health screening during a medical brigade in Guatemala City on April 11, 2026. [Photo: Guatemala Union]
The largest wave of activities took place during the initiative’s special emphasis week from April 19–25, when local churches hosted health fairs, medical brigades, and outreach events in communities throughout the country.

One of the strongest impacts came through the “Health Week on the Radio” programming broadcast through the Adventist communication system and digital platforms. According to church leaders, the broadcasts reached approximately 25,000 non-Adventist listeners with presentations focused on physical, emotional, and mental health.

Radio Outreach Opens New Doors

Guenther García, president of the Guatemala Union, said the radio initiative connected the church with audiences who had never previously interacted with Adventist programming.

Union Radio host Eddy Rodríguez leads a live program during the special radio emphasis week held as part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “2026 Total Health Impact” initiative in Guatemala. [Photo: Facebook]
“We had traditionally focused our radio programming on prophecy, doctrine, and evangelistic themes,” García explained. “But when the emphasis shifted toward health and emotional wellness, many new listeners began calling, asking questions, and interacting with the church.”

The church temporarily unified its two major Adventist radio stations during the initiative to transmit a single health-focused program across much of the country. Leaders estimate the broadcasts reached nearly 80 percent of Guatemala.

According to García, one listener who had never attended an Adventist church decided to be baptized after following the health programming throughout the week.

A young professional shares nutritional tips with visitors during the “I Want to Live Healthy” Expo in Chiquimula, Guatemala. [Photo: Guatemala Union]
“The impact was real,” García said. “People realized the church not only speaks about doctrine and prophecy, but also cares about emotional and physical health.”

Medical Brigades and Community Service

The initiative also included health brigades and educational activities in hundreds of communities. Organizers reported that micro health programs were integrated into 250 evangelistic campaigns, directly impacting approximately 10,000 people, with plans to expand the effort into 500 additional campaigns in the coming weeks.

In addition, 59 “I Want to Live Healthy”races were organized nationwide during the first quarter of the year, drawing approximately 10,000 participants in 5K and 10K categories.

From left to right: Moisés Vidal, health ministries director of the Guatemala Union ; Dr. Jorge Cajas of the Adventist Clinic; Oswaldo Munguía, president of the West Guatemala Conference; and Dr. Roel Cea, health ministries director of the North Mexican Union, visit the Adventist clinic operated by the conference in Quetzaltenango. [Photo: Guatemala Union]
Moisés Vidal, health ministries director of the Guatemala Union, said the initiative sought not only to meet immediate physical needs but also to train communities in long-term wellness principles.

“We have seen the hand of God in every activity,” Vidal said. “Reaching more than 45,000 people with a message of hope and total health is a blessing that goes beyond physical health.”

Vidal explained that church leaders also visited Adventist clinics across the country to train healthcare personnel in the Adventist Model of Primary Health Care (MAPS).

Dozens gather for meals and health seminars at the Isaiah 58 center of influence in Guatemala City during the “2026 Total Health Impact” initiative. The center serves people experiencing homelessness each week through food, clothing, showers, and spiritual support. [Photo: Guatemala Union]
“Isaiah 58” Ministry Inspires Local Churches

Among the initiatives highlighted was the “Isaiah 58” ministry, a lay-operated center of influence in Guatemala City that provides food, clothing, showers, haircuts, spiritual support, and other services to people experiencing homelessness. The ministry serves more than 400 individuals each month.

García said the ministry has inspired additional churches to consider developing community outreach centers focused on practical service and relationship building.

“Many churches saw this as an opportunity to reach people through their needs and bring them closer to Christ,” García said.

A dentist treats a young patient during a health brigade in Zone 12 of Guatemala City, Guatemala, as part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “2026 Total Health Impact” initiative. [Photo: Guatemala Union]
Church leaders also highlighted the growing network of Adventist clinics throughout Guatemala. Two clinics are currently operating, while additional facilities are under development as part of the church’s long-term health outreach strategy.

According to García, the success of the initiative has encouraged church leaders to continue expanding wholistic health ministry throughout the country in the coming years.