I went on a screening outreach to a small textile factory called "303 Designs" inDurban. Two of our trainee lay health builders Claudine and Lucy were able to screen about twenty men and women who worked in this factory for cardiovascular disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes and central obesity.Educational materials were also made available.Strict confidentiality was observed.

We were invited by the owner of the factory to offer this screening.This was the sort of factory that once was common in America, and some of our readers will remember serving in shops and factories like this when they were younger.This sort of industry is now the economic backbone and engine which is driving South Africa's emerging economy, and employs most of the people who have work .

In between the bustle of the busy factory floor which was filling orders for T-shirts in Johannesburg, we were able to set up a screening station on the billiard table in the small main office. The soft felt surface of the table cover was actually comfortable for resting people's arms and testing blood pressures.

We opened with prayer, and the people knew that this was all for the glory of the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus cares about health, and he will meet people in their homes or at work places through our ministry.

Some people were afraid of being poked for sugar and cholesterol tests at first, but they changed their minds after being reassured by other workers.All in all, it was a very encouraging session for our trainees, who are getting more confident and less stressed in carrying out this screening. The gospel is also served by health screening where people work.This is faith in action and a demonstration of Jesus' love in the workplace.

For more photos, see our website www.bethelhealthbuilders.org

Yours in Christ,

Rick Gutierrez