Michigan—In keeping with their international character, the Michiana Fil-Am (Filipino-American) Church members held an international cooking school last October and November. Carmen Barahona, a nurse hailing originally from Ecuador, is the church's health and temperance leader. She organized the series, with the assistance of her sister, Maruja, and many others.

Every Sunday evening for seven weeks, an average of 25 people attended these sessions in the church's fellowship hall. Cuisine from 13 different countries was demonstrated, including dishes from Singapore, China, Thailand, Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, India, Bangladesh, Russia, the Philippines, Romania and the Middle East. Because the Michiana Fil-Am Church is situated only a mile from Andrews University, it was easy to invite people from other countries to demonstrate foods from their homeland.

The cooking demonstrations were largely vegan. No eggs or milk were used, although a small amount of butter or cheese was used in a few recipes. Olive oil was used in place of margarine. The foods were pleasing to the eye as well as healthy. Items were chopped ahead of time to speed up the process. After the demonstration, the guests tasted the final product, which had been prepared ahead of time. Recipes were provided.

As well as cooking demonstrations, there were 20-minute presentations on health principles each evening, given by Rudi Quion, Loida Medina, Arlene Saliba, Raquel Allen and others—all physicians and nurses who are church members. Evelyn Cole-Kissinger, a lifestyle consultant and dietitian, shared nutrition information. Each evening also included a short talk about God's love and the peace we can have because of our trust in Him.

In order to build interest in this program while reaching out to the local community, Barahona and others offered free blood pressure checks in two local grocery stores one day a week for several months before the cooking school. About 100 people had their blood pressures checked. This effort yielded several attendees at the cooking school.

The health and temperance committee also sponsored a poster contest for the young people in the church. The posters were displayed in the lobby of the church, and many people commented on the talent of the youth of the church. Winners were chosen and gifts presented in church.

The cooking school culminated with a very nice Thanksgiving meal on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Table decorations contributed to the festive mood, and food was passed around the tables just like Thanksgiving dinner at home.

Michiana Fil-Am Church members believe that because the health message is the right arm of the Gospel, the Seventh-day Adventist Church should lead the way in living a healthy lifestyle. Guests saw this demonstrated wonderfully at the international cooking school.

Vicki Wiley, communication secretary, Michiana Fil-Am Church