Health principles encourage Holy Spirit benefits!
My wife and I have served as camp doctor and nurse, while our children have taken on roles as campers as well as counselors and staff. In a recent weekend in March, we were blessed to coordinate the 2025 Michigan Conference Health Retreat at Camp Au Sable. Each time I spend time at camp, I feel a certain refreshment. Is it the fresh air, wholesome food, the calming sights and sounds of nature?
I am grateful that our Adventist camps have played a part in nurturing me and my family, both personally and within our church community. It doesn’t take much more than a brisk morning boardwalk stroll around the lake, an outdoor song service at dusk, or a shared meal in the cafeteria to recognize the interwoven elements of ministry: Personal ministry, Family ministry, Youth ministry, Children’s ministry, Education, Evangelism, Women’s and Men’s ministries, and Health Ministry. Health Ministry, too? Yes, all these come together in one place—a unique center of influence.
Health principles encourage Holy Spirit benefits!
Amazingly, two-thirds of the health principles promoted by NEWSTART, STARTANEW.me, and more are naturally addressed simply by spending time outdoors. Being active in nature provides exercise, fresh air, and sunlight exposure—often leading to improved rest and increased water intake. Studies of children that grow up in “green spaces” (field/forest environment) have a 15%-55% lower risk of developing psychiatric illness, depression, anxiety and alcoholism.
A 2014 study noted that the higher percentage of tree canopy in a neighborhood corresponded to increased positive mental health status among populations age 55 and older. Spending time in nature has beneficial effects such as triggering natural Vitamin D production (important for our bones, blood cells, and immune system), lowering cortisol levels (a factor in inflammation, blood pressure, and sleep cycle regulation), and reduced demands on our cardiovascular systems -- likely leading to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and lower rates of heart disease.
A 2022 observational study of 78,000 persons (ages 40-75 years old) over seven years suggested that they were 51% less likely to develop dementia when walking at least 9,800 steps per day (about 5 miles) and 25% less likely to develop dementia when walking at least 3,500 steps per day (about 2 miles).
A healthier body and mind more importantly allow for greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s teaching, promptings, and the witness of God’s second book—nature. So, if you find yourself at one of our camps, enjoy! If not, try to take daily walks in as much of a camp-like environment as you have access to, and experience several benefits simultaneously—with one simple activity.
Michael Quion MD, is the health ministries co-director for Michigan Conference.
