The Women’s Ministry of Malabar parish, supported by their male counterparts, the Malabar Men’s Ministry, recently hosted its Second Annual Health Fair at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Malabar.

This event, in addition to a Spiritual Evening held at the D’Abadie RC Chapel, brought the curtain down on the calendar of events for the group for 2007.

The theme of the Health Fair was ‘Health and Wellness: The Challenge of the 21st Century’.

The day’s activities began with Holy Mass followed by a well balanced breakfast. Additionally, throughout the day, efforts were made to serve meals that were beneficial to good health.

Those in attendance were informed about various health issues via a wide range of activities, which catered for the needs of infants to senior citizens.

There were presentations by medical practitioners on asthma, diabetes and diseases of the prostrate. Nutrition for the prevention of lifestyle diseases - for example, diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension - were done by a nutritionist.

Dr Lester Goetz shares his knowledge on diseases of the prostrate at the Fair.

Those with immediate concern had the facility of a consultation with visiting doctors.

Participants received information on dental care, breast feeding and reflexology. Throughout the day, blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol tests were done along with pap smear and breast examinations.

In keeping with today’s thrust towards a more natural lifestyle, insights were also provided into the benefits of two leading natural supplements: Diamite and Nutrolite.

As a suitable close to the Health Fair, participants were afforded the opportunity to engage in structured physical activity via an Aerobathon. This served to reinforce the importance of exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The organisers believe that the information shared will assist participants in promoting healthy lifestyles and managing existing health problems.

On Sunday December 11, a Spiritual Evening was held at the D’Abadie RC Chapel.

The topic was ‘Deborah - Judge and Prophetess’ and of course there was no better person to deliver this presentation but Sister Deborah De Rosia of the Eternal Light Community, Tunupuna.

After a short welcome by Women’s Ministry member, Mrs. June Callendar, the evening was launched into a spirit-filled praise and worship session led by Mrs. Cherie Chang.

The feature speaker was then introduced by another member, Mrs. Joyce Harding, who described Sister Debbie in the most glowing of terms.

Deborah – Judge and Prophetess, awas a multi-talented woman.”Women were often overlooked in the Old Testament, but Deborah was one spectacular exception,” Sister Debbie told the gathering.

As a prophetess and judge, she used her talents to inspire Israel during a dark time. She was a wife and mother as many women present there could surely identify.

It is difficult to identify an area in which Deborah did not excel. She became known for her wisdom in settling disputes under a large palm tree called the ‘Palm of Deborah’. Her accomplishments also indicate the significant role of leadership that noble women played during the period of Judges.

As a prophetess, she had the ability to understand God’s message and relay it to His people. Here her vigorous leadership culminated in the complete destruction of the enemy. Throughout the Bible, we can hardly find a more well-rounded leader, male or female, like Deborah.

Deborah, who was also an accomplished poet, had a dynamic personality, and was gifted, resolute and inspirational (Judges 4:4-24).

Undoubtedly, many of our women can definitely identify with her.The Malabar Parish Women’s Ministry continues to be proactive in order to empower and nurture others.

In 2008 we intend to achieve bigger and better things in order to continue this mission.