The Heroes Circle Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to demonstrate its commitment to the wider community through its annual Back-to-School Treat and Health Fair, providing practical support, health services, education, fellowship, and Christian witness to families.
This year’s event, held on the grounds of the Heroes Circle Seventh-Day Adventist on August 2, 2026, was significantly expanded as part of the church’s 20th anniversary celebrations. More than 150 people were registered and benefited from the range of activities and services offered, while nearly 100 back-to-school packages were distributed to help children and families.
Nurse McCarthy providing medicals for a child in the community during the Heroes Circle Back-to-School Treat and Health Fair. :: Photo credit: Shana-Lee Powell
The day began with a devotion led by the church’s resident pastor, Pastor Oshain Stewart, reminding participants of God’s love for them, His desire for their well-being and, above all, His plan for their salvation. The devotion set the tone for the day and reflected the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s belief in caring for the whole person while pointing people to the hope found in Jesus Christ. Participants then joined an exercise session, led by Bro Hakeem Mclean, encouraging them to take care of their physical health and start the day with energy.
The health services were a major part of the program. Families benefited from free medical checks and student medicals, along with free eye checks and BMI assessments. These services provided an opportunity for participants to pay greater attention to their health and well-being.
Bro. Theodore Powell gives a haircut to a child in the community during the Heroes Circle Back-to-School Treat and Health Fair. :: Photo credit: Shawn-King Ferguson
The church also provided practical assistance to help families prepare for the new school year. Free barbering and hairdressing services were offered as a part of its senior citizens makeover, while community members were able to access free legal advice from Attorney-at-Law Elder Andrew Lawrence from the Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Education was another important part of the program. Constable Foster and Sergeant Shaw of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Half-Way Tree Traffic Division delivered a road-safety presentation, highlighting the importance of responsible behavior and safety on the nation’s roads, especially as the new school term begins. Mr. Shawn-King Ferguson, Stewardship Director of the church, also shared practical financial guidance to help families make smart decisions as they prepare for the new school year, with emphasis on planning ahead, prioritizing spending, and managing back-to-school expenses wisely.
Constable D. Foster and Sergeant D. Shaw engaging members of the community on road safety practices during the Heroes Circle Back-to-School Treat and Health Fair. :: Photo credit: Shana-Lee Powell
The program also provided plenty of opportunities for fun and fellowship. Games, a bounce-about, and activities for children created an enjoyable atmosphere for families, while children received medals in recognition of their participation and achievements. Bro. Jovan McCook hosted the program, helping to keep the activities engaging throughout the day.
What made the event special was the way the different activities came together to serve both children and adults. While children received back-to-school packages, health checks, haircuts, and opportunities to participate and be recognized, parents and other adults were also able to access health services, legal advice, and financial guidance.
At the heart of the initiative was a simple message: God loves His children and cares about their lives, their families, and their future.
Through the Back-to-School Treat and Health Fair, Heroes Circle SDA Church sought not only to meet practical needs but also to create opportunities for people to experience God’s love and hear about the hope found in Jesus Christ. The church believes that meeting people’s immediate needs can help build relationships and open doors to share the Gospel and the message of salvation.
Children enjoy bounce-a-bout following medicals during the Heroes Circle Back-to-School Treat and Health Fair. :: Photo credit: Shawn-King Ferguson
As Heroes Circle SDA Church celebrates its 20th anniversary under the theme “Our Journey, Our Legacy, Advancing God’s Mission,” the Back-to-School Treat and Health Fair is a meaningful expression of that mission.
Through its continued service to the community, the church is seeking to remind families that they are valued, supported, and loved by God, while pointing them to the greater hope of a relationship with Him and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The church extends sincere gratitude to all the volunteers and professionals who contributed their time and expertise, with special appreciation to the Adventist Health Volunteers Association for partnering with the church. We give special thanks to Member of Parliament, South St. Andrew, Mr. Mark Golding, for his support. Special thanks are also extended to the Community Service Department for its tremendous support and dedication in helping to make the event a success.