Diabetes Undone Brings Hope and Health to the Okmulgee Community

Native Ministries partners with Okmulgee Seventh‑day Adventist Church to share life‑changing wellness tools

Earlier this year, the Okmulgee Seventh‑day Adventist Church launched a Diabetes Undone seminar, inviting Native American community members and neighbors to learn practical, faith‑based tools for defeating diabetes. With support from the Oklahoma Conference Native American Ministries Department, the church offered this multi‑week lifestyle‑medicine program at the College of the Muscogee Nation.

A Community Invitation Rooted in Service

Four community members and five church members enrolled at the start of the program. Each Thursday evening, participants gathered for a structured learning experience that included instructional videos, guided discussion, and a sample meal featuring recipes from the Diabetes Undone cookbook.

These meals quickly became a highlight, giving attendees a chance to taste healthy dishes and build confidence in preparing them at home.

By the conclusion of the eight sessions, five participants were still faithfully attending. Praise God for their perseverance and commitment to better health.

Leadership with Heart

The program was led by Nancy and Thor Shaffer, whose dedication shaped the warm, welcoming environment. Thor, a student at the College of the Muscogee Nation, arranged for the seminar to be held on campus in the Mvhakv Svhvlwecat (Muh‑Hah‑gga Suh‑Hul‑Wee‑chaht) building. As part of his Muscogee language course, Thor was required to complete a project that served the community — and he chose to bring Diabetes Undone to campus.

Grassroots Outreach

Church members advertised the seminar through flyers and door‑to‑door outreach. During one visit, they met the aunt of Thor’s late wife, who lived in Creek Nation elderly housing. She was immediately interested and invited friends to join her. She attended all eight sessions, later expressing, “Oh how I wish I could have learned this information thirty years ago!” One of her friends attended all but one meeting.

Transformations in Health and Hope

The program helped several attendees begin healthier eating habits, incorporate regular exercise, and make meaningful lifestyle changes. Follow‑up conversations show that participants are continuing to apply what they learned, and the church hopes to offer another Diabetes Undone class in the future.

Reported by Nancy and Thor Shaffer