From its inception, the Adventist church has been intentional to articulate and practice its mission by communicating the message of the gospel throughout the world. The 15 million member world church continues to support one of the largest systems of mission hospitals and educational institutions in the world.
Today, the church operates approximately 175 Adventist hospitals of which about 95 are in developing countries. Loma Linda University in southern California, once called the College of Medical Evangelists, is one of 3 medical schools operated by the Adventist church and was established for the purpose of training physicians to serve in medical ministry around the world. Adventists believe that Christian life includes both spiritual and physical health, thus their involvement in promotion of health and wholeness. Seventh-day Adventists are involved in providing betterment for all human beings and especially reaching out to provide practical help to those affected by disaster as well as others that are underserved and underprivileged.