Choose Healthy Life Hosts Service of Hope & Healing at First Baptist Church of East Elmhurst in Queens, NY

The 2026 Service of Hope and Healing was an unforgettable celebration of faith, community, and wellness at the beautiful First Baptist Church of East Elmhurst in Queens, NY. Attendees came together for an uplifting evening filled with inspiring worship, powerful preaching, joyful music, and delicious food, all in the spirit of unity to celebrate CHL’s progress in the community and look forward to the work ahead.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to UnitedHealthcare Community Plan for supporting our event.

Enjoy some highlights captured in photos from the event below! (image captions only available on desktop)

CHL New York Clergy Leader Rev. Lawrence Aker III welcomes the audience as the service’s Presiding Minister

CHL President & CEO Rev. Kimberly L. Williams delivers the opening Invocation

CHL Founder & Board Chair Debra Fraser-Howze delivers remarks

CHL Founder Debra Fraser-Howze with CHL New York Clergy Leader Rev. Lawrence Aker III before the event

CHL New York Clergy robing and having fellowship before the event

Host Pastor Rev. Patrick H. Young (First Baptist Church of East Elmhurst) addresses the audience

The LaFredrick Coaxner Ensemble performs

Audience members (including CHL Health Navigators) enjoy musical performances

CHL New York Clergy at the end of the opening Processional

United Way of New York City President & CEO Grace Bonilla delivers remarks

Rev. Dr. David K. Brawley (St. Paul Community Baptist Church) delivers “I AM the Bread of Life” John 6:35

Rev. Dr. David K. Brawley (St. Paul Community Baptist Church) delivers “I AM the Bread of Life” John 6:35

Rev. Michael Walrond (First Corinthian Baptist Church) delivers “I AM the Light of the World” John 8:12

Rev. Kimberly L. Detherage (St. Marks AME Chruch) delivers “I AM the Door” John 10:7-10

Rev. Sebrone O. Johnson (Greater Harvest Church) delivers “I AM the Good Shepherd”John 10:11-18

Rev. Sebrone O. Johnson (Greater Harvest Church) delivers “I AM the Good Shepherd”John 10:11-18

Rev. Brian D. Scott (Union Baptist Church of Harlem) delivers the Altar Prayer & the Blessing of the First Responders

CHL New York Clergy deliver the Blessing of the First Responders

CHL New York Clergy deliver the Blessing of the First Responders

CHL New York Clergy deliver the Blessing of the First Responders

CHL New York Clergy deliver the Blessing of the First Responders

CHL New York Clergy Leader Rev. Lawrence Aker III praying during the Altar Prayer

Rev. Dr. DeCarto D. Draper Jr. (Tucker Missionary Baptist Church) delivers “I AM the Resurrection & the Life” John 11:21-27

Rev. Milton Stubbs III (AME Zion Church of Newburgh) delivers “I AM the Way, the Truth, & the Life” John 14:6

Bishop Johnny Ray Youngblood (Mount Pisgah Baptist Church) delivers “I AM the True Vine” John 15:1-11

Bishop Johnny Ray Youngblood (Mount Pisgah Baptist Church) delivers “I AM the True Vine” John 15:1-11

CHL Special Advisor Rev. Jacques A. DeGraff delivers the Blessing of the Healers

CHL Special Advisor Rev. Jacques A. DeGraff delivers the Blessing of the Healers

CHL Health Navigators, Clergy, health workers, and mental health workers recieving the Blessing of the Healers

CHL Health Navigators, Clergy, health workers, and mental health workers recieving the Blessing of the Healers