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Medical education has a potentially powerful role in global health. This breakout will explore some ways that medical education can not only support patient care but also resource and research capacity building to better care for critically ill patients in low-middle-income countries. https://bit.ly/gmhc2022_burtonlee_supportingglobalcriticalcare

Background. Diabetes programs are difficult to implement in low-income settings. Mentoring clinics is promising to implement initiatives. We mentored local Community Health Workers (CHWs) to implement a diabetes program for low-income Latino(a)s (N=59) with type 2 diabetes in a twophased approach, each 6-months. Methods. -Phase 1 (training, feasibility assessment): participants randomized to the diabetes program or usual care. CHW-instructors (CHW-Is) led the program, CHWs observed. -Phase 2 (mentoring): CHWs led the program, CHW-Is mentored. -The program included monthly group visits and weekly CHWs/CHWIs-participant telehealth contact. -Outcomes included baseline to 6-month clinical changes i.e., HbA1c, adherence to medications and six American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines, CHW pre/posttest scores, and hypoglycemia. Results. Significant outcomes included improved HbA1c levels, medication and ADA adherence, hypoglycemic events, and CHWs test scores.

Every believer is called to fulfill the Great Commission, sharing the gospel and helping make disciples. But not everyone is called to do it for a living. Full-time missionary jobs take a special kind of person, not to mention a special kind of calling from God.  Thankfully, if you feel called to serve in a full-time missionary setting, you can find the resources you need to move in the right direction. Among the greatest tools at your disposal are job boards or job listings that help you know where the needs are greatest and where you can plug in. But before digging too deeply into the where of full-time missionary jobs, you need to take a look at the who. Specifically, you need to examine what it will mean for you to become the best version of yourself as you step into this incredible adventure.   "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" —Matthew 28:19   Finding Your Missionary Position As you do some self-evaluation and reflect on your potential as a career missionary, it’s helpful to examine things through two basic lenses: personal and practical. The personal side considers whether you have the make-up and character qualities necessary for success on the mission field. The practical matters help you sort through the struggles and questions you might face. Personally, career missionaries tend to possess some basic character qualities that allow them to adapt and thrive on the field. For example, full-time missionary jobs require individuals who have a personal and growing faith in addition to their firm call from the Lord. After all, you can’t lead people where you have never been, and you don’t want to chase a call that God has not placed on your life—especially one like missions. It's also helpful if missionaries are lifelong learners, always seeking to discover more about the people they reach and improving their skills. And since missionaries typically don’t work in a vacuum, being a team player is a must. Of course, some of these personal qualities can be developed and strengthened over time, but those pursuing full-time missionary jobs have to be willing to do the hard work to integrate these qualities and more into their lives and work. Practically, the biggest challenge career missionaries face is sacrifice. Even though the sense of call may be strong, you can’t escape the fact that you will be giving things up to work on a foreign mission field. You’ll leave behind family and friends, as well as many conveniences. You will also face some struggles with language and culture. You may feel vulnerable at first because your communication could be limited. What’s more, your very presence could represent a stigma for locals who view you through a particular economic or even political lens. You also may have questions about money and whether or not you can survive on a full-time missionary’s salary. In addition, many career missionaries have the challenge of identifying a suitable sending agency and a support network.  None of these challenges—either personal or practical—should discourage you from pursuing your call to missions. Instead, they should remind you of the incredible responsibility you have as you pursue a full-time missionary job. God has given you the privilege of taking His Word to the world. You must do all you can to prepare well.   Full Time Missionary Jobs that are Personal—and Practical Once you’ve gone through the self-evaluation process and you’re sure God has called you to missions, it’s time to see what’s available. Again, you’ll find plenty of resources that can help you find the right fit, whether it involves a part of the world or a particular skill (like medical missions or education).  Missionary job boards are a great place to start, and we’ve identified four that can get you moving in the right direction. • Word of Life. The Word of Life organization has been ministering in the United States and across the globe for nearly 80 years. Through its international ministries arm, it now has more than 1,500 missionaries serving in 70 different countries. The career opportunities are diverse, including clubs, education, and camps.   • Medical Missions. The Medical Missions job board is associated with the Global Missions Health Conference, held each year in Louisville, Kentucky. The goal of the job board is to connect medical missionaries with the best opportunities for making a difference around the world. The board allows you to customize your search based on factors like income, specialization, and location.    • Christian Job Fair. While part of a larger network to help Christians identify places of service, the Christian Job Fair has a section designated for full time missionary jobs. The site connects individuals with a variety of missionary-sending organizations. It also has a feature that allows interested parties to post their resumes. • Team. Tracing its roots to 1891, the organization that became Team was formed in response to calls for missionaries in Europe and Asia, including Hudson Taylor’s famous plea for 1,000 people to become missionaries in China. Over time, the movement has expanded around the world. Today, Team works with more than 500 missionaries and a network of some 2,000 churches. Its job board allows users to explore a wide selection of opportunities, including many related to medical and health care missions.   Taking the next step Even after working through your personal and practical concerns and researching missionary job boards, you still might have questions. One helpful tool could be the Ask a Missionary website. This site’s Q&A section includes dozens of questions that people like you are asking—along with honest, common-sense questions. Honestly, you may never get all your questions answered before you land on your mission field. But that’s where faith comes in. The God who called you to career missions will also equip you and direct you. He never sets His people up to fail when they are obeying His plans and purposes.   Discover Medical Missions. Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.  

Mission trips have been a go-to for ministries for decades. They are great experiences for leaving your comfort zone and taking your faith on the road. Whether a college student looking to dive into missions work, a ministry servant, or a medical professional, there are many doors open to you. You have choices, which means you need to do some research to find the best mission trip organizations for you.    Finding the best Mission Trip Organizations for You Let's be clear about two things from the start. First, most mission trip organizers are great agencies that love Jesus and want to spread the gospel worldwide. So, as you start your search for the best mission trip organizations for your particular calling and passion, you may encounter a lot of win-win situations. If you find that narrowing your list is a tough task, that's a good thing. Second, not every mission trip organization is going to meet your needs. Suppose your passion is medical missions or a group that builds houses or teaches English as a second language. The body of Christ is pretty unique, and God uses all kinds of people with all kinds of skills to share His love. So, if you have to scratch a few good groups off the list because they aren't a good fit, that's also a win-win—for you and for them.   “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19-20   What is your starting point? So, what are some things needs you need to look for as you start your search for the best mission trip organizations for you? The best place to start any endeavor is prayer. Talk to God about the decision you need to make and ask for His wisdom and leadership. If He wants you to go on a mission trip, He will show you the path you need to follow to get there. His plans always come through. You also need to think about your personal calling. Of course, this is part of the prayer step, but you can also talk to friends and family who know you well. Ask them to help you think through your skills, abilities, and passions. The insight and advice of trustworthy counselors can help you tremendously. You'll also need to identify what missionary salary you'd need to work for your situation. Finally, think about where you'd like to serve. The best mission trip organizations provide experiences around the world. So, whether you feel called to a certain part of the United States or to another country, the location of the opportunities has to be part of the equation.    6 Best Mission Trip Organizations That Might Fit Your Plans and Purposes Most of these have been around for decades and have helped thousands of missionaries find a place to serve.  • World Venture. This is one of the "granddaddies" of mission organizations, having sponsored trips since 1943. World Venture serves in the United States and around the world, focusing on a variety of needs. Along with church planting and evangelism, World Venture also shines the light of  Jesus through sports ministries, education, and business. Your commitment can last less than a year (Pathfinders), up to two years (Global Apprenticeship), or even for a career.   • Operation Mobilization. This is another long-standing mission trip organization. Operation Mobilization (OM) began with a group of friends distributing Scripture and Christian literature in Mexico in 1957. By the 1960s, OM was working in Muslim and Communist countries. Today, the group sponsors short-term experiences in the United States and worldwide, including its OM Ships ministry. • Navigators World Missions. The Navigators was founded in 1933 and has become known for its discipleship and Christian growth resources published by NavPress. But the group also sponsors mission trips through Navigators World Missions. Short-term opportunities include domestic trips (like to Texas and Florida), along with international trips to places like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Longer experiences are available through its mid-term and long-term plans, as well as its iEdge program.   • Youth with a Mission (YWAM). This non-denominational mission organization was founded in the early 1960s with a focus on bringing glory to God, sharing the gospel with the world, and empowering young people for lives of service. Today, in addition to providing mission trips around the world, YWAM offers an in-depth, six-month Discipleship Training School that includes classroom training and field experience for college students and young adults.   • Appalachian Service Project. You don't have to travel across the globe to leave your comfort zone. Plenty of places in the United States can introduce you to the needs of another culture. Since 1969, the Appalachian Service Project has been providing hope by providing safe homes for residents in some of the poorest areas of the country. Appalachian Service Project focuses on repairs and replacement of sub-standard housing, offering ministry trips throughout the year for every age group. In addition, the duration of your trip can be flexible—everything from a weekend to a year-long immersive experience.   • MissionGo. If you're looking for a mission trip organization that can work with you in shaping a mission experience, MissionGo might be the answer. The group offers several short-term ministries in areas like health care (including medical, dentistry, and chiropractic), education, water purification, evangelism, construction, and media. However, MissionGo also works with individuals to help them find the best mission trip experience for their skills and passions. In addition to short-term experiences, career opportunities are available.   Mission Trip Organizations are Everywhere To be honest, this list only scratches the surface. As noted earlier, dozens of mission trip organizations plan and execute trips with integrity and excellence. You can even find websites dedicated to providing summaries of what groups do and where they do it. Are you looking for Medical Missions specifically? Find your calling in your healthcare field. But here's another option to add to your list: your own denomination. If your church is a member of a larger denomination, it's likely that the body has at least one mission-mobilizing agency that offers short-term trips, longer internships, and career training and opportunities. For example, the Southern Baptist Convention has two agencies that focus on missions: the International Mission Board for overseas work and the North American Mission Board for domestic work. Each offers short-term and long-term experiences, along with career support. Of course, all the principles for finding the right fit still apply, even when evaluating what your denomination has to offer. The key is finding the best mission trip organizations for you so you can be the most effective witness possible.   Discover Medical Missions. Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.

This breakout session is will be a taster of the Formational Course of the Academy of Missional Healthcare and Initiative of COGI and CAPRO. Designed primarily for pre-internship students in healthcare, it is also open to young professionals. This session will provide a taster to the eight-core module mentorship course in Missional Healthcare. The session will also highlight the uniqueness of the program. The Formational course provides participants with “A missional context of learning” in an environment of Transformational learning, problem-based training, experiential sharing alongside practical role-plays and interactive group exercises. Continual learning and reflective engagement through “journaling” is a key component of the program. The full program gives broad insights into the health and development needs in a country as well the various expressions of medical missions. It also provides a deeper understanding of God’s mission pertinent to healthcare and the healthcare person.

Aspiring cross-cultural missionaries must develop the capacity to personally hear from and obey God. This ability is supernaturally achieved through the Holy Spirit by cultivating life-giving habits. Among them are bible reading, prayer, service, and participation in the Body of Christ.

This session will be a quick review of common treatments for worms, Chagas disease, giardia and leishmaniasis which are all parasites more common outside of the United States. The brief discussion of the treatment of each of these infections will include medications, dosing, side effects and monitoring.

Most believers are familiar with Jesus's command to share the gospel around the world. And for many Christian college students, mission trips have been a part of their spiritual upbringing and experience. But for those interested in global health care, medical mission trips for college students provide a variety of benefits. For example, medical mission trips can give college students valuable on-the-job training. Regardless of their specialty—medicine, pharmacology, nutrition, nursing, and so forth—medical mission trips give college students the opportunity to work with professionals in the field and to get a feel for what their future might hold. Whether traveling as a team or as an individual, medical mission trips for college students can be valuable. But even if a student is on the fence about pursuing a career in health care, medical mission trips can be great for volunteers. In general, this generation longs to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and a medical mission trip fits that bill perfectly. Whether they seek a clinical setting or have more interest in education or prevention, many students can find value in medical mission trips for college students.    Discovering Medical Mission Trips for College Students Whatever their interest in terms of medical mission trips, college students need to do their research. The sheer number of sending partners and the opportunities provided by those partners require some careful study. You will want to find the best fit in terms of location, duration, cost, and specialty. Each mission trip has its own requirements and standards. Each type is different in many ways—of course, there are many types of missions and mission focuses. Here are six ways to get involved in medical mission trips for college students:   1. With Your Christian College or University. One of the best places to start in a search for a medical mission trip as a college student is to see what's available close to home. Most Christian colleges provide opportunities for short-term mission trips, including some that could provide college credit. Some of those options include medical mission trips for their students. For example, Lipscomb University and Liberty University offer medical mission trips for their students.   2. As a marketplace worker. You don't have to choose between work and missions. Finding marketplace medical mission trips is easier than you think. These could suit your missional and professional aspirations! In fact, many Christian professionals are taking their jobs overseas, and while these folks may not be raising funds, they are very much on a mission. Healthcare is one of the greatest global avenues of need, making your skills an excellent avenue to take a job somewhere in the world.   3. Short-Term Missions. There are hundreds of opportunities for you to serve on a short-term medical mission trip, especially as a healthcare professional. In order to find out what's best for you, explore the opportunities, organizations, and resources that will help you find that perfect match.   4. Long-Term Missions. If you've decided that a long-term mission is proper for you, then exploring reliable options is a great place to start. There are specific organizations that specialize in long-term missions, many with various areas of focus.   5. Teach Your Medical Specialty. Everywhere across the globe, medical professionals are needed on medical mission trips to lead and instruct local populations in need of medical education. Becoming an educator not only serves those you teach but also affects the health of future generations.    6. Domestic Missions. Are you looking for organizations that operate right here in the United States? Search the directory of organizations that engage in domestic missions.     Reaching the World God uses all kinds of mission opportunities to share His message with a world that desperately needs to hear it. Medical missions are a vital part of His plan, which is why so many groups are involved in providing medical mission trips for college students.    Discover Medical Missions. Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.

Are you a nurse? Are you a pharmacist? A doctor? A physical therapist? A medical professional? Then you ARE a Market Place Professional! Bring your job, spread the Gospel, live in air-conditioning, and pay your own way!

You could have been a doctor. You could have been a lawyer. You could have been a teacher, a computer programmer, or an accountant. You could have chosen almost any field or vocation. But you believe God called you to missions. That’s awesome and sacred. But there’s one question that still might be swirling around in the back of your mind: What is a reasonable missionary salary? Now, don’t get me wrong. I know you’re not in it for the money. You’re pursuing God’s call with all the right motives. But you’ve still got to eat and put a roof over your head, whether your mission is around the corner or across the globe. So, it’s fair to consider what a missionary gets paid.  But to start any conversation about the “what” of a missionary's salary, it’s good to understand the “how” of a missionary's salary.    Where does the money come from? Missions have changed and evolved over the centuries. While the message of the gospel remains the unwavering cornerstone on which everything is built, the specifics and logistics of sharing the good news of Jesus can be fluid as technology and culture shift. Still, across time, missionaries have found three solid income sources for their work. Of course, God is the ultimate Provider, but, in general, these are the channels for how missionaries get paid. 1. Sending agencies. These are the organizations that enlist and send missionaries into the world. Many are private agencies. Others, like the International Mission Board or Mission to the World, are affiliated with a denomination. But most play a role in how much missionaries are paid. Sending agencies generally provide some amount of salary or stipend. They also may help with securing things like travel and insurance. They may or may not assist with other benefits, like housing and retirement. Some agencies also help you plug into private resources for funding and missions education, which is another channel for these organizations to support a missionary salary. 2. Partnerships. When I was a kid, I remember going to church and seeing a large glass display case holding a map of the world. Postcards with a family’s picture were pinned next to various nations, indicating that they were missionaries to those countries. What I later learned was that these were missionaries a church supported financially. They are also called ministry partners. The idea of individuals and churches partnering with missionaries is as old as mission work itself. For example, Jesus and the apostle Paul each had groups who provided financial support for their work. As noted, sending agencies often can help you identify possible partners. They also can manage an account for you once the donations arrive.   22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you. Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome 23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. Romans 15:22-24   3. Entrepreneurship. This is where you start a business that acts as the funding channel for your missionary salary and work. For instance, I have a friend who runs his own thrift store. People donate everything from clothes to windows to bed frames. He sells whatever he gets and uses the profits to pay for his mission trips around the world. Now, it might be tempting to think that this is a relatively new way for missionaries to raise money. But, again, it’s got biblical roots. The apostle Paul had every right to draw a salary from the churches he planted. But, instead of putting that burden on them, he also worked as a tentmaker to fund his mission work. He didn’t use the term “entrepreneur,” but that’s essentially the method he used.   What is a missionary’s salary? A quick internet search will yield all kinds of information about how much a missionary makes. What’s more, the numbers you see can vary wildly from one site to another. For example, one source states that missionaries can earn anywhere from $21,000 and $72,000 a year, with an average annual missionary salary of almost $44,000. That’s a pretty wide range! Some of the difference relates to what the sending agency provides, and some of it could depend on your level of experience or the benefits you receive. So, you’ll need to do some research to make sure you understand how much you’ll receive and how much you will be responsible for raising. Another thing to consider is how much it actually costs to be a missionary. The International Mission Board recently reported that it costs roughly $60,000 a year to support a missionary in the field. This number included things like salary, insurance, language training, education, housing, documentation, travel, and retirement savings. Of course, your specific number could vary, but it gives you an idea of what you might need to raise depending on how your sending agency is structured.   Something to remember Determining what a missionary makes and how you could make it work might seem like a daunting task. That’s fair. Like a lot of things related to mission work, it probably won’t be easy. But there are two things you need to remember. First, it will be worth the effort you put into the process. Obeying God’s call is always the best route because it’s the only one that provides true meaning and purpose in life. As I mentioned earlier, you could have chosen to pursue any number of careers; but if God has placed missions on your heart, you will never find satisfaction in any other job—no matter how much you get paid. Second, God is your ultimate Provider. That was Paul’s message in Philippians 4. He was absolutely grateful for the gift, but he knew that it all came from the hand of God. If the Lord has genuinely called you to missions, He will equip you for the task. And He will give you the missionary salary you need to get the job done.     Discover Medical Missions. Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.

There are few things as thrilling to see as a group of local believers springing up where it didn’t exist before! In this session we will take an initial thought-provoking and inspirational look at church planting among unreached peoples around the world using current, real-life stories. We’ll also hear from everyday people who went out to minister to the healthcare needs of others, bringing with them a passion to see new communities of believers emerge and thrive among the unreached.

One of the great things we learned as a culture during the COVID-19 pandemic was just how useful online resources can be. For medical missionaries—or those who want to be involved in medical missions—doors to education can start with the click of a mouse. For many, medical missionary training online is possible and could be a great option for getting ready to fulfill God’s call on their lives.   Get Started With Medical Missions The first thing to consider when looking for medical missionary training online is your personal call. As a Christ follower, God has a purpose for your life. He wants you to be His hands and feet in practical ways across the street and around the world. Like any calling, determining if He wants you to be involved in missions takes discernment. Next, understand that you don’t have to be a doctor or nurse to be involved in medical missions. In fact, most online medical missionary training opportunities are designed for individuals who are not medical professionals. Specialties such as nutrition, disease prevention, and basic counseling can play important roles in promoting health and wholeness in many different contexts. Finally, there are a couple of things you can do as you prepare for your new adventure. First, immerse yourself in spiritual disciplines like Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Connecting with God will lead you to your calling, while connecting with other believers can provide insight and accountability. You also should spend time focusing on self-care. Don’t be afraid to honestly ask yourself tough questions about your strengths and weaknesses, your motivations, and your fears. You can’t promote healing in others if you aren’t healthy yourself.    Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20   Top 4 Medical Missionary Training Online The final step toward online medical missions training is finding the right kind of program. Again, talking with others—especially other medical missionaries who have experienced what you want to pursue—can be incredibly valuable. You’ll also want to make sure the program you choose fits your theological and missional values. Many denominations and organizations approach medical missions—and, thus, medical missions training—from different perspectives. So, do some research to make sure your potential training program aligns with your beliefs and goals. Jesus’s ministry involved preaching, teaching, and healing. While you are not God’s Son, you can follow His model by promoting solid evangelism, ongoing discipleship, and compassionate health care through medical missions. Here are some organizations that provide some level of online training for medical ministry:   Community Colleges and Christian Universities. Perhaps the easiest way to receive online training for medical missions is to look into earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Local community colleges can provide basic training in important areas. Meanwhile, many Christian universities offer online programs that provide the theological training along with two-year or four-year degrees in areas such as nutrition or health science.   Wildwood Center for Health Evangelism. This Georgia-based program affiliated with Seventh-Day Adventists (SDA) offers online programs in health evangelism. The program includes introductions to physiology and diseases, as well as nutrition, mental health issues, and various forms of therapy.   Med Missionary Training. This online program seeks to marry biblical principles with effective scientific research. The six-week course, also affiliated with SDA, emphasizes natural remedies and effective use of proper nutrition and diet.   Medical Missions Outreach. In general, this organization provides short-term mission trip opportunities for medical professionals and volunteers. Training is available for non-professionals, equipping them to assist doctors and nurses on the field. This could be an option for someone wanting a taste of medical missions or seeking to clarify their call.   The Need is Real We live in a world filled with hurting people. Some suffer from physical issues, while others are dealing with spiritual pain. Medical missionaries have the privilege of helping individuals address both struggles. That’s why it’s so important for those who sense a call to medical missions to find quality medical missions training online.  As you work through God’s plan for your life, remember to cover your experiences in prayer. Even the best training can never replace the role of the Holy Spirit and the call of Christ on your life. His blessing and His presence are a must for any missions endeavor (Matthew 28:18-20). Want to get involved in Medical Missions? Attend the 2023 Global Missions Health Conference or Get Started with Medical Missions.