Content Resources

Right before He returned to heaven, Jesus told His disciples that they were responsible for sharing His message around the world (Matthew 28:18-20). He called them to be missionaries, messengers who would spread the gospel locally, regionally, and internationally (Acts 1:8).  If you’ve wondered about how to become a missionary, you’re considering a noble and necessary call. More than 7,000 people groups still need to hear the story of Jesus. Missionaries of all kinds (including medical missionaries) are vital to giving them a chance to respond to God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.   Steps Toward Becoming a Missionary Recognizing the need only answers part of the question about how to become a missionary. Working through His plans and purposes for your life is a process that you need to take seriously.  With that in mind, here are seven steps for becoming a missionary. Some should be done in sequence, while others will happen simultaneously. But each of them can help you identify and refine your God-given direction as a missionary. 1. Consider Your Call. No one should move toward becoming a missionary without a distinct call from God, but understanding your call requires more than responding to a feeling. You need to affirm it through prayer, Bible study, and interaction with mentors and other believers who know you well. That’s the only way to move your internal desire toward a practical reality. You also should involve your local church in this step. In the Bible, Jesus’s command to spread the gospel was directed to churches. And in the book of Acts, churches sent out the first missionaries. Even today, many agencies, especially denominational agencies, require local church involvement.  Finally, working through your call means nurturing the spiritual disciplines and godly qualities that will help you connect with Jesus. Ultimately, becoming a missionary is more about God than about you. He is the One who calls and equips missionaries. So, you need to adopt spiritual practices that will shape you into His image. What’s more, you can never lead anyone where you have not gone, so getting to know Him better will make you more effective once your call is affirmed.   19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19-20   2. Grow Where You’re Planted. As you think about how to become a missionary, don’t miss the opportunities you have now. Becoming a missionary is about obedience and service. One day that might take shape on the mission field, but you also have opportunities to love and serve God and others right where you are.  Of course, one way to serve right now is through short-term mission opportunities. These trips can give you a sense of what life on the field is like and where God might be leading your heart. Plus, they offer the experience you can’t get anywhere else. Or, even online missionary training, you can do it from anywhere.    3. Research Your Options. Another aspect of discovering how to become a missionary involves doing some research. Online tools allow you to dig into missionary needs and opportunities around the world. Likewise, missional job boards provide information on where your skills and passions can intersect with God’s open doors. But you’ll also want to research specific questions related to life on the mission field. For instance, you’ll probably be curious about what kind of salary you could expect as a missionary. You also need to find out what sending agencies require and what skills would help you be effective as a missionary. Research plays a role in both practical learning and personal discipleship.   4. Get Training. In general, training to become a missionary can take two forms: vocational and ministry. For example, the field of medical missions training ffers a wide variety of opportunities: doctors, nurses, therapists, educators, mental health, and so forth. But each of these areas requires special training. At the same time, becoming a missionary is first and foremost, a spiritual calling. That means ministry training is vital. Even as a medical professional, you will need to know how to share the gospel and have a solid background in biblical studies. It could be helpful to develop some pastoral skills and have a foundation in the basics of counseling. This training can take many forms. Most Christian colleges offer some missionary training track, even for those who want to use other skills (like medicine or business) to share the gospel. Other options include specific training programs offered by missions organizations or online training. You can even start your training now by talking to missionaries you might know and by reading books about missions and missionaries.   5. Build a Network. Knowing how to become a missionary includes knowing how to build a team. At first, that team will probably be your prayer network, especially as you seek to find God’s path and purpose for your life. Later, you will also need a financial network to provide resources for your work. Often, these two networks will overlap, so it is wise to start building support as quickly as possible.   6. Get Out of Debt. Many potential missionaries have been derailed by financial debt. The truth is, it’s hard to gain traction on the mission field if you are hounded by things like mortgages or student loans back home. Some mission agencies may even reject you as a candidate if you have outstanding debt. So, as you work toward becoming a missionary, make getting out of debt and staying out of debt part of your program.   7. Find an Agency. The final step in discovering how to become a missionary is to identify the right mission organization for you. Honestly, there are a lot of great options out there. Some represent denominations, and others work independently. But this will be the organization that basically has your back while you are on the mission field, so you have to choose wisely.    Where Will Life as a Missionary Take You? As you read through Scripture, you’ll see God hand-picking individuals for His plans and purposes. For example, Jeremiah was identified as a prophet to the nations before he was even born (Jeremiah 1:5). Likewise, God chose Saul (later known as Paul) to be a missionary before he ever became a Christ follower (Acts 9:15-16). God had a plan for these men. In fact, God had a plan for every person we read about in His Word. What you need to remember as you seek to become a missionary is that God also has a plan for you. He will lead you. He will equip you. He will provide for you as you learn how to become a missionary. If God has called you to become a missionary, He will help you make it happen.       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.  

If you’re like many people, your first thoughts of “medical missions” probably revolve around doctors and nurses reaching folks who have limited access to medical care in their part of the world. And that’s certainly a part of it. But in recent years, the definition of “medical missions” has expanded. In fact, one of the fastest growing areas of need around the globe is physical therapy medical missions.  While physical therapy is common in the United States and other developed nations, it remains out of reach in many underserved nations. There are real physical therapy needs on the mission field. It is vital for healing and recovery from things like physical problems caused by malnutrition and disabilities caused by natural disasters.   What are Physical Therapy Medical Missions To understand the potential of physical therapy medical missions, it’s helpful to define what the term actually means. In general, physical therapy teaches people how to relieve and avoid pain through movement. This could include stretching, exercise, and other activities that promote mobility and the basic functions of life. Physical therapists can help athletes with injuries, stroke victims who have lost function, and injury victims who have suffered a disability. On the mission field, physical therapists can provide a service and ministry that no other medical professional is qualified to offer. Medical doctors and nurses have important roles to play, but most do not have the experience or training to provide specialized physical therapy. That makes physical therapy medical missions an exciting option for those who have the skills for the task and the heart to reach people.   A Couple of Things to Consider While physical therapy medical missions are growing in many respects, it still has some challenges that potential missionaries need to consider. The first is finding a medical missions organization that actually promotes physical therapy as a pathway in medical missions. Because the idea is relatively new, not every mission organization is prepared to provide opportunities for therapists. So, you will need to do some research to find the right fit. Another challenge is the issue of sustainability. In other words, if you go on a 6-month or 12-month mission trip, what happens after you leave? While some medical professionals can accomplish a great deal in a short amount of time, sustainability is vital to the work of physical therapy. You will need to find an organization that can extend the treatments and provides the care after you leave. Fortunately, physical therapists can nurture sustainability in many ways. Because so much of physical therapy medical missions involves proper education and practice, a qualified therapist can teach local patients what to do, empowering them to carry on after they leave. In that sense, physical therapy represents one of the most sustainable forms of medical ministry. But it is still important to talk with sending organizations about their philosophy related to sustainability.   “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” —1 Peter 4:10     What’s Required for Physical Therapy Medical Missions? The first thing a sending agency will need is confirmation of your qualifications and licensure. Just as a medical doctor has to have the necessary degrees and experience to practice, physical therapists must be qualified to do their work. In most cases, an active license from your home country will be sufficient to practice in other nations. But, as always, do your research to make sure. Beyond proper licensure, physical therapists in the mission field need to demonstrate some key skills to serve effectively. For example, leadership in the missions field and the ability to teach others are vital in providing care.  It also helps if a therapist has a broad range of experience. For example, physical therapy medical missions can involve both pediatric and geriatric patients. Therapists will also face various issues, such as helping amputees, caring for stroke patients, and ministering to individuals injured in the workplace. As with all missions endeavors, a wide knowledge base and flexibility can make a huge difference.     Finding your spot of service As you consider the role you might play in physical therapy medical missions, you can also find resources to help you find the right fit for you and your skill set. For example, events such as the Global Missions Health Conference can provide information and offers training for physical therapy missions. The conference, held every year in Louisville, Kentucky, also has breakout sessions related to physical therapy. Also, job boards and websites, such as the one offered by Medical Missions, can point you in the right direction and help you identify possible opportunities in physical therapy. You can use these tools—along with prayer, Bible study, and the guidance of mentors—to find God’s plan for your life. You can determine if physical therapy medical missions is the right direction for you—and, if it is, how you can get started.   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.

A medical practitioner panel from the CMDA Commission on Human Trafficking will discuss indicators of human trafficking in adults and children, root causes of exploitation, the effects of the pandemic, and tools healthcare providers can use to identify and treat victims.

Healthcare workers serve alongside African believers with a desire and commitment to disciple making. Through healthcare clinics and outreach programs new villages are engaged and people of peace discovered in the disciple making process. Community health education lessons and trainings open the door for African healthcare workers to enter into new communities and reach new peoples with transformational healing power of the Gospel.

This session focuses on women on mission and will highlight the role of women on mission, the challenges faced and some ways to overcome these challenges. Examples of women on mission in the past as well as present day experiences will be used to bring to life the opportunities and the difficulties as well as the great joys of a woman on mission.

Remember the feeling of getting a care package at college? Long before anyone made a big deal about “unboxing” on social media, it was exciting to get a taste of home at just the right time. Now, imagine living thousands of miles from home. The work is hard, and the challenges are many. Sometimes, cultural isolation is intense. If you can picture that, you can understand the importance of missionary care packages.    Settling First Things First When you think about it, missionary care packages make a ton of sense. After all, most believers have a heart for missions and missionaries. Even those who can’t become vocational missionaries or get a full-time missionary position appreciate the ministry and sacrifice of those who do. We want them to know that we love them and are praying for them. We want them to be encouraged. Plus, sending a missionary care package allows us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It gives Christ followers back home a chance to invest in work happening in another nation. By encouraging the missionary with a care package, we’re encouraging the work of the kingdom. But before you act on your good intentions and start buying a bunch of stuff, you do need to think through a few basic guidelines. For example, how much will it cost to ship a box to a long-ter another country? Do a little research to make sure you don’t blow your monthly budget with one missionary care package. While you’re at it, find out how much it might cost the missionary to receive your care package. The duties in many countries require recipients to pay for packages depending on size or value. You wouldn’t be the first person to have a care package politely declined and returned because it simply cost too much to receive.   What to Consider for Missionary Care Packages • Make sure you have the correct address for your missionary care package. Some missionaries have a P.O. box, while others have a home address. Check with the missionaries or their sending organization to make sure you have an address that works for what you’re trying to do. • Consider how long it will take the package to arrive. That could influence what your missionary care packages should include. • Know what you can and cannot send. Just like our nation is careful about what enters its borders, other countries have rules about what you can send. If you send something that off limits, it will get confiscated. In some cases, it could also get the missionary in trouble with local authorities. • Don’t send money (or anything expensive, like electronics) in a care package. This might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Most missionaries would prefer getting money electronically or through their sending organization. In general, the missionaries or their sending agency can give you the best information on how to get started on a missionary care package. Then, once you get the basics covered, you can start thinking about the fun part: What to put inside!   Making Your Missionary Care Package The possibilities for stocking missionary care packages are as wide and varied as the missionaries who could receive them. But there are several items that are usually safe to send and a joy to receive. We’ve broken some options down into two categories: general ideas for all missionaries and some specific ideas for medical missionaries. Taken together, you’ll have 11 great ideas for your missionary care packages.   General care package ideas for any missionary: Food, especially stuff they can’t get locally. Nothing says love like a taste of home, and edibles are a great way to demonstrate how much you care. It can be as simple as your missionary’s favorite candy or something as unique as a special spice or seasoning they can’t find in the field. Baking supplies also tend to be a hit.   Candles and other décor. If food excites the taste buds, scented candles can bring the smells of home closer to the mission field. Also, items from home that missionaries can use to decorate their little corner of the world can be an incredible encouragement for those long days or when homesickness sets in.   Seasonal and holiday stuff. Since they are living in a different culture, missionaries don’t always get to observe holidays like they did back home. They might get to experience new holidays in their adopted homeland, but many of the traditional holidays they know and love are just another day on the calendar where they serve. Having a some red, white, and blue for Independence Day or a few turkey-themed plates and napkins for Thanksgiving can keep the festive spirit alive far from home.   Toiletries and beauty/health products. This is where you might need to do some research about what’s allowed and what’s not. But providing some basic hygiene and cosmetic supplies could be an answer to prayer for some missionaries and their families. What we might shrug off as a normal part of our day, they would see as a treasure—and a blessing.   Hand-written notes. In this case, the answer is inexpensive and cannot be overdone. Of course, you and your family can write your own notes, and that’s great. But why keep it to yourself? Enlist a small army to write a card or note and include all of them in the missionary care package. Another idea would be sending colorful postcards from different parts of the country. It’s just another way to provide a taste of home.   Board games and books. For many missionaries, access to English language games and books can be rare. So, a care package with some fresh reading material or a fun game can be great. In addition to reconnecting with life back home, board games and books provide a way to unplug with family. They also might be useful in starting a conversation with local friends that can lead to a kingdom opportunity.   Stuff for the kids. One great way to show love for missionaries is to show love to their kids. If your missionary has children, be sure to pick out some care package items that appeal specifically to them. For example, among the books and games and snacks, include some age-appropriate offerings. You also might consider things like sidewalk chalk or small toys. As always, check with the parents for an appropriate option. Specific care package ideas for a medical missionary:   Something practical. Doctors and nurses go through supplies on a regular basis. So, while a gift like gloves or masks might seem boring to us, it could mean a lot to them. If you want to get a little more personal, consider a set of scrubs or some thick, comfortable socks for medical missionaries who spend a lot of time on their feet.    Items they can share. Among the challenges of medical missions is building relationships and winning the trust of local patients. So, consider including some items your medical missionary can share in your care package. This could be something like small toys for kids or hard candy for adults. Even the smallest token can break down a wall and jumpstart a ministry opportunity.   Photographs of people from back home. Just like we’re fascinated with the residents and cultures of other countries, the people on a medical missionary’s field are probably interested in life back home. For decades, missionaries (including medical missionaries) have used photos of families and friends to start conversations and build connections. People love stories, and photographs open the door wide to all kinds of encounters.   Pens. This gift seems so simple, but it makes so much sense. Medical professionals always use pens, so you’re providing a basic need. Again, they don’t have to be fancy. Even the cheap kind will do. But it could be a meaningful addition to your care package for medical missionaries.   Don't Worry About the Surprise  As noted earlier, this list is just scratching the surface. The options are virtually endless, but the impact could be transformational. Again, if you want your care package to be a success, start with the missionaries. Let them tell you what would work best in a package for them. Sure, trying to surprise might be nice, but making sure your missionary care packages get through and meet a need is even better.       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.  

In today's uncertain world, patients are dealing with more and more stress and anxiety that ultimately impacts their health. Patients sometimes have "hidden unhealed triggers" that can lead to physical impairments. III John 2 states "Above all brethren, I desire you to prosper and be in Health, even as your soul prospers." In this session, the participant will learn how to "tend to their souls" and learn to identify areas of brokenness that patients are dealing with such that they are equipped to help patients tend to their souls, in an effort to propagate physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) have been used in the USA for the last several decades. The increased scope of practice with reimbursement for services has only been since 1997. The rapid expansion of the use of NPs in healthcare and the diversity of opportunities in the USA is a guideline to opportunities for NPs around the world. Exploring and promoting the role of the nurse practitioner in other countries of the world is an exciting and often challenging process. There are many countries who do not yet recognize the role an NP plays in the healthcare setting. However, NPs (both in traditional mission roles and as marketplace workers) can be utilized to expand the level of care for patients in many areas of the world. this session hopes to provide insight on obtaining licensure overseas as well as to inspire nurses to consider the many ways their skills and talents can be utilized around the world. to improve healthcare and to bring the good news

As a health care professional on the mission field, the task of language learning is both essential and complicated. We say that language learning is a high value and priority for ourselves as missionaries, and yet it often is the first thing to take a back seat in life and ministry. Why is that? How can we do better? With over 15 years of experience in educating, training, and coaching missionaries in language and culture learning, Dr. Mullen will cast a vision for what it takes to truly become “fluent” in your target host language. She will offer biblical, theoretical, and practical advice for missionaries and missions leaders alike on how to prepare, execute, and continually improve communicative competence in a second language and cross-cultural setting.

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.