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The missional landscape has changed. The recent global events, the shifting distribution of Christians, and the realities of what God is allowing; are presenting a whole new missional landscape. What then are the new structures, approaches, and strategies that are proving effective for missions in our days? This will be shared with a special emphasis on the emerging role of medical missions and the strategy for partnerships. https://bit.ly/gmhc2022_florencemuindi_ourcurrentmission

Hear healthcare missionaries share their journeys. In the first hour hear a panel of two docs and two nurses answer your questions as well as: How do I find God’s guidance in the journey? Why and How do I connect with a mentor, agency, team, and/or training? What about student loans, and raising financial support? What if my spouse or family are not supportive of me doing missions? The second hour will be small discussion group with a missionary coach and others like you in your current stage: Exploring whether or not to consider full-time missions Heading towards full-time missions Single or married Here are some comments from a previous GMHC: “My group leader was great and answered a lot of the questions that I had.” “My leader did a great job being open and honest about her experiences.”

Mission trips change lives. Whether it's a few days or a few weeks, time invested on a foreign field can increase your faith and give you a heart for missions that lasts a lifetime. Even if you can't go yourself, you can encourage others with some thoughtful mission trip gift ideas. After all, mission trips mean leaving what's comfortable and normal. But while flexibility is the first rule of missions, you can make sure some of the basics are covered.     7 Mission Trip Gift Ideas It's awesome to consider the needs of missionaries. And sending a care package to someone who's serving on a foreign field is absolutely awesome! Of course, a lot of missionary needs will depend on the length and location of the journey. Spend time doing some research and talking with your missionary about what needs might come up. That also might help you avoid getting a mission trip gift that won't work at all. Having said that, a few go-to items stand out on most lists of mission trip gift ideas. Below, we've listed seven possibilities. None of them are fancy, and most can be found in minutes through a simple online search. But they all will enhance the experience—and faith—of your missionary! 1. Journal. One of the greatest ways to make a mission trip "stick" is to record the events and experiences as they happen. That makes a journal a great mission trip gift idea. Whether used as a daily diary or to reflect on spiritual milestones, a journal can keep the most important parts of the trip alive long after your missionary is back home. (Tip: Add a pack of nice pens or highlighters to the gift!)   2. Electrical adapters. It's no secret that most of the world delivers power differently than the United States. That makes adapters and converters a must. They'll need something to keep their cell phones, computers, and other electronics up and running. It's an extremely practical mission trip gift and one that your missionary—especially a first-time international traveler—will find invaluable.    3. A book about the nation they are visiting. Honestly, your missionary might already know a lot about their host nation. They may even have a heart for that particular culture or people group. But it also helps to know more about their destination. Plus, it reveals shows humility to keep learning.    4. Encouraging notes. This is an inexpensive mission trip gift idea, but its value cannot be overstated. Write a note for each day that your missionary will be gone, and place each note in a different envelope. That way, they will have a touchpoint from home every day of the trip. If the short-term trip involves weeks instead days, just write enough for one or two per week. (Tip: Make sure to include plenty of encouraging Bible verses to provide a lift on days that are tough.)   5. A backpack with supplies. Every world traveler needs a backpack, so that makes it a great mission trip gift. But you can go the extra mile by including some special items. On the practical side, you could pack a flashlight or a first aid kit. You could also add a water bottle with a built-in purifying system. But, most importantly, don't forget to include some of your missionary's favorite snacks and candy!   6. A foreign-language dictionary. Career missionaries take language classes to get ready for their assignment. While your short-term missionary won't have that kind of time or training, they can take advantage of a dictionary that helps them communicate with locals on the field. You can even highlight some of the most common phrases they'll need to know, like "thank you" and "good morning."   7. Something to leave behind. While your missionary may want to return with some souvenirs, it could also be great to leave something behind. This is especially true if they are living with a local family during the trip. It doesn't have to be fancy—maybe a game or a book or a toy—but it can open doors and make a lasting impression on the folks they are helping. It's a simple way to say "thank you" and to show love in Jesus's name.   Give the power of prayer Before He went back to heaven, Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). You can do that in three basic ways. First, you can go on a trip yourself. That would be a great opportunity to be Jesus's hands and feet, and it could help you see your faith differently even after you get home. Second, you can give. That could include financial support or words of encouragement to someone else on the field—like your short-term missionary. The mission trip gift ideas listed above are a piece of that puzzle! Beyond those, you can pray—and that may be the greatest tool in your mission's toolbox. Along with your mission trip gifts, promise to pray daily for your missionary while they're gone—and follow through on that promise. They will need it, and it can be a blessing to you as well. Prayer is something everyone can do, so make sure to give that gift to your short-term missionary.   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.

For those in training and recently finished, we will learn how to maximize this season. We’ll spend the first half tackling topics like original motivation, long-haul stamina, pearls and pitfalls of living in community, debt, vision for one’s next step to the nations, and helping the needy now tensioned with investing in education to help others later. We pray this will infuse you with the hope of Christ and give you eyes to see this refining, exciting time as He does. https://bit.ly/gmhc2022_redican_heidenreich_thomas_thetrainingyears For the second hour, we’ll divide into small discussion groups with those from your same stage of the journey (i.e., recent grads, residents, M1, M2, M3, M4, pre-med, PA, NP, RN, pharmacy, dental, PT/OT/ST, spouses). With facilitators who have gone through it before, we’ll dive into the individualized questions you have and brainstorm how God might sustain you now and lead you in the upcoming season.

We are all called to live missionally. It is the Lord's plan for all peoples to know of His glory. As nurses, we may have access to those who have never heard the Gospel. We can get behind closed doors working within communities, establish trust, pray with patients, and provide wholistic care. Nurses care for the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of people. We can use the discipline of nursing to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We can show honor, respect, caring, and compassion to everyone the Lord brings into our path, no matter where we are serving Him. As believers, we can make disciples. Healthy, authentic disciples make healthy churches. The church is not a place, or an event, it is the people. We as nurses have extra tools in our toolbox to pray, teach, encourage, advance the Gospel, and give glory to the Lord. https://bit.ly/gmhc2022_rebeccameyer_roleofnursesinmissions

Many mission healthcare programs have been started by expatriates with little or no input from national partners. These programs are often supported by external funds which is one of the reasons that control is still in the hands of expatriates. Transitioning from expatriate to national leadership is increasingly important as nationalism affects national policies. This may take the form of denying visas to healthcare personnel, leaving programs dependent on national leadership and staffing. For programs to continue, it is imperative that nationals be prepared to take responsibility for administrating and continuing clinical and educational programs. This workshop will present examples from missionaries who have made this transition, are presently experiencing the transition, or are making plans to transition to national leadership. We will discuss how transitions have been successful, some of the pitfalls of making the transition without adequate preparation and potential steps to move forward in making this transition. https://bit.ly/gmhc2022_jamessmith_transitioningfromexpatriate_

The missional landscape has changed. The recent global events, the shifting distribution of Christians, and the realities of what God is allowing; are presenting a whole new missional landscape. What then are the new structures, approaches, and strategies that are proving effective for missions in our days? This will be shared with a special emphasis on the emerging role of medical missions and the strategy for partnerships.

If you’re thinking about a career in medical missions, taking a medical missions trip as part of your professional and spiritual journey makes a lot of sense. You can never underestimate the benefits of a medical mission trip. It’s a great step toward fulfilling God’s call on your life. As you think about the benefits of a medical missions trip, it would help to get a solid handle on what that actually entails. Different people might have different ideas about what medical missions is all about, so doing a little reading and research to establish your own expectations can be valuable.   Understanding Medical Missions In general, medical missions connect healthcare professionals with people who need their unique skills. And the door is wide open to a variety of medical professionals. While we often think about medical doctors and nurses, medical missions work also includes the skills of physical therapists, dentists, optometrists, mental health experts, educators,  physician’s assistants and many more. The opportunities are so broad because the needs are so great. That’s one reason medical mission trips are so important. You get to be a part of something bigger than yourself while fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus found in Matthew 28:18-20. Below are ten benefits of medical mission trips. Each one will give you a great reason to explore missions and discover ways to touch the lives of individuals as you minister to their deepest needs.   10 Benefits of Medical Mission Trips Medical missionaries reach people at their weakest points. They provide care in ways other missionaries simply can’t, and that makes their lives and their ministries incredibly fulfilling. But while medical missions meet deep physical and spiritual needs, they also provide benefits for the ones doing the work. And, as you take part in a medical mission trip, you can experience those benefits in the following ways:   You’ll gain experience in the field. Whether you’re a pre-med undergraduate or a seasoned medical professional, medical mission trips, offer a taste of what medical missions are all about. Nothing can replace the experience you will get working in clinics or in local hospitals. You will get an honest view of both the blessings of the work and the sacrifices it requires. When it comes to firsthand experience, nothing else compares.   You’ll be ministering to others. In a sense, you’ll get the benefit of ministering to two different groups of people. First, you’ll help the medical professionals on site. The needs are so great that an extra pair of hands willing to do even the smallest tasks can make a huge difference. Of course, you’ll also get to help the local people who need physical and spiritual healing. In terms of being Jesus’s hands and feet in a tangible way, you can’t diminish the impact medical missions have.   You’ll gain a better understanding of the state of global health care. You can read about needs and healthcare gaps around the world. You can even talk to medical missionaries who are working to bridge those gaps. But nothing helps you understand the current state of global health care better than seeing it for yourself. Even more important, medical mission trips allow you to be part of the solution instead of just being a student who studies the problem.   You’ll experience other cultures. Admittedly, the idea of world travel and seeing exotic places can fuel false motives for some. But if God has pointed your heart toward medical missions, getting the chance to leave your comfort zone and see the world through the eyes of Jesus is invaluable. Instead of fostering first-world arrogance, these experiences produce humility and flexibility. It teaches you to grow where you are planted, which will be a necessary character quality as you move forward with God’s plans.   You’ll sharpen the focus of your calling. While you believe God has called you to medical missions, you may not be sure exactly what you should do or where you should do it. One of the benefits of medical mission trips is the exposure you gain to various opportunities and how they might fit into God’s call for your life. And, as you gain a clearer vision of His plans, you will get a better handle on what you need to do to prepare for your next steps. But that all starts with being part of a medical mission trip.   You’ll build relationships and networks. One of the cool things about God is that He often moves people into our lives with an eye toward the future. The relationships you are building now can make a huge difference in where you end up in the years to come. A core benefit of medical mission trips is that you build relationships with a strong network of supporters and encouragers. You also may get the chance to connect with mentors who have the perfect mix of experience and insight and can make your path toward missions smoother.   You’ll improve your skills and training. It’s been said that practice makes perfect. And while a medical missions setting may not always easy, it does provide a perfect place to hone the skills you need to be at your best in the future. Students get the chance to learn new things, and professionals gain the knowledge they can transfer to their domestic practices. In both cases, medical mission team members get better at what they do for God’s glory.   You’ll prepare for what’s next. Of course, you don’t want to approach a medical missions trip simply as something to add to your resume. However, you also shouldn’t discount the impact these experiences can have on things like applications to medical schools or future career positions. This kind of real-life experience is a practical benefit of these kinds of trips that go hand-in-hand with the ministry you get to do.   You’ll get experience with sending organizations. Like other missionaries, many medical missionaries are associated with a sending agency. Working through the process of applying for and participating in a medical missions trip can be your first exposure to the task of researching agencies and finding the right fit for you. Even if you don’t stick with the same agency later in your career, this experience will help you identify what to look for—and what to avoid—when you are ready to embrace your own medical missions adventure.    You’ll see your life transformed. Without a doubt, you can make a tremendous difference in the kingdom of God through a medical mission trip. Even short-term opportunities give you the chance to touch people in ways you could never have if you had stayed home. But one of the greatest benefits of a medical mission trip is the way God can use it to change your life. It’s hard to invest in the lives of others without dying to yourself and becoming a little more like Jesus. And that’s a benefit that resonates into eternity.     Take the Next Step, Become a Medical Missionary Of course, there’s a catch to all of this: you really can’t experience the benefits of medical mission trips unless you go on one for yourself. If you’ve never gone on a trip, now is the perfect time to start planning to take this step of faith. Even if you’ve gone on trips in the past, God may be calling you to travel again. Remember, you don’t have to wait to change the world for God’s kingdom. You can do it right now. So, take some time to pray about what God wants you to do and look for opportunities He might provide. The benefits can change your life—and the lives of so many others. 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.   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.

Believers preparing for a career in missions have boxes to check. They need a calling from God and a passion for the world. They need a supportive network of friends and family, not to mention a financial plan for making ends meet on the field. But if you're a missionary in the making, there's another important thing you need to consider: what to do about mission sending agencies.  It's something that some future missionaries might not think about, or they might put it off until it's absolutely necessary. But if you're weighing a call to missions and wondering where to start, deciding whether a mission sending agency is right for you (and how to pick one) represents a huge piece of the puzzle.   What does a Mission Sending Agency Do? In general, mission sending agencies are your lifeline as a missionary serving in another country. These organizations serve as a touchpoint for life back home, along with providing the support you need on the ground. They provide connection instead of isolation and offer the kind of support that no one else can.  One of the primary jobs of a mission sending agency is to determine if you're ready to take the field. Through cultural and language training, spiritual formation exercises, and personal evaluations, an agency can open the door to the greatest experience of your life. But they also can save you from making a drastic mistake if you're not prepared for an overseas assignment. Assuming you are ready to go, a sending agency can help you search for missionary jobs to identify and connect you with opportunities. In addition, your sending agency can offer important logistical support, like travel arrangements, insurance, and visas. Many agencies also manage your finances. They can teach you how to raise support and steward the money that comes into your account.  Perhaps more than anything, mission sending agencies offer accountability. Whether it's ministry, relationships, finances, or spiritual health, the best sending agencies watch out for their people's well-being and intervene during times of crisis.    18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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..." Matthew 28:18-19     What to Look for in a Mission Sending Agency Of course, there's no law that says you have to partner with a mission sending agency. Many missionaries "go it alone," or they work with a church or parachurch organization. You will need to do your homework to evaluate various mission sending agencies and to determine which one (if any) is right for you.  As you think about the pros and cons of mission sending agencies, you need to establish some criteria for evaluation, and we've listed some important starting points below. Honestly, these should probably be deal breakers for you because ignoring any of them will likely cause problems for you—and the agency—down the road.   1. Make sure the organization is a theological fit. If a sending agency's theology does not align with your key beliefs, move on to the next option. One way to resolve this issue is to lean into your denomination's agency. But if you choose another route, make sure you agree on non-negotiable theological issues.   2. Make sure the organization is a philosophical fit. If God has called you to the mission field, you have some deeply-held ideas about what missions are all about. You need to make sure your vision for missions aligns with the sending agency's vision. That includes issues like methodology and sustainability. If theology is the "what" in missions, philosophy is the "why" and the "how."   3. Make sure you're comfortable with the organization's care plan. It's not selfish to expect a mission sending agency to have your back. You should absolutely be comfortable with a group's plan for getting you to the field and meeting your emotional, physical, and spiritual needs once you arrive. Not to mention, you'll need a financial plan, so make sure you're aligned on things like travel costs and salary (if applicable). Even the strongest believer following the most passionate call will struggle with adjusting to life overseas. Be sure your agency has a plan to support you.   4. Make sure the organization is committed to proper training. The best mission sending agencies work hard to prepare their missionaries for what's coming their way on the field. That can encompass things like cultural and language training, which are vital. But it also includes spiritual guidance and basic life skills. The value of personal and spiritual preparation can't be overstated, so prioritize agencies that will do their best to set you up for success through training.   5. Make sure the organization's reputation is airtight. Most missionary sending agencies are sincere and committed to their calling, but sketchy operators do exist, so you have to be careful. Look at things like how long an agency has been sponsoring missionaries and how effective their work has been over that time. Of course, you'll want to ensure a group's financial integrity. One great way to do that is by checking their standing with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). A good mission agency will hold you to a high standard, and its leaders won't be offended if you hold them to a high standard as well.   Find a Missionary with Experience Honestly, the number of mission sending agencies continues to grow. As noted, some are affiliated with particular denominations, while others are private organizations. But they're all passionate about fulfilling the Great Commission.  So, you have a lot of options—and that's not a bad thing. It just means you'll need to be intentional in your research.  While internet searches are fine, don't ignore the benefit of talking with actual missionaries who are on the field or have been overseas. It could be an individual on furlough or a veteran who's now retired. Better yet, talk to as many as you can. Missionaries can give you great insight into some best practices for picking a mission sending agency. They also can help you know what to expect once you're in the country. Maybe most important, their stories and wisdom can inspire you in a way nothing else could. Don't miss this opportunity to hear God's voice through someone who's already.      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.

Our efforts to provide excellent, compassionate treatment for our patients can open huge doors to address their spiritual needs. This session will provide an introduction to the CMDA "Faith Prescriptions" video series, a collection of 25 episodes created to equip and inspire us to communicate the love of Christ to our patients with sensitivity and respect.

Around the world, people experience physical and emotional trauma that leaves them hurting and helpless. And while doctors and nurses can provide a measure of healing, some patients need more. That’s where occupational therapists come in. And that’s also why occupational therapy mission trips are a growing avenue for providing hope and help across the globe. People need the services and attention only occupational therapists can provide. And many medical mission organizations recognize the importance of providing these resources, especially in areas where they have been lacking in the past.   Occupational Therapy & Medical Missions While it’s easy to lump them together, it’s important to understand the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy. One helpful way to think about it is the difference between movement and adaptation. In general, physical therapy focuses on helping people move better. Meanwhile, occupational therapy gives individuals the skills to adapt when a health crisis makes what was once normal difficult or impossible. Occupational therapy also focuses on the daily activities of life. Therapists teach patients how to relearn some of the basic skills that many take for granted, such as using a fork or spoon, buttoning a shirt, brushing their teeth, or driving a car. In addition, they can provide mental health services by sharing coping skills with individuals who may suffer from anxiety or disability. Through occupational therapy mission trips, professionals have the opportunity to use their knowledge and skill for a higher purpose. Occupational therapists can be the hands and feet of Jesus uniquely, touching the lives of people who struggle just to make it through each day.    Organizations that Sponsor Occupational Therapy Mission Trips More and more medical mission groups are creating opportunities for short-term occupational therapy mission trips. The list below identifies three agencies that sponsor mission trips for occupational therapists. This is not an exhaustive list; for more great organizations for occupational therapy, check out this organization board.   Christian Physical Rehab Professionals. Part of a larger network called Christian Medical and Dental Associates (CMDA), Christian Physical Rehab Professionals emphasizes the work of occupational and physical therapists who strive to integrate their faith and their calling. Through a short-term mission emphasis called Global Health Outreach, occupational therapists can choose from dozens of opportunities in a variety of locations.    Mission of Hope. Focusing on ministry that touches the whole person, Mission of Hope offers occupational therapy mission trips in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The agency’s mission involves meeting basic human needs, which include medical care and therapy. Occupational therapists work on projects within the organization’s network of local partner churches, so missionaries are supporting ongoing work.   Medical Ministry International. Based in Canada, Medical Ministry International encourages applicants from anywhere. The agency’s trips typically last a week or two and focus on underserved communities. These groups living on the fringe of society struggle with the availability of medical resources, including occupational therapy. What’s more, a lack of education means they may not even understand why such health care attention is important.      Your gifts and God’s glory If you’re an occupational therapist with a heart for missions, you may consider medical missions as a career. If so, a job board with medical missions opportunities would be a great place to start your search. You also may consider a short-term occupational therapy mission trip to better understand what’s available and where God might be moving you. Even if you aren’t looking for a career position, mission trips for occupational therapists can give you the chance to make a massive difference in the lives of so many people in some of the most desperate settings in the world. Even more, it can transform your life forever. Incredible things can happen when you use your gifts for God’s glory. And a short-term occupational therapy mission trip could give you a front-row seat to His work in the world.   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.  

Which cancer screening programs save lives and which ones actually create harm? https://bit.ly/gmhc2022_jeffreyleman_cancerscreeningglobally