Content Resources

This session will review the missionary influence on WHO evidence-based international guidelines to achieve global development goals. Lack of implementation of these Biblically-based guidelines has resulted in a world-wide “Slow-Motion Disaster". The global epidemic of non-communicable diseases primarily due to obesity and smoking recently resulted in the second ever UN General Assembly on Health in its 67 year history; and, as reported by the UN "... constitutes one of the major challenges for development in the twenty-first century, which undermines social and economic development throughout the world and threatens the achievement of internationally agreed development goals.” As emphasized by the UN and WHO, the root cause of this impending worldwide health, economic, and development disaster is not medical and it cannot be resolved by doctors and nurses. For this is a Lifestyle problem, a problem of beliefs & values. It is a spiritual problem, and it will not be resolved until the Church reassumes its responsibilities for the holistic (mind, body, spirit ) health of its members, its community and its country. We will conclude by demonstrating how the local Church, regardless of size or resources, can begin to provide the evidence-based holistic health and healing necessary for true transformational development.

This session will give an overview of the current picture of trafficking in persons within the United States focusing mainly on child sex trafficking, the major form of trafficking in persons within the U.S. In addition, the session will address specific ways that health professionals can become abolitionists.

There have been many major developments in HIV research in the past year. So much so that many are now talking confidently about the end of the disease, zero new infections, curing HIV, etc. This interactive session will explore the developments, including those presented at the International AIDS Conference in July to which the facilitator is a delegate. There will be opportunities to explore the what is being learned and proposed and to evaluate how practical they are in various settings around the world, especially Africa where the majority of people living with the virus reside. If you have any interest in and/or experience with HIV, you will benefit from this session and your participation will benefit the rest of us.

In the wake of the AIDS pandemic and other disasters remain those least capable of caring for themselves. How do we best respond to their needs? Drawing from the speaker's international experience and using case studies and an interactive format, the session will explore the health issues of OVCs and the physical, mental and social components to their care.

How can a ministry continue after we leave? Drawing from the speaker's mission expereince and using case studies and an interactive format, participants will explore successful principles and strategies for sustainability in medical missions.

If you’ve been on a short-term trip you’ve experienced it;
it’s the last day and the line of patients is as long as the day of arrival. Desperation is in the air. There is a nagging sense in your gut that this is not right. This session
will present techniques that empower believers to meet the healthcare needs in their own community

The worlds population slipped over 50% in 2010 now living in the city with it becoming 70% by 2020. Working with people living in the city is different then the rural world. I will use a 10 minute TED Talk with the balance of the session discussing in how how urban settings are different then rural setting where Community Development has been historically done and the implications for doing so in urban settings. Urban neighborhoods are very different then rural villages which impacts significantly how Community Development is done. I invite you to come and learn more.

Disability: Displaying the Works of God in Wholisitic DevelopmentPeople with disability were a priority in Jesus' ministry while on earth. He even defined himself in terms of his disability ministry when questioned by John's disciples on whether or not he was the promised Messiah. By examining Jesus' ministry among the disabled, we will discover how His Body should prioritize ministry among this often-forgotten population and how their restoration requires an entirely wholistic approach to ministry.

How can an “outside” Church, NGO, Short term team or missionary help a community in need without creating dependencies, stripping dignity, and under minding long-term development?

Using Stories for Wholistic Health EducationStories are proving to be an extremely effective way to communicate "truth that sticks." They naturally break down resistance, and create interest. They are more easily understood, remembered, and repeated. Stories change lives. Stories are best if they are short, clear, and relate to the listener's life experience. The impact of stories is augmented if they are followed by questions.This session will be interactive.This session will give examples of stories that can be used for both physical and spiritual teaching. It will give you sources for stories and questions that others have written, and give you pointers on who you can create your own stories with follow up questions.This session will also present ideas on how you can make your stories more interesting - more memorable - more fun. This session will not make you a story telling pro, but it will encourage to start gaining the experience that gradually will make you more confident and effective as a communicator.

Christian Connections for International Health (CCIH), a global health membership organization has prioritized advocacy efforts to strengthen U.S. and global commitment to improving the health and well-being of people in developing countries. This presentation will begin with an overview of why Christians should be involved in advocacy, including a Biblical case for advocacy and speaking for the voiceless. The session will then highlight some important current federal global health efforts and other current policy issues that influence global health. The session will then equip the participants with tools to take specific action steps when leaving this session to be a positive influence on global health policy.

Professional education programs are geared toward preparing students to do curative care in healthcare settings. In order to reach into the community with preventive healthcare requires an additional set of knowledge and skills. We will look at the principles that were operative in the 1978 Alma Ata and examine what needs to be included in the education of healthcare professionals to achieve Health for All.