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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 augment research capacity building to better care for critically ill patients in resource-limited countries.

Praying for missionaries is an important way to support the work God is doing around the world. Whether they’re in clinics, villages, or remote regions, missionaries face spiritual and physical challenges daily, and your prayers help carry them through. If you’re not sure how to pray for missionaries, Scripture gives us the words. From the Psalms to Paul’s letters, the Bible is full of passages that we can pray that touch on strength, protection, endurance, and spiritual clarity.   Key Takeaways Missionaries need strength for the physical, emotional, and spiritual weight they carry—prayer helps sustain them in every task. From illness to unseen spiritual battles, praying for protection keeps missionaries covered where their environment leaves them vulnerable. Long-term impact takes time; prayer for endurance helps missionaries remain steady when fruit isn’t immediate. Cultural differences can lead to confusion and strain—praying for humility, clarity, and grace helps them build trust and peace. Missionaries need wisdom and timely words; prayer opens doors for gospel conversations rooted in love, clarity, and truth.   1. Pray for Strength in Weariness “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1 Mission work can be exhausting. Long days, difficult cases, and cross-cultural stress can take a toll. Pray that God strengthens their hands and hearts in every task they take on.   2. Pray for Protection from Harm “The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.” — Psalm 121:7 Whether navigating unknown roads or facing illness in remote places, missionaries often work in environments that feel fragile. Ask God to protect their bodies and their relationships on the ground. In places where resistance is strong, missionaries often face unseen battles as well. Praying for spiritual protection and discernment is vital in these moments, especially where spiritual warfare can affect both their work and well-being.   3. Pray for Endurance in Trials “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9 Burnout is one of the leading reasons missionaries leave the field. Even the most passionate workers can lose heart. Ask the Lord to refresh their purpose, restore their energy, and remind them of His presence when results seem slow.   4. Pray for Cultural Clarity and Grace “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” — Romans 12:18 Crossing cultures always involves challenges. From miscommunications to unexpected customs, your missionary friends may feel disoriented at times. Pray they respond with humility, patience, and wisdom.   5. Pray for Words That Matter “[P]ray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ…” — Colossians 4:3 Missionaries often share their faith in contexts where trust must be built slowly. Pray that their words come with clarity and kindness—and that doors open for gospel conversations rooted in respect and truth.   6. Pray for Joy When It’s Costly “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” — Philippians 4:4 Joy in hard places is one of the clearest signs of God’s presence. Ask that even in hardship, your missionary friends find joy in small victories, deep relationships, and moments of worship along the way.   7. Pray for Wisdom in the Unknown “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” — James 1:5 When medicine runs out or a decision has to be made quickly, pray that wisdom rises. Missionaries face more “gray” areas than black-and-white answers. Ask God to guide them through every uncertainty.   8. Pray for Their Families “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.” — Numbers 6:24–25 Many missionaries are raising children while serving, or are separated from their families back home. Pray for peace over their relationships, for connection across the distance, and for joy in their homes.   9. Pray for Healing When They’re Sick “He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.” — Psalm 107:20 Missionaries get sick too. Whether it’s a common cold or something more serious, pray for restoration and resilience—for bodies that heal and for spirits that are lifted.   10. Pray for Faith to Finish Well “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 Mission work takes endurance. Pray that your missionary friends will run their race with joy and purpose, even when results are unseen. Ask the Lord to help them finish faithfully—wherever He has called them. Many of the challenges missionaries face are quiet, unseen, and deeply personal. But every prayer matters. Every word spoken in intercession covers more ground than we realize. If you want to be part of what God is doing through medical missions, you don’t have to commit to years of service to make a difference. There are short-term mission trip opportunities that allow you to serve within the timeframe you’re available.   Related Questions   What do you say to encourage missionaries? Remind them their work matters, that they are not alone, and that God sees every sacrifice they make.   What is an inspiring quote for a missionary? “The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became Man for no other purpose.” – C.S. Lewis   What did Jesus say about missionaries? In Luke 10:2, Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few,” calling His followers to pray for more to be sent.   How do you pray for someone who is going to preach? Ask God to give them clarity, humility, boldness, and a heart that reflects His love as they speak truth.  

A discussion of the Core Missionary Task and how healthcare ministries integrate with the various components and help increase the effectiveness of church planting efforts. Speaker(s): Tom Hicks Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/healthcare-impacting-the-missionary-task

The Bible shows that medicine and faith are not at odds—God often uses both human care and divine power to bring healing. From oil and wine in the parable of the Good Samaritan to Paul's advice to use wine for stomach issues, Scripture affirms that treatment and trust in God can go hand in hand.   Key Takeaways The Bible shows that healing can be spiritual, miraculous, or medical—and that seeking treatment is not a sign of weak faith. Medicine and Christianity are not in conflict; they often work hand in hand to bring comfort, care, and restoration. Faith and medicine are not separate paths—they come together when we pray, treat, and walk with others through illness. Caring for the body is part of honoring God, and using medicine wisely can reflect trust, not doubt. When healthcare is offered with compassion, it becomes ministry, meeting both physical needs and deeper spiritual ones.   Healing in Scripture Came in Many Forms When someone asks what does the Bible say about medicine, they’re often wondering if seeking treatment shows a lack of faith. But the Bible doesn’t separate the physical and spiritual like we tend to. Healing shows up in many forms—miraculous, medicinal, and everything in between. In Luke 10, Jesus describes a Samaritan who found an injured man by the roadside. He “went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine” (Luke 10:34). That Samaritan didn’t just pray—he showed up, treated the wounds, and gave the man what he needed to survive. Paul once told Timothy to “...use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (1 Timothy 5:23). That wasn’t just good advice; it was a reminder that using medicine wisely is part of God's provision.   Medicine and Christianity Are Not Opposed Some worry that trusting medicine conflicts with trusting God. But the Bible says otherwise. Proverbs 17:22 reminds us, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Even metaphorically, medicine is seen as a gift. Luke, the author of one Gospel and the Book of Acts, was a physician. His profession didn’t disqualify his ministry—it informed it. In the same way, Christian doctors, nurses, and health workers serve God with their medical skills. In fact, when medicine is offered with compassion, it becomes more than treatment. It reflects Christ’s heart for the hurting. A biblical understanding of illness and healing shows that God works through both natural and medicinal means—and that Christian healthcare isn’t separate from faith, but a faithful expression of it.   Faith and Medicine Work Together Medicine doesn’t replace prayer, and prayer doesn’t replace treatment. They go together. God is the source of all healing—sometimes through miraculous means, and often through the ordinary tools of care: rest, time, skilled hands, and medicine. Scripture shows us that tending to the body and soul are not competing concerns—they’re acts of faith. For healthcare workers shaped by Scripture, clinical practice and faith are not competing views—they form a unified calling. In settings where care is offered through both prayer and presence, understanding what the Bible says on health and healing helps shape not only why we care, but how we do it. And in moments when answers are unclear, the Psalms give us words when ours run out. Verses like Psalm 18 and Psalm 103 speak peace into places where medicine can’t reach, grounding us in God's mercy and nearness—even when healing doesn’t come quickly.   Caring for the Body Honors the Creator Your body is not a throwaway. Scripture calls the body a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19), and tending to it is part of faithful stewardship.  Wisdom is essential, and thoughtful Christian reflection on the use of prescription drugs and other medical care is important. That balance allows believers to receive care with gratitude while placing their hope in Him above all else. Christians don’t have to choose between faith and medicine. The Bible teaches us to trust God fully—and also to act wisely, care for our bodies, and support others through practical help. That includes seeking and providing medical care when needed.   When Medicine Becomes Ministry Healing isn’t limited to hospitals or mission trips overseas. In every town and clinic, there are people navigating pain, isolation, and uncertainty—some with no one to walk beside them. If you’ve ever felt a pull toward using your medical skills to serve, even close to home, that might be more than a passing thought. It could be part of how God is inviting you to love others in tangible ways. Domestic medical missions opportunities create space for that. Whether you're a nurse, physician, midwife, or student, your presence can offer more than care. It can offer hope. You don’t need to be perfect—just willing. And the impact often goes far beyond the physical. Your work, grounded in faith, could be the very thing someone else has been praying for.   Related Questions   What does Jesus say about drugs? Jesus doesn’t mention modern drugs directly, but Scripture encourages wisdom and care with anything we take into our bodies.   What does God say about natural medicine? God didn’t say anything directly, but natural remedies like oil and wine were in common use during Jesus’ earthly ministry.   What methods did Jesus use to heal the sick? Jesus healed with words, touch, and prayer—each one intentional and personal.   Is it a sin to take pain medicine? No, using pain medicine wisely is not sinful.  

Learning how to become a midwife can feel overwhelming—but if you feel called to serve in global missions, there’s a path forward. Whether or not you hold a nursing degree, midwifery can open doors to help vulnerable women and children—and to live out the gospel in a deeply practical way. From training to long-term service, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you take your first steps toward becoming a missionary midwife.   Key Takeaways Becoming a missionary midwife starts with a willing heart and a desire to serve, not a flawless background or perfect timing. There are multiple ways to pursue midwifery, including non-nursing routes, but all require a solid understanding of how to care for mothers and babies. Practical, hands-on training in real-world settings is essential for preparing to serve in global maternal health missions. Midwifery on the mission field is about more than childbirth—it’s a way to walk with women through vulnerable seasons and help families thrive. Once equipped, midwives have the opportunity to bring life-saving care to places where it’s most needed, serving as both a clinical and spiritual presence.   1. Start with a Willing Heart and a Clear Call The path to midwifery isn’t always direct. Some feel drawn to it early in life; others feel the call after years in another profession. Either way, becoming a missionary midwife begins with the desire to serve, not a perfect résumé. In one OB ministry in Soddo, Ethiopia, a visiting missionary named Allison helped develop reusable postpartum pads for patients using donated surgical towels. At first, the local midwives were skeptical. But after working with Dutch partners and seeing the results, the same team requested 200 more. Sometimes being a midwife on the mission field requires improvisation, but at its core, willingness and a servant heart are what’s needed.  As 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace....”   2. Understand the Education Requirements for Midwifery If you’re wondering how to become a midwife, start by exploring the midwife education requirements in your region. In the U.S., there are generally two pathways: Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): You become a registered nurse (RN) first, then complete a graduate program in midwifery. Certified Professional Midwife (CPM): This route doesn’t require a nursing degree and is often more apprenticeship-based. If you're wondering how to become a midwife without a nursing degree, the CPM path might offer a more flexible option, especially for those looking to serve in under-resourced areas. While licensing and clinical requirements vary by country, the essential foundation is the same: learn to care well for mothers and babies, both medically and relationally.   3. Train for the Field, Not Just the Exam Knowing how to be a midwife in a classroom is different from practicing in a mission hospital or rural clinic. Training in low-resource environments prepares you for the unique challenges of global maternal care. In many places, maternal health systems are limited, and skilled birth attendants are rare. The crucial 1,000 days, from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, can determine long-term health and even survival. And when mothers receive proper care, their children are far more likely to thrive. Your education is important, but real-world preparation matters just as much. That might mean: Volunteering in a maternal health program Working with midwives already on the mission field Learning from missionaries who’ve served as midwives Hands-on experience not only strengthens your skills—it shapes your mindset and builds confidence.   4. Learn the Deeper Why Behind Midwifery Missions Becoming a missionary midwife is not just about delivering babies. It’s about walking with women through some of the most vulnerable, life-defining moments they’ll ever face. In many communities, family planning and birth spacing can change the trajectory of entire households. Healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies has become a vital part of maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) strategies around the world. As a midwife on the mission field, you won’t just be catching babies—you’ll be caring for mothers, equipping families, and helping communities flourish. You’ll also have daily opportunities to show the love of Christ in deeply tangible ways.   5. Take the Next Step Toward Long-Term Missions Once you’ve completed your training, the next question is: where will you go? If you’re serious about long-term impact, look for opportunities that allow you to work within local systems, learn from national midwives, and adapt to cross-cultural dynamics. Many organizations are eager for trained midwives who want to serve not just for a week—but for a season. 'You don’t have to figure out every detail right now. That said, finding long-term mission opportunities and connecting with sending agencies can help you decide on the right path to go down.   Related Questions   How long does it take to become a midwife in the US? It typically takes six to eight years for the nurse to midwife path, including undergraduate study and graduate-level midwifery training.   Is it harder to be a nurse or a midwife? Both are demanding, but midwifery requires deeper specialization in women’s health, childbirth, and prenatal/postnatal care.   What is the quickest way to become a midwife? The Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) path is often quicker, especially if you’re not already a registered nurse.   What skills are needed to be a midwife? Midwives need clinical knowledge, steady hands, emotional resilience, communication skills, and deep compassion.  

Spiritual care of our patients is critical for effective health care! After exploring the evidence for taking a spiritual history as well as for key interventions including prayer and spiritual community, we will describe approaches to integrate spiritual care into medical care while maintaining patient autonomy. This session will blend a review of the evidence with practical take-homes, drawing from overseas and domestic experience, to help us be more effective in our spiritual care of patients. Speaker(s): Douglas Collins Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/integrating-spiritual-care-into-healthcare-an-evidence-based-review

Teaching kids about germs starts with simple, hands-on explanations that help them understand what they cannot see. When children learn how germs spread, and how to stop them, they gain the power to protect themselves from sickness that is often preventable. For healthcare missionaries, these lessons can pave the way for healthier communities, fewer infections, and stronger daily habits. In many parts of the world, teaching kids about germs and hygiene is not just helpful—it can be lifesaving.    Key Takeaways Using simple definitions and visual comparisons helps children understand what germs are and why they matter—even when they can’t see them. Fun facts and real-world examples spark curiosity and show kids how proper hygiene can protect them and their families. Hands-on demonstrations like soap-and-pepper or glitter activities make abstract ideas about germs concrete and memorable. Turning handwashing into a fun, repeatable routine helps build habits that kids can share and sustain long after the lesson ends. Hygiene education opens the door to conversations about stewardship, Scripture, and long-term community health.   Start with a Simple Definition Kids Can Grasp In one community outreach, a missionary asked how many people had known a child who died from diarrhea. Every hand went up. That moment—captured in a firsthand account of teaching handwashing—shows how urgently this knowledge is needed. That said, when it comes to teaching kids about germs, it's best to use analogies. Many have never heard the word “germ,” and even fewer can imagine something they cannot see. A simple definition works well: Germs are tiny living things that are too small to see, but they can make you sick if they get into your body. For added clarity, rely on kid-friendly comparisons: dust particles, sand, or tiny insects too small to see. You can still ground your explanation in trustworthy science, but present it in a more kid-friendly way.   Use Fun Facts About Germs to Spark Curiosity When you share fun facts about germs, curiosity becomes the teacher: Germs can move from hands to faces in moments. Some germs live on surfaces for hours. Soap doesn’t kill germs—it helps push them off your skin. Clean water can protect entire families from sickness. This comes into sharp focus in places without safe water. In Kenya, a rural village that had long struggled with typhoid, cholera, and dysentery received a water disinfection system that changed how the community accessed clean water. The story of that safe water project shows how simple tools and hygiene education can dramatically reduce illness. These facts help children understand why teaching kids about germs and hygiene matters—and why their participation can keep their families healthy.   Make It Visual: Use Demonstrations Kids Won’t Forget Kids remember what they see and touch. Demonstrations make invisible germs feel real.   The Pepper and Soap Demonstration Sprinkle pepper on water. Have a child dip a finger in dish soap, then touch the surface again. The pepper scatters. Explain: Soap helps germs slide away.   The Glitter Spread Activity Place glitter on one child’s hands and let them play for a moment. Explain: Germs spread even when we can’t feel or see them.   The Dirt Test Rub hands with clean dirt or charcoal and have kids wash with only water. Then try again with soap. Explain: Soap works better because it lifts germs off the skin. These fun ways to teach kids about germs help them understand how germs behave and why hygiene protects them.   Show Kids How to Teach Hand Washing in a Fun Way To make handwashing a regular habit, keep it enjoyable. Many kids will copy what you model. Here are some ideas:   Add a Song A familiar tune helps kids wash long enough to remove germs.   Use “Teach Back” Moments Let children show each other the steps. Teaching reinforces what they learn.   Make It a Challenge Invite kids to show the “soapiest hands” or create the most bubbles. Explain how soap removes germs better than water alone.   Connect It to Real Life Share stories of communities where handwashing led to a drop in disease. These stories help kids understand why the practice matters without overwhelming them.   Reinforce the Lesson with Scripture Hygiene creates a natural pathway to speak about care, stewardship, and hope. While Scripture doesn’t mention germs directly, it speaks often about the body and God’s care for it. Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Teaching kids to care for their bodies is one way to honor this truth. Jesus also cared deeply for the sick, healing and comforting those who came to Him. His compassion becomes a model for the kind of care missionaries share—both physically and spiritually.   Build a Simple, Repeatable Routine Kids learn through repetition. Close each lesson by reviewing the essentials: What germs are How they spread Why soap matters When to wash hands (after using the bathroom, before eating, after playing, after touching animals) A short chant or call-and-response can make these steps memorable. When children repeat them, families begin adopting them too. Communities become healthier when simple routines take root.   A Path Toward Healthier Communities Teaching kids about germs is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to reduce illness—especially in places where preventable diseases claim young lives far too often. As you show up in villages, schools, clinics, or makeshift meeting places, each lesson you teach can carry forward into homes, neighborhoods, and future generations. If you feel called to continue this kind of practical, life-giving work, there are plenty of short-term mission opportunities where hygiene teaching, health education, and compassionate presence make a real difference.   Related Questions   What are germs in simple words? Germs are tiny living things too small to see that can make you sick if they get into your body.   What are 5 facts about germs for kids? Germs spread quickly, live on surfaces, travel from hands to faces, can be washed off with soap, and often cause sickness.   What are the 4 types of germs? The four types are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.   How do you help a child with a fear of germs? Keep explanations simple, focus on what they can control, and show how good hygiene keeps them safe.

Although public awareness has increased in the last few years, there remains a general lack of knowledge regarding the extent that trafficking in persons pervades our modern world. Today in every country there are men, women and children trapped in jobs into which they were coerced or deceived and cannot leave. It is estimated that there are 25 million people worldwide subjected to sex work or forced labor. Since many of these victims will pass through medical facilities, it is imperative that health care personnel and missionaries learn the indicators and signs of human trafficking as well as stay up to date on the current trends. This presentation will look at recent case studies in modern day slavery including first hand survivor stories to be better equipped to take a reactive and proactive approach in combatting this horrendous crime. Speaker(s): Sharmayne Brooks Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/case-studies-in-human-trafficking-recent-trends-and-survivor-stories

Bible verses about healing speak not only to the body but to the heart of the one doing the healing. For healthcare workers who carry the weight of brokenness every day, these verses offer comfort, clarity, and spiritual strength in the face of physical and emotional need. Whether you're holding the hand of someone in pain or wrestling with unseen burdens of your own, verses about healing in the Bible show us that healing isn’t something we carry alone.   Key Takeaways Healing in the Bible speaks to both body and soul, offering comfort to healthcare workers who often carry wounds they cannot name. Scripture shows that God values the role of community, prayer, and presence in the process of healing—especially for those who feel alone in their work. Jesus’ ministry reveals that physical and spiritual healing go hand in hand, and those who care for others are participating in that sacred mission. God offers renewal to those who are weary, reminding healthcare workers that their care for others does not go unseen or unsupported. While not all healing happens in this life, the promise of full and eternal healing offers strength, peace, and lasting hope in the face of suffering.   1. Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” This healing isn’t limited to physical pain—it reaches into the soul. In a profession where loss and burnout are real, God promises to tend to what we don’t always have the words to name.   2. James 5:14–15 “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church...And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick.” Healing involves community. If you’re a healthcare worker, remember you weren’t meant to carry everything alone. This is also a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer in the healing process—both for your patients and for yourself.   3. Isaiah 53:5 “...with his wounds we are healed.” This Bible verse about healing sits at the intersection of suffering and salvation. The cross doesn’t just offer spiritual healing—it reframes how we think about pain. In your care for others, you're joining a story that goes deeper than medicine.   4. Jeremiah 30:17 “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord…” Restoration is a theme throughout the Bible. For the patients you serve—and for you—God’s desire is not just survival, but full renewal. That includes emotional and spiritual restoration, too.   5. Matthew 9:35 “And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages...healing every disease and every affliction.” Jesus didn’t stay at a distance from the sick, he stepped toward them. If you’ve ever wondered whether your work matters to God, this verse confirms it does. His ministry was full of both preaching and healing—side by side.   6. 3 John 1:2 “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” God cares for the whole person. Healthcare today often focuses on the body, but Scripture always holds both body and soul together. Healing isn’t either/or—it’s both.   7. Exodus 15:26 “...I am the Lord, your healer.” Healing doesn't begin with outcomes. It begins with presence. The God who calls Himself Healer is the one who walks with us in sickness, in grief, and in hope. This is one of many Bible verses for healing that point to God’s character and promises toward healing—something especially grounding when outcomes are out of your hands.   8. Luke 5:13 “And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately the leprosy left him.” Jesus didn’t hesitate to touch the untouchable. In a moment of disease, isolation, and fear, He led with compassion and authority. When Jesus heals the leper, we see a picture of both divine power and human tenderness—a reminder that physical care can be sacred when it flows from love.   9. Psalm 103:3 “...who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases…” This verse ties together forgiveness and healing. Not every wound is visible. As you care for bodies, know that God is also at work mending hearts, including your own.   10. Mark 2:17 “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus used the language of healing to speak to something deeper—our need for grace. His mission was to restore the broken, not just physically, but spiritually.  That same heart is reflected in medical mission trips, where spiritual and physical care often go hand in hand.   11. 2 Corinthians 4:16 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” This verse speaks to the quiet endurance many healthcare workers know well. While physical healing doesn’t always come, God is always doing a deeper work inside—restoring what weariness can’t touch.   12. Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Some wounds don’t heal in this life. This Bible verse for healing reminds us that our work is part of a greater story—one where healing is final, full, and eternal. That hope can sustain you when the outcomes fall short.   When Healing Feels Far Off Not every shift ends in a miracle. Not every diagnosis leads to restoration. And not every burden goes away by morning. But healing is more than an outcome. It’s the presence of God in broken places—through you, and around you. If you're in a season of exhaustion or crisis, and you're wondering how to serve when you feel like you have nothing left, you’re not alone. Some of the most powerful healing happens not in the solution, but in the staying. If you're ready to put that calling into motion in high-need areas, there are disaster relief opportunities that place you right where hope is needed most.   Related Questions   Is Psalm 34 for healing? Psalm 34 is a psalm for praise and remembrance of God’s mercy; it reminds us that God is near to the brokenhearted and those who cry out to Him.   What is a verse for strength in hard times? Isaiah 41:10 is often used for strength: “[F]ear not, for I am with you...I will strengthen you, I will help you…”   What does God say when we are struggling? God promises His presence, peace, and sustaining grace, even in times of weakness and weariness.   What does the Bible say about suffering and pain? The Bible teaches that suffering is part of the Christian life, but God uses it to make us more like Christ—and He promises eternal life with Him.  

A resident, 2 doctors, a physician assistant and student minister share ways they live out the gospel through healthcare among those experiencing poverty. If Jesus came to earth today as a healthcare provider, how would he care for patients, staff and the community? Though the world defines success by our bank account and possessions, living for Jesus looks different and requires sacrifice that westerns find difficult to pursue. Speaker(s): Jessie Thomas; Esther Kim; Natalie Bigelow; Anna John; Lisa Werner Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/spiritually-successful-how-a-healthcare-career-can-build-the-kingdom-of-god-instead-of-our-own

Despite great progress in eliminating malaria in the country, cases of malaria remain high in certain areas of Uganda. Understanding the epidemiology of cases and control is a vital component to a successful malaria mitigation project. Using a cloud-based electronic medical record we have created a pilot project to document and track malaria cases in a central Uganda health center. This type of technology can be utilized in other rural health centers to track malaria and other diseases. Speaker(s): Deborah Rodriguez Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/malaria-mitigation-project-in-rural-uganda-health-center

Mission trips have been deeply meaningful for some—and deeply misunderstood by others. Somewhere in the conversation, between well-meant critiques and the urgency of global need, many people are quietly asking the same thing: “Do mission trips actually help?” That question matters. It’s worth slowing down to consider the impact of short-term service, both the intended and unintended. But the answer isn’t simple—and it certainly isn’t “no.” Here are seven myths about the negative effects of mission trips, and a closer look at the quiet, faithful work that tells a fuller story.   Key Takeaways Mission trips are woven into the history of the Church, reflecting the same pattern of cross‑cultural ministry practiced by Paul and the early believers. Short‑term missions can create lasting change when volunteers strengthen local efforts rather than work apart from them. Medical missions remain both relevant and ethical when teams coordinate with local healthcare leaders and reinforce—not replace—existing systems. Dependency is avoidable when mission teams prioritize local leadership, long‑term vision, and solutions that help communities grow their own capacity. Impactful mission work starts with listening and cultural understanding, ensuring volunteers support local economies, honor community strengths, and show up with intentionality.   1. “Mission trips aren’t biblical.” It’s easy to feel like cross-cultural service is a modern idea that doesn’t really fit in Scripture. But missions didn’t begin with us. The Apostle Paul spent a good amount of time traveling from one community to another, encouraging believers, preaching the gospel, and supporting the early Church. He wasn’t always there long, but his visits left a deep spiritual impact. Mission trips aren’t a trend. It’s part of the Church’s DNA.   2. “Short-term trips can’t create lasting change.” Some things take time. But lasting change doesn’t always require a lifetime. In 2019, a doctor named Jean Claude worked with communities at risk during an Ebola outbreak. He didn’t just drop off supplies—he trained medical teams in Bukavu and Goma to use life-saving chlorine generators and bleach makers, protecting countless families from contaminated water and helping clinics safely disinfect during procedures. That’s the kind of impact that stays—because it was built with the community, not just for it.   3. “Medical missions are outdated—or unethical.” The conversation around ethical issues with mission trips—especially medical ones—is important. Harm can happen when teams aren’t coordinated, when care lacks continuity, or when local professionals are bypassed instead of supported. But that’s not the whole story. In places where healthcare systems are stretched thin, short-term medical teams often step in during critical moments. A few days of care can mean the difference between life and loss—especially in disaster zones, rural clinics, or disease outbreaks where time matters. The key is alignment. The best teams don’t arrive to take over—they come to reinforce. They train staff, share resources, and offer support in ways that strengthen what’s already in place. When local leaders are respected and the long-term plan comes first, medical missions aren’t just ethical—they’re essential.   4. “Mission trips create dependency.” Sometimes, even well-meaning help can miss the mark. When teams offer support without understanding what’s already in place, it can unintentionally create reliance instead of resilience. But that’s not the only way to serve. When mission teams center local leadership, focus on long-term goals, and ask, “What are you already doing—and how can we support it?” they strengthen what’s already working. They create space for local solutions to grow and last. Concerns about harm caused by mission trips often come from moments where this alignment was missing. But the history of medical missions and how it's approached is always changing and improving over time to better support the local communities.   5. “Mission trips ignore culture.” This myth exists because sometimes, it’s been true. Cross-cultural service that doesn’t stop to learn and listen can unintentionally cause harm. But the most impactful mission trips don’t start with doing. They start with understanding the people and communities they want to minister to so that they can better help them. As Paul wrote, “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). He met people where they were, and spoke to them in a language they understood.   6. “Mission trips hurt local economies.” There are stories—real ones—where volunteers did jobs locals could have been paid for. Or donated supplies that undercut small businesses. But those moments don’t define all missions. In fact, they’ve helped shape healthier practices. Today, many mission organizations prioritize working with local economies. That might look like hiring local builders, purchasing local food and supplies, or partnering with community leaders to ensure the trip contributes to—not competes with—local growth. Serving should never come at the cost of someone else’s livelihood. And it doesn’t have to.   7. “Short-term teams don’t really matter.” If you’ve ever wondered whether a one-week trip can actually make a difference, you’re not alone. Sometimes it feels like the need is too great and the time is too short. But one of the quiet truths of mission work is this: showing up matters more than we know. Short-term teams often bring hope, encouragement, and practical help in moments when it’s needed most. They remind local churches and organizations that they’re not forgotten. They often spark long-term commitments, new callings, and unexpected friendships that last for years. Short-term doesn’t mean short impact for the community or the missionary. It just means you have to be intentional with the time you have.   A Better Way Forward Mission trips have changed—and they’re still changing. Today, more than ever, we need people who are willing to go with a learner’s heart, a steady presence, and a commitment to building up the people already there. If you're wrestling with whether to take that step, that’s a good sign. It means you care about doing this well. And if you’re ready to engage in missions that aim to lift communities and meet spiritual and physical needs, there are plenty of short-mission trips to choose from.   Related Questions   What does God say about mission trips? Jesus calls us to go and make disciples of all nations—serving others with love and humility (Matthew 28:19–20).   Are missionary trips ethical? While there are some concerns about ethical issues in religious mission trips, these are generally unfounded, and the great need for help, spiritual and physical, makes mission trips valuable to and wanted by the local communities they impact.   What does the Bible say about volunteering? Each of us is called to serve others, using the gifts we’ve received (1 Peter 4:10).   Do colleges care about mission trips? Yes—especially when they reflect real learning, cultural awareness, and community impact.