Resources

This session focuses on the role of women in missions including opportunities, challenges, and preparation for service. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Session block #2 Speaker name(s): Rebekah Naylor Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/women-on-mission

A spinal cord injury is so much more than just the inability to walk. This session will discuss the physical, emotional, and spiritual (and sexual!) impact of SCI that every medical practitioner needs to know. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Session block #2 Speaker name(s): Jenny Smith Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/what-you-need-to-know-about-spinal-cord-injuries-the-physical-emotional-and-spiritual-impact

In a brilliant editorial by Ralph Winter over 20 years ago, he wrote that of all those “called” into missionary service only 1 of 100 make it! Why? Because of the lack of mobilizers, or mentors. This breakout session will consider the WHY, WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW of mentoring. What is it? Who and what needs to be mentored? And, how can you find the resources that are available? Join us to hear stories, learn insights and focus on your desire to journey with God and to ultimately glorify Him through your medical (healthcare) mission ministry. This session will describe the WHY, WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & WHY of mentoring. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; speaker: Neil Thompson Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/mentoring-for-future-healthcare-missionaries

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses are rising across the globe, particularly in underserved communities where access to healthcare is limited. Those in medical missions play a crucial role in managing chronic diseases by offering life-saving care, education, and sustainable solutions that empower communities to address long-term health challenges. "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." — Isaiah 53:5   Growing Burden of Chronic Diseases In many low-resource settings, chronic diseases have become a silent epidemic. Unlike acute illnesses, which require immediate intervention, chronic disease management requires consistent care, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Without proper management, these diseases can lead to severe complications, including disability or death. Those in medical missions step into regions with minimal healthcare infrastructure to provide care for patients who would otherwise go untreated. By identifying, managing, and educating communities about chronic illnesses, these missionaries help reduce the long-term impact of these conditions.   Key Strategies for Managing Chronic Diseases Addressing chronic diseases in underserved areas requires tailored strategies that focus on prevention, education, and sustainable care: Early Diagnosis and Screening: Medical missions prioritize early detection through routine screenings for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Early diagnosis allows healthcare workers to intervene before complications arise. Access to Medications: Ensuring a consistent supply of medications, such as insulin for diabetes or antihypertensives, is critical for managing chronic conditions. Partnerships with medical supply organizations help maintain reliable access. Health Education Programs: Missions offer workshops and resources to teach communities about managing chronic diseases through lifestyle changes, including proper nutrition, exercise, and medication adherence. By combining these strategies, missionaries lay the foundation for long-term disease management, improving both individual and community health outcomes.   Role of Preventive Care Preventive care is a cornerstone of chronic disease management in medical missions. By addressing risk factors early, missionaries can reduce the incidence and severity of chronic illnesses. Preventive initiatives often include: Education on healthy living habits, such as balanced diets and physical activity. Vaccination programs to prevent conditions like hepatitis and certain cancers. Screening campaigns to identify high-risk individuals for targeted interventions. These preventive efforts not only save lives but also reduce the burden on already fragile healthcare systems.   Empowering Local Healthcare Providers Sustainable chronic disease management hinges on building capacity within local healthcare systems. Those in medical missions often train local providers to: Recognize and manage chronic illnesses. Educate patients on long-term care and disease prevention. Implement community health programs that promote wellness and routine care. By equipping local healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to address chronic diseases, missionaries help create lasting solutions that continue long after teams have departed.   Road to Sustainable Solutions While those in medical missions provide critical care, the ultimate goal is to empower communities to manage chronic diseases independently. Long-term success relies on: Partnerships with local organizations to ensure ongoing medication supply. Health infrastructure development, such as community clinics and mobile care units. Continued education programs that promote disease prevention and management. By addressing chronic diseases through a holistic approach, missionaries create healthier, more resilient communities prepared to face the challenges of long-term care. "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.” — Revelation 21:4 Join the Effort: Discover how you can support sustainable chronic disease management in underserved communities by exploring opportunities at Medical Missions.

Does God want you to be happy? And how important is happiness as we pursue God's mission? We are often faced with the false choice between happiness and suffering, let's figure out a better way. In our work starting a health center in a large refugee community, we have learned so much from our staff that has challenged our "Western" perspectives on happiness. Join us as we discuss the history of happiness and the church and its relevance to today. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; speaker: Andrew Kim Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/are-you-happy

I'll share what we did as a team to incorporate 10-15 hours of corporate prayer into our weekly schedule while working full time as an NGO and the difference it made on team life, personal and spiritual lives and how it expanded our hearts for the people and region in which we were living. I'll share practical ways to increase prayer times overseas and explain how vital it is for health, fruit and longevity. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM and November 8 2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Session block #2 Speaker name(s): Emelia J. Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/the-power-of-prayer

Missionary healthcare work is one of the most profound ways to serve underserved populations, but it is not without its challenges. From limited resources to cultural barriers, healthcare workers face significant obstacles in delivering quality care. Navigating these challenges with preparation, innovation, and compassion ensures that missions can make a lasting impact in the communities that need it most. "For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'" — Isaiah 41:13   Complexities of Missionary Healthcare Missionary healthcare workers operate in regions where healthcare systems are often fragile or nonexistent. While their efforts bring life-saving care, they must contend with numerous complexities that require adaptability and resilience. These challenges include limited access to essential supplies, cultural differences, and the logistical difficulties of reaching remote areas. Understanding these realities helps teams better prepare and maximize their impact.   Overcoming Resource Limitations Resource scarcity is one of the most pressing missionary healthcare challenges. Missions often operate in low-resource settings where essential supplies like sterile gloves, antibiotics, and diagnostic tools are limited. Overcoming these limitations requires creativity and careful planning: Prioritizing Essential Supplies: Teams focus on bringing medications, portable diagnostic tools, and supplies that address the most urgent needs, such as infection management and maternal care. Collaborating with Donor Organizations: Partnerships with medical supply donors ensure that missions are equipped with life-saving tools and medications. By managing resources effectively, those involved in these missions can help bridge gaps in care while delivering treatments that save lives.   Addressing Cultural and Language Barriers Cultural sensitivity is key to building trust and delivering effective care. Missionary healthcare workers often encounter diverse beliefs, customs, and traditions that influence how communities approach health and wellness. Strategies for overcoming these missionary healthcare challenges include cultural training, working with local translators, and engaging trusted community leaders to foster understanding.   Tackling Geographic and Logistical Challenges Delivering healthcare to remote and inaccessible areas presents logistical hurdles, from transporting supplies to setting up clinics. Mission teams must plan carefully to overcome these challenges: Mobile Clinics: Teams use mobile health units to reach isolated populations, offering services such as vaccinations, screenings, and emergency care. Pre-Mission Planning: Missions invest time in mapping travel routes, identifying community needs, and preparing contingency plans for unforeseen obstacles. Logistical preparedness ensures healthcare teams can reach even the most inaccessible areas, providing vital care to those who need it most.   Managing Disease Burdens Many missionary healthcare teams encounter diseases that are uncommon in their home countries, such as malaria or cholera. Addressing these challenges requires specialized training and preparation. Teams educate communities about disease prevention, equip healthcare workers with necessary skills, and prioritize vaccination campaigns to reduce preventable illnesses.   Sustaining Impact Despite Challenges Despite the many challenges, missionary healthcare workers leave a lasting impact on the communities they serve. By combining preparation, cultural sensitivity, and innovative resource management, missions provide more than immediate care—they lay the groundwork for long-term health solutions. Training Local Healthcare Workers: Missionaries empower local providers with skills and knowledge to care for their communities long after the mission ends. Building Partnerships: Collaborations with local organizations and governments create sustainable healthcare solutions.   Take the Next Step in Missionary Healthcare While there are many missionary healthcare challenges, the opportunity to make a life-changing impact far outweighs the obstacles. With the right preparation, healthcare workers can overcome barriers and deliver care that transforms lives. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" — Psalms 27:1 Start Your Mission Today: Explore resources, training opportunities, and ways to get involved in global healthcare missions at Medical Missions.

The Bible contains a narrative, a story, about God's gracious plan in Christ to redeem us from our sin. Believers are brought into that story. This story isn't something we just know and learn about but we are called to take our place in it. Missions is hard-wired to that story. Rather than thinking of our basis for missions as simply a collection of "missions" texts (and there are many!), the Bible tells a story that spans from one end of Scripture to the other--and you are part of it. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM and November 8 2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM  Session block #2 Speaker name(s): Brian Vickers Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/taking-part-in-the-biblical-story-of-missions

Each of our lives is a narrative. God’s word is a meta-narrative, a grand healing narrative. Weaving these narratives together in the context of the people we serve leads to missional living where ever we are called. Given our unique talents, gifts, passions, cultures and professions, how do we discern and sustain our respective niche in the purposeful and wonderful story of God? Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; speaker: Daniel ONeill Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/the-grand-healing-narrative-and-our-unique-niche

Healthcare professionals possess the skills to heal, but medical missionary training equips them with the knowledge, mindset, and tools to serve in some of the world’s most challenging environments. These programs prepare individuals to navigate cultural, logistical, and medical complexities, ensuring they make a meaningful, lasting impact on global health. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you..." — Matthew 28:19-20   Importance of Medical Missionary Training Medical missions take place in underserved regions where healthcare systems are underdeveloped or nonexistent. Professionals who embark on these missions face unique challenges—limited resources, language barriers, and unfamiliar diseases. Medical missionary training bridges this gap, preparing healthcare workers to adapt and deliver exceptional care where it’s needed most. Training programs focus on building cultural competency, strengthening clinical skills, and fostering a heart for service. By integrating faith-based principles with practical training, these programs ensure healthcare workers can serve communities with compassion, humility, and professionalism.   Key Components of Medical Missionary Training Medical missionary training programs are designed to address the diverse challenges of global healthcare missions. They equip participants with the tools and knowledge to provide effective, sustainable care in underserved regions: Clinical Skills Development: Healthcare professionals receive training on managing diseases prevalent in low-resource areas, including tropical diseases, malnutrition, and maternal health complications. Emphasis is placed on treating patients with limited diagnostic tools and medications. Cultural Competency: Understanding local customs, beliefs, and traditions is crucial for building trust and delivering respectful care. Training emphasizes cultural awareness and effective communication strategies to foster positive relationships with patients and communities. Resource Management: Professionals learn to adapt to environments with scarce resources, developing innovative solutions for diagnostics, treatments, and emergency care. Faith Integration: Faith-based training emphasizes holistic care, addressing both physical health and emotional or spiritual needs. Participants learn to offer compassion, hope, and support in addition to clinical care. Disaster and Emergency Preparedness: Missions often respond to natural disasters or crises. Training includes trauma care, emergency response protocols, and logistical planning for operating in crisis zones.   Building Sustainable Impact Through Training While short-term missions provide critical relief, long-term impact depends on sustainable solutions. Medical missionary training programs prioritize building capacity within local communities by empowering healthcare professionals to: Train and mentor local healthcare workers to ensure knowledge transfer. Implement preventative care programs, such as vaccination campaigns and health education workshops. Establish partnerships with local organizations to strengthen healthcare infrastructure. By equipping professionals with the skills to collaborate and invest in local systems, medical missionary training ensures that communities continue to benefit long after the mission concludes.   Getting Involved in Medical Missionary Training If you're a healthcare professional looking to make a difference, medical missionary training provides the tools, skills, and support you need to serve effectively in global healthcare missions. Training opportunities are available through faith-based organizations, universities, and global health programs. Enroll in a Training Program: Programs offer both in-person and virtual courses, covering clinical skills, cultural competency, and faith integration. Partner with Mission Organizations: Many organizations provide training as part of their mission preparation process. Mentor Others: Experienced healthcare professionals can share their knowledge by mentoring individuals preparing for their first mission. Medical missionary training goes beyond skill development—it transforms hearts, preparing individuals to serve with compassion and resilience in the most challenging environments. "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!" — 1 Chronicles 16:24 Take the First Step: Explore medical missionary training programs and opportunities at Medical Missions.

Many mission hospitals around the world do not have access to Rehab Professionals. Early patient mobility has been shown to improve patient’s outcomes. Visiting Medical Professionals, Doctors, Therapists, Nurses and other professionals can play an important role in teaching non rehab professional clinicians in mission hospitals when and how to mobilize even some of the sickest or most severely injured patients. This workshop will review some basic rehab patient mobility techniques. Session recorded on November 7 2024 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Session block #1 Speaker name(s): Skip Roy Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/teaching-and-encouraging-early-patient-mobility-to-non-rehab-professionals-in-mission-hospitals

Spirituality is an important component of health, and assessing a patient's spirituality is a cultural competence of healthcare professionals. This session will review secular “best practice” guidelines about spiritual assessment and provide a framework for taking a spiritual history during our interactions with patients. Participants will role-play a variety of spiritual history-taking scenarios. In this session, you'll learn how to routinely and confidently assess your patient’s spirituality, and practice your spiritual history-taking skills. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; Speaker: Mark https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/how-to-take-a-spiritual-history