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This session will review the most common medical considerations you should be aware of before traveling on a short-term medical mission trip. I will review common malaria prophylaxis medications, immunizations, treatment of traveler’s diarrhea as well as other tips and tricks to know. This session is ideal for those with minimal international travel experience. Speaker(s): Charles Mosler Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/vaccines-and-medications-for-short-term-medical-missions-trips

Bible verses about serving the poor are not just scattered encouragements—they form a consistent thread throughout Scripture. From the Law to the prophets to the teachings of Jesus, God makes clear that helping the poor is a reflection of His character and a responsibility of His people. The Bible speaks not only to generosity but to justice. It reveals that serving the poor is not optional. It is obedience.   Key Takeaways God’s commands about helping the poor are direct, woven into Israel’s worship, and centered on proximity—not just charity. Jesus didn’t preach about the poor from afar—He served them up close, making their care central to His ministry. The early church built its community around generosity, showing that serving the poor was essential to their witness. Scripture warns that ignoring the needs of the poor isn’t neutral—it distances us from God’s presence and favor. Serving the poor is not optional for believers; it’s a call to consistent, practical obedience rooted in God’s character.   God’s Commands About Helping the Poor Many of the earliest commands in Scripture speak directly to how God's people should treat the poor. These weren’t seasonal suggestions—they were part of Israel’s daily life and worship. Leviticus 25:35 says, “If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you.” This verse frames care as proximity—not just sending help, but making space for people in your life. The poor were to be protected from exploitation, not just handed scraps. In Deuteronomy 15:11, God says, “You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.”  These bible quotes on helping the poor are not vague—they’re clear, consistent, and communal. And yet, many Christians still struggle to define poverty clearly. Some of that may come from equating poverty with lack of money alone. But redefining poverty in terms of relationships, access, and systemic barriers creates a more honest starting point for understanding who the poor truly are.   How Jesus Treated the Poor Jesus never taught about the poor from a distance. He cared for them. His ministry regularly included healing, feeding, and prioritizing those the world overlooked. In Matthew 25, He makes it plain that how we treat the poor is how we treat Him: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink…Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” — Matthew 25:35, 40 In other words, serving the poor isn’t a side ministry. It is central and is something all Christians are called to do.    What the Early Church Practiced The early church didn’t just read the words of Jesus—they built their community around them. In Acts, we see believers meeting needs directly and sacrificially. Acts 4:34–35 says, “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” That’s not sentiment. That’s structure. Their love showed up in how they shared meals, resources, and time. And when Paul traveled to preach, he carried a deep conviction to care for the poor, saying in Galatians, “Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” Church wasn’t just about teaching. It was about transforming how people treated one another—especially those with the least. This is still evident in local medical mission efforts across the U.S., where the gospel is shared not just in words, but in consistent acts of mercy.   The Consequences of Ignoring the Needy Scripture doesn’t just celebrate generosity—it warns against neglect. Proverbs 21:13 says: “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.” The prophet Isaiah condemned religious acts that ignored justice. In Isaiah 58, God says fasting is fruitless without caring for the hungry, the homeless, and the afflicted. The warning is serious: if we claim to love God and ignore the needs around us, our love is false. Throughout Scripture, bible verses about helping the poor carry weight—they’re never treated as optional.   Let Scripture Move You Toward Action The Bible’s teaching on poverty isn’t a philosophy—it’s a call. A call to proximity, not just principle. A call to obedience, not just charity. A call to act, not just agree. If these verses have stirred something in you, consider what the next step might look like. One way to begin is by showing up locally—serving in a domestic mission context where your skills, presence, and prayers can meet practical need. The poor are not a project. They are part of the family of God. And serving them is part of serving Him.   Related Questions   What does God say about serving the poor? God commands His people to care for the poor with generosity, justice, and compassion.   What does Jesus say about feeding the poor? Jesus teaches that feeding the hungry is a direct act of serving Him, as seen in Matthew 25.   What does the Bible say about the church helping the poor? The early church shared resources freely to meet every need among them, modeling a culture of generosity and care.   Are Christians obligated to help the poor? Yes—Scripture frames it as obedience, not optional kindness, with both promise and warning attached.    

Quality digital systems in low-resource settings empower and engage healthcare workers to provide high-quality care for every person. With a responsive digital platform developed in the field, The Luke Commission (Eswatini, Africa) has piloted a system that priorities accountability, transparency, and efficiency to maximize health outcomes for every patient. Speaker(s): Echo Nomsa VanderWal Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/revolutionizing-compassionate-patient-care-in-low-resource-settings-through-digital-systems

Working with special needs children is not about fixing or changing them. It’s about showing up—consistently, humbly, and with a posture of listening. Whether you’re serving in a classroom, clinic, or missions setting, this work invites you into sacred spaces where healing happens slowly and trust is earned over time.   Key Takeaways Serving children with special needs isn’t about perfection—it’s about stable presence and patience. Challenges like slow progress, communication barriers, and cultural stigma are real—but they deepen both your skill and your compassion. Consistency often matters more than credentials; in uncertain or low-resource environments, reliability can become a form of healing. Medical missions may involve therapy, nutrition, or caregiver training—but the most essential task is showing up with flexibility and dignity. If you feel a quiet pull toward this work, don’t ignore it—God often uses the most tender callings to form us.   What It Means to Work with Special Needs Children Serving children with disabilities or developmental differences often means navigating physical, emotional, and sensory challenges. But what defines the work isn’t the difficulty—it’s the way it reshapes your view of value and strength. Children with special needs aren’t less deserving of love—they just receive and express it in ways that take time to understand. What they need most isn’t perfection, but presence—someone willing to meet them where they are and stay long enough to be trusted.   Common Challenges—and What They Teach You The pace is slower. Communication might be nonverbal. Progress may come in inches, not miles. And still, the work matters deeply. In many low-resource settings, children with disabilities are overlooked, underdiagnosed, or denied consistent care. Learning how to provide care for disabled children in low-resource countries involves adapting treatment plans, building local trust, and working with families who carry incredible burdens. Challenges in the field can also include addressing child mental health needs, where stigmas and cultural expectations may differ dramatically from what you’re used to. But over time, those challenges sharpen both your skills and your compassion.   The Importance of Trust, Not Just Training Degrees and credentials are helpful—but not enough. A child with sensory sensitivities may respond more to a calm voice than to a detailed care plan. One who struggles with transitions may need the same caregiver each day to feel safe. In this work, reliability often matters more than résumé. This is especially true in places of trauma or instability. For example, those who’ve served children with disabilities in the Ukraine have seen how understanding and consistent care are critical. Whether in war zones or clinics, your reliability can become part of a child’s healing.   What Medical Missions Work Might Involve In short-term or long-term missions, health care for children with special needs can include: Mobility support or physical therapy Communication aids or language development tools Nutritional planning Emotional regulation support Training local caregivers or staff But more than any treatment plan, it involves a daily willingness to adapt. Schedules change. Resources are limited. What’s constant is the child in front of you—worthy of full attention and care.   Is This Calling for You? If something in you feels drawn to this work—even if you don’t feel qualified—pay attention to that nudge. Not everyone is called to work with special needs kids. But those who are often find it changes them more than it changes the child. It’s worth asking what long obedience might look like in this space. And while Scripture doesn’t give us a job description, it does remind us what love requires: patience, kindness, and faithfulness that doesn’t disappear when things get hard.    Ready to Take a Step? There’s no single path into this kind of service—but one faithful step matters. If working with children with special needs has been on your heart, consider going on a short-term mission trip where you can begin walking it out. Every child deserves to be seen. Every caregiver starts somewhere. “[L]earn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” — Isaiah 1:17   Related Questions   What is it called when you work with kids with special needs? It’s often called special education, pediatric therapy, or disability support work, depending on the setting.   What do I need to do to work with special needs kids? Start with a patient mindset, then pursue training, experience, or certifications in education, therapy, or caregiving.   What qualifications do I need to work with autistic children? Many roles require training in behavioral therapy, special education, or speech-language pathology, but hands-on experience is also valued.   How long does it take to get a special education degree? Most programs take four years for a bachelor’s degree, with additional time for licensure or specialization.    

We aimed to assist church members in Hispanic churches to become certified and trained CHWs and mentor them to lead a six-month diabetes self-management program. We found that raising up individuals from the church to become health leaders (CHWs) in their community is a promising model to increase the reach of the church while reducing health disparities. Speaker(s): Betty Nava Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/creating-healthy-communities-a-church-based-community-health-worker-led-initiative

A prayer for healing isn’t about saying the perfect words—it’s about bringing our real pain to a real God. And when we don’t know what to say, the Psalms give us language. These ancient prayers for the sick still speak to our fear, grief, hope, and need for mercy.   Key Takeaways The Psalms offer honest, Scripture-rooted prayers that help you speak healing and hope when words are hard to find. Verses like Psalm 18 and Psalm 34 provide strength and comfort—reminding us that God is both our refuge and near to the brokenhearted. Praying Psalms over the sick brings peace, especially in dark or uncertain moments, by anchoring hearts in God’s presence and promises. Healing isn’t always physical—Psalms like 103 speak to deep restoration of the soul, body, and spirit through God’s mercy and love. You don’t need perfect words to pray—just a willing heart; the Psalms guide us in showing up with presence and trust.   When You Don’t Know What to Pray Sickness can make prayer feel fragile. You want to say something meaningful, but pain can leave you silent. That’s where the Psalms come in—not as magic words, but as honest prayers already soaked in suffering. They remind us we’re not the first to feel weak or to ask God, “How long?” If you’re just beginning to build a prayer life that can carry you through trials, start with simple rhythms of prayer that you can commit to for the long haul. These practices—anchored in Scripture—make space for both peace and perseverance.   1. A Psalm for Strength “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” — Psalm 18:1–2 When you’re praying for someone too weak to pray for themselves, Psalm 18 gives you words of strength and shelter. It’s a reminder that healing begins Who we run to for help.   2. A Psalm for Comfort “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18  This is one of the simplest and most comforting prayers for the sick. You can whisper it beside a hospital bed or speak it quietly when you get the news you didn’t want. It reminds us that even in heartbreak, God doesn’t leave. And when you’ve seen suffering firsthand—as many in medical missions camps do—you realize that presence often speaks louder than explanation.   3. A Psalm for Peace in the Middle of Pain “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8 Night is often the hardest time for those who are sick or in pain. This verse is a simple, powerful prayer for healing and recovery that you can speak over someone before sleep. It doesn’t promise instant comfort—but it does offer peace anchored in God’s care.   4. A Psalm for Sustained Trust “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” — Psalm 91:1–2 Psalm 91 is one of the most often-quoted passages in times of illness and fear. Not because it guarantees a certain outcome—but because it grounds us in the presence of a God who protects, even when healing looks different than we expect. Many believers turn to Psalm 91 and other prayers from Scripture when praying over a diagnosis or medical crisis.   5. A Psalm for Deep Healing “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.” — Psalm 103:2–4 Sometimes what needs healing isn’t only physical. These verses can be prayed over those recovering from trauma, burnout, or spiritual fatigue. God’s healing reaches every layer. And for those who wonder whether prayer really matters, stories and testimonies on the power of prayer offer a glimpse of what can happen when faith and compassion meet in action.   How to Turn the Psalms into Personal Prayer You don’t need to rewrite them. Just open your Bible and read them aloud. Add your own words where it makes sense. Let the rhythm of Scripture carry your voice when you feel unsure. You don’t need to be eloquent. You just need to show up. The Psalms remind us that prayer isn’t about performance. It’s about presence—with God, and with the person you’re praying for.   Feeling Drawn to Stay with the Suffering? If you’ve found yourself returning to these verses often—not just for yourself, but for others—it might be more than a moment of compassion. It could be part of your calling. Long-term missions often involve showing up again and again for people in pain. Not to fix, but to pray. To walk alongside. To serve with hands and hearts open. If that resonates with you, long-term missions are worth looking into. Prayer doesn’t end when a conversation does—it goes with you.   Related Questions   What is the most powerful prayer for healing? Scripture-based prayers from the Psalms, like Psalm 18 and 91, focus on God’s power, mercy, and protection.   Why is Psalm 91 so powerful? Because it declares God’s refuge and protection over those who trust Him, even in danger or disease.   What is a powerful prayer for a sick person? Psalm 34:18—“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted”—is a short, strong reminder of God’s nearness in pain.   How do you pray for someone who has a sick family member? Ask for peace, strength, and God’s presence using verses like Psalm 46 or Psalm 121.

In this session we will discuss the role of people with disabilities in missions as well as how to meet the needs of the global disabled community. Speaker(s): Jenny Smith Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/disability-and-missions-including-people-with-disabilities-in-the-church-and-global-missions

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. Speaker(s): Burton Lee Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/supporting-global-critical-care-in-resource-limited-countries-through-medical-education

Breaking down language barriers is less about mastering grammar and more about building bridges. In cross-cultural missions, especially in healthcare or ministry, communication must be clear—but it also must be respectful and patient. Whether you're serving long-term or just beginning, learning how to overcome language barriers is essential to effective, relational mission work. Key Takeaways Language barriers in missions go beyond words—they often involve missed meaning, cultural misunderstandings, and emotional disconnects. Common challenges include linguistic gaps, unspoken trauma, and assumptions that someone understands when they don’t. Simple strategies—like learning key phrases, using repetition, visuals, and patient silence—can create real connection in cross-cultural settings. Trust is built more through posture than perfect pronunciation—humility, consistency, and presence speak louder than words. Mistakes will happen, but grace-filled effort often leads to deeper relationships, mutual respect, and unexpected moments of joy.   Why Language Barriers Are Deeper Than Words When people think of language barriers, they usually think of translation problems. But in a missions context, they often show up as something deeper: missed meaning, cultural misunderstanding, or unspoken confusion that causes people to shut down. Miscommunication can create frustration. But it can also hurt trust. This is especially true in medical missions or faith-based settings, where tone, presence, and intent carry spiritual weight. That’s why overcoming language barriers isn’t just about vocabulary—it’s about empathy.   Types of Language Barriers in the Field There are several types of language barriers that missionaries regularly face: Linguistic barriers: You don’t speak the local language, or they don’t speak yours. Cultural barriers: Body language, eye contact, and even silence can mean different things. Emotional barriers: Fear, trauma, or shame may keep someone from expressing what they really need. Assumptive barriers: You think they understand because they nod—but they don’t. If you ignore these, even the best-prepared team can miss the deeper needs of the community they serve.   Practical Ways to Overcome Language Barriers Knowing how to break down language barriers starts with intentional, often simple actions. Here are strategies that work in the field:   1. Learn key phrases early. Don’t try to learn everything. Just start with greetings, medical terms, or simple encouragements in the local language. Even broken effort shows a desire to connect. This kind of intentionality is at the heart of effective language learning for missions—it’s less about fluency and more about presence.   2. Use repetition and simple language. Avoid idioms or complex sentences. Repeat important instructions slowly, and use the same phrase consistently rather than rephrasing each time.   3. Match tone with intent. Your voice, facial expressions, and body posture matter. If you’re calm and warm, people will respond—even if they don’t know every word you say.   4. Use visuals, gestures, and demonstrations. Showing someone how to take a medication or how to do a task is often more effective than trying to explain it verbally. Use physical objects, pictures, or actions.   5. Ask for feedback, not just understanding. Instead of asking, “Do you understand?” ask them to show or repeat what you said. This prevents miscommunication without putting anyone on the spot.   6. Use local interpreters with cultural awareness. It’s not enough to translate words. A good interpreter also explains what’s behind them. Choose someone who understands both the language and the culture. If you’re not sure where to start, explore different language learning options tailored for cross-cultural work.   7. Be patient, and don’t fill the silence. Let people process. Give space. Silence doesn’t always mean confusion—it can mean thoughtfulness or respect.   How to Build Trust Without Perfect Translation Trust is often built in the posture more than the pronunciation. A willingness to enter someone’s world, listen longer, and embrace discomfort often speaks louder than well-formed sentences. This is the essence of cultural humility in healthcare, where connection matters more than control. The same principle applies in any culture: trust comes through consistency, humility, and small acts of love.   What Happens When You Get It Wrong You will mess up. Everyone does. You’ll pronounce something wrong, misunderstand a question, or say yes when you meant no. But when your posture is one of grace and humility, people are incredibly forgiving. In fact, those moments often lead to laughter, deeper conversation, and lasting connection.   Ready to Serve Longer? The longer you serve in cross-cultural contexts, the more natural these habits become. If you’re sensing that God is calling you to the field, exploring long-term missions could be the next right step. Deep language learning, cultural immersion, and lasting relationships often start with small, faithful steps forward.   Related Questions   How do you break down the language barrier? Use simple language, visual cues, patient tone, and active listening to bridge communication gaps.   What are the ways to overcome language barriers? Strategies include learning key phrases, using interpreters, and building relational trust.   What is the most common language barrier? The most common is assuming understanding when none exists—especially when someone is afraid to ask for clarification.   What are the types of language barriers? Types include linguistic, cultural, emotional, and assumptive—each requiring a unique approach to overcome.  

This session will explore the importance of anticipating needs and listening to treat patients successfully. As clinicians, we quickly work towards solving the immediate problem, but the healing process is much more than clinical interventions. Our education and training focus on caring for people, but not always caring about people. How can we best support patients in improving healing from a physical, mental, and spiritual standpoint regardless of the clinical setting? Speaker name(s): Steven Hester Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/not-just-caring-for-people-but-caring-about-people

A mission trip Bible verse is more than a line of encouragement; it’s a spiritual anchor. Whether you're preparing for a mission trip or already packing your bags, Scripture helps keep your focus on what matters.    Key Takeaways Scripture is essential for mission trips—it anchors your heart, resets your focus, and brings peace when circumstances feel unpredictable. Bible verses like Matthew 28:19–20 and Isaiah 6:8 remind you that God sends you with purpose and promises to go with you. Verses for strength and peace—like Philippians 4:13 and Joshua 1:9—help you rely on God’s power, not your own. Mission-centered passages call you to serve with humility and love, reflecting Christ through both action and attitude. Keeping these verses close—in prayer, in conversation, or on paper—can deepen your impact and remind you that your mission is part of God’s bigger plan.   Why Bring Scripture on a Mission Trip? Even the best team prep can’t always calm nerves or answer every question. Travel can be unpredictable. Ministry moments can feel overwhelming. That’s why Scripture matters—it resets your focus when things feel unsteady and gives encouraging words for mission trips. Bringing mission trip Bible verses into your daily rhythm helps you respond with prayer instead of panic. And they serve as fuel when your energy runs low or your purpose feels unclear.   Bible Verses to Say “Yes” to the Call   1. Matthew 28:19–20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This is more than a command—it’s a promise. You’re not going alone.   2. Isaiah 6:8 “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send’…Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’” This verse speaks to the willing heart. You don’t need all the answers—just a posture of surrender.   Verses for Strength in the Field   3. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This isn’t about being impressive. It’s about being dependent.   4. 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” When you feel stretched thin or unsure, this is the reminder: grace holds.   Verses That Speak Peace   5. Joshua 1:9 “…Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Whether you're heading across the globe or joining a medical mission trip in the USA, courage starts with remembering God’s presence.   6. Psalm 121:1–2 “I lift up my eyes to the hills…My help comes from the Lord…” In the quiet or the chaos, this verse grounds your spirit.   Verses for Love and Humility   7. Galatians 5:13 “…through love serve one another.” Mission work isn’t about crossing tasks off a list. It’s about showing up in love.   8. Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” You reflect Jesus when you lead by serving.   Verses That Frame the Bigger Picture   9. Romans 10:14–15 “And how are they to hear without someone preaching?...‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” Whether in word or deed, mission work shares the good news with those who desperately need it.   10. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Your mission trip isn’t random. You’re walking into something God already planned.   How to Use These Verses Daily Mission trips are spiritual work. These verses aren't just for reading—they're for praying, sharing, living, and preparing for a mission trip. Consider: Meditating on a verse and using it as a springboard into prayer. Memorizing a couple to have in mind throughout the trip. Going over them during a Bible study with your team. Some travelers also keep a small Scripture list in their bag or on their phone as a reminder during long days or unexpected challenges.   When You Start to Wonder If It’s Worth It It’s common to question impact—especially when things don’t go as expected. You may find yourself wondering, Are medical mission trips worth it? That question is best answered through faithfulness. When you show up in love, in humility, and in step with the Spirit, your presence is never wasted. Even small conversations or simple service can leave a lasting impact—both in others and in you.   Looking for More Verses? If you’re hungry for more Scripture to guide you, there are many more Bible verses to consider that can help shape your study time or personal reflection before you go. You don’t have to carry every verse. But even a few can serve as a spiritual compass when you’re preparing for a mission trip and while you’re on the field.   Ready for What’s Next? Maybe your trip is just the beginning. If these verses stir something deeper—if you feel like God might be calling you further—don’t ignore it. Sometimes a short-term step becomes the door to long-term purpose. Maybe this trip isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting point. If something in you is asking what a longer path of service could look like, don’t rush past it. You can begin exploring long-term missions not as a commitment, but as a conversation. Sometimes, the next faithful step is just being willing to look.   Related Questions   What does the Bible say about a mission trip? It shows that God calls His people to go, serve, and share His name in humility and love.   What to say to someone going on a mission trip? Offer encouragement and Scripture that reminds them of God’s faithfulness.   How to spiritually prepare for a mission trip? Spend time in prayer, read Scripture, seek accountability, and approach the trip with a teachable heart.   How do you know if God wants you to go on a mission trip? Pay attention to repeated stirrings, wise counsel, and doors that open through obedience.