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Religious persecution is the mistreatment or oppression of individuals because of their faith. It’s not a new problem—and it’s not a distant one either. From biblical times to headlines today, the persecution of believers remains a real and present challenge for the global Church. Some experience it through violence. Others feel it through silence, rejection, or loss. Scripture prepares us for this—and calls us to respond with clarity, courage, and love.   Key Takeaways Religious persecution today includes imprisonment, discrimination, displacement, and social hostility—often for simply following Jesus. The Bible frames persecution not as an exception but an expected part of faithful obedience, from the prophets to the early church. Around the world, the persecuted church continues to grow in faith under pressure, often with greater clarity and resilience. Scripture calls believers to respond through prayer, support, advocacy, and steadfast faith—even when facing opposition themselves. The persecuted are not forgotten by God, and Scripture calls His people to remember them too.   What Is Religious Persecution? Religious persecution takes many forms: imprisonment, discrimination, forced displacement, cultural hostility, or even death. In today’s world, millions face persecution simply for identifying with the name of Jesus. The persecuted church is not a minor concern—it’s a frontline reality. While some live in freedom to worship, others gather in secret or risk everything just to own a Bible. The suffering is often quiet—but it’s widespread. Biblical persecution isn’t limited to physical violence. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account” (Matthew 5:11). The insult, isolation, and legal pressure many believers face today fall within this same spiritual category.   Persecution in the Bible: Expected, Not Surprising Scripture never hides the cost of following God. In fact, it prepares believers for it. The prophets were ridiculed. The apostles were beaten. Jesus Himself was crucified. “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” — 2 Timothy 3:12  Throughout Acts, persecution spreads as fast as the gospel does. Paul is imprisoned. Stephen is stoned. And yet the Church grows. These aren’t isolated events—they’re patterns. According to Scripture’s view of persecution, suffering for Christ is not just probable—it’s promised.   Real Examples of Religious Persecution Today Religious persecution today still mirrors what we see in Scripture. Christians in parts of Asia and the Middle East face imprisonment or surveillance, and pastors in parts of Africa are targeted by extremist violence. In many cases, persecution leads to forced displacement. For millions, that means crossing borders without security, protection, or a plan. Many of the causes of refugee crises are deeply tied to religious persecution and systemic oppression. These are not stories of the distant past. They are present-day realities for the global church, many of whom ask not for rescue, but for courage to endure.   Why Faith Grows Under Pressure Persecution often does what comfort cannot—it refines. Stripped of status and security, the persecuted often live with a kind of clarity many forget. “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…” — 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 This is the paradox of persecution: pressure doesn’t silence the Church; it sharpens it. Where faith costs something, it often means more. Stories of faithful endurance abound. One such story involves a charging bull and hostile natives that could have ended in death, but instead ended in the gospel being shared.   How Christians Can Respond to Religious Persecution The Bible doesn’t just describe persecution—it shows us how to respond. Pray for those who suffer (Hebrews 13:3) Support those on the ground—practically, spiritually, and emotionally (Romans 12:13) Speak on behalf of the voiceless, advocating where we can (Proverbs 31:8) Stay faithful, even when opposition comes close to home (Revelation 2:10) Understanding persecution through a biblical theology of suffering reframes it—not as abandonment, but as participation in the sufferings of Christ. It helps us stand firm without becoming numb. You don’t have to go across the world tomorrow—but if you’re interested in serving on the mission field, then exploring long-term mission opportunities is a good next step. You can serve in places where the Church is under pressure, stay present with those who suffer, and become part of what God is doing in hard places. The persecuted are not forgotten by God. They shouldn’t be forgotten by His people either.   Related Questions   What is religious persecution? It is the mistreatment or oppression of individuals because of their faith, often through violence, discrimination, or social exclusion.   What is an example of religious persecution today? One example is Christians in parts of Asia who are monitored simply for gathering in house churches.   What does the Bible say about religious persecution? It says believers should expect it, endure it, and remain faithful through it—because it’s part of following Jesus.   What are the four types of persecution? Persecution can be religious, ethnic, political, or social—ranging from violence to exclusion and discrimination.

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