Content Resources

A medical practitioner panel from the CMDA Commission on Human Trafficking will discuss indicators of human trafficking in adults and children, root causes of exploitation, the effects of the pandemic, and tools healthcare providers can use to identify and treat victims.

Healthcare workers serve alongside African believers with a desire and commitment to disciple making. Through healthcare clinics and outreach programs new villages are engaged and people of peace discovered in the disciple making process. Community health education lessons and trainings open the door for African healthcare workers to enter into new communities and reach new peoples with transformational healing power of the Gospel.

This session focuses on women on mission and will highlight the role of women on mission, the challenges faced and some ways to overcome these challenges. Examples of women on mission in the past as well as present day experiences will be used to bring to life the opportunities and the difficulties as well as the great joys of a woman on mission.

Remember the feeling of getting a care package at college? Long before anyone made a big deal about “unboxing” on social media, it was exciting to get a taste of home at just the right time. Now, imagine living thousands of miles from home. The work is hard, and the challenges are many. Sometimes, cultural isolation is intense. If you can picture that, you can understand the importance of missionary care packages.    Key Takeaways Before sending missionary care packages, you should research shipping costs and customs fees to avoid creating an unexpected financial burden for the recipient. Careful planning, such as confirming the correct address and delivery timeline, helps ensure your package arrives safely and serves its intended purpose. Understanding what items are allowed in the destination country prevents confiscation and protects missionaries from potential legal trouble. Thoughtful, practical items like favorite foods, seasonal decorations, toiletries, books, and handwritten notes can provide meaningful encouragement from home. The most effective missionary care package ideas begin by asking the missionary what they truly need, ensuring your gift meets a real and timely need.   The Importance of Missionary Care Packages When you think about it, missionary care packages make a ton of sense. After all, most believers have a heart for missions and missionaries. Even those who can’t become vocational missionaries or get a full-time missionary position appreciate the ministry and sacrifice of those who do. We want them to know that we love them and are praying for them. We want them to be encouraged. Plus, sending a missionary care package allows us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Missionaries try to serve others like Jesus did, and we can help, however small, through the encouragement that a care package offers.  But before you act on your good intentions and start buying a bunch of stuff, you do need to think through a few basic guidelines. For example, how much will it cost to ship a box to another country? Do a little research to make sure you don’t blow your monthly budget with one missionary care package. While you’re at it, find out how much it might cost the missionary to receive your care package. The duties in many countries require recipients to pay for packages depending on size or value. You wouldn’t be the first person to have a care package politely declined and returned because it simply cost too much to receive.   Sending Missionary Care Packages If you want your missionary care packages to arrive safely and actually serve their purpose, a little planning goes a long way. Make sure you have the correct address for your missionary care package. Some missionaries have a P.O. box, while others have a home address. Check with the missionaries or their sending organization to make sure you have an address that works for what you’re trying to do. Consider how long it will take the package to arrive. That could influence what your missionary care packages should include. Know what you can and cannot send. Just like our nation is careful about what enters its borders, other countries have rules about what you can send. If you send something that off limits, it will get confiscated. In some cases, it could also get the missionary in trouble with local authorities. Don’t send money (or anything expensive, like electronics) in a care package. This might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Most missionaries would prefer getting money electronically or through their sending organization. In general, the missionaries or their sending agency can give you the best information on how to get started on a missionary care package. Then, once you get the basics covered, you can start thinking about the fun part: What to put inside!   Making Your Missionary Care Package The possibilities for stocking missionary care packages are as wide and varied as the missionaries who could receive them. If you’re looking for practical missionary care package ideas, here are options that are usually safe to send and a joy to receive. We’ve broken them down into two categories: general ideas for all missionaries and some specific ideas for medical missionaries. Taken together, you’ll have 11 great ideas for your missionary care packages.             General care package ideas for any missionary: Food, especially stuff they can’t get locally. Nothing says love like a taste of home, and edibles are a great way to demonstrate how much you care. It can be as simple as your missionary’s favorite candy or something as unique as a special spice or seasoning they can’t find in the field. Baking supplies also tend to be a hit. Candles and other décor. If food excites the taste buds, scented candles can bring the smells of home closer to the mission field. Also, items from home that missionaries can use to decorate their little corner of the world can be an incredible encouragement for those long days or when homesickness sets in. Seasonal and holiday stuff. Since they are living in a different culture, missionaries don’t always get to observe holidays like they did back home. They might get to experience new holidays in their adopted homeland, but many of the traditional holidays they know and love are just another day on the calendar where they serve. Having a some red, white, and blue for Independence Day or a few turkey-themed plates and napkins for Thanksgiving can keep the festive spirit alive far from home. Toiletries and beauty/health products. This is where you might need to do some research about what’s allowed and what’s not. But providing some basic hygiene and cosmetic supplies could be an answer to prayer for some missionaries and their families. What we might shrug off as a normal part of our day, they would see as a treasure—and a blessing. Handwritten notes. In this case, the answer is inexpensive and cannot be overdone. Of course, you and your family can write your own notes, and that’s great. But why keep it to yourself? Enlist a small army to write a card or note and include all of them in the missionary care package. Another idea would be sending colorful postcards from different parts of the country. It’s just another way to provide a taste of home. Board games and books. For many missionaries, access to English-language games and books can be rare. So, a care package with some fresh reading material or a fun game can be great. In addition to reconnecting with life back home, board games and books provide a way to unplug with family. They also might be useful in starting a conversation with local friends that can lead to a kingdom opportunity. Stuff for the kids. One great way to show love for missionaries is to show love to their kids. If your missionary has children, be sure to pick out some care package items that appeal specifically to them. For example, among the books, games, and snacks, include some age-appropriate offerings. You also might consider things like sidewalk chalk or small toys. As always, check with the parents for an appropriate option. Specific care package ideas for a medical missionary: Something practical. Doctors and nurses go through supplies on a regular basis. So, while a gift like gloves or masks might seem boring to us, it could mean a lot to them. If you want to get a little more personal, consider a set of scrubs or some thick, comfortable socks for medical missionaries who spend a lot of time on their feet.  Items they can share. Among the challenges of medical missions is building relationships and winning the trust of local patients. So, consider including some items your medical missionary can share in your care package. This could be something like small toys for kids or hard candy for adults. Even the smallest token can break down a wall and jumpstart a ministry opportunity. Photographs of people from back home. Just like we’re fascinated with the residents and cultures of other countries, the people on a medical missionary’s field are probably interested in life back home. For decades, missionaries (including medical missionaries) have used photos of families and friends to start conversations and build connections. People love stories, and photographs open the door wide to all kinds of encounters. Pens. This gift seems so simple, but it makes so much sense. Medical professionals always use pens, so you’re providing a basic need. Again, they don’t have to be fancy. Even the cheap kind will do. But it could be a meaningful addition to your care package for medical missionaries.   Don't Worry About the Surprise  As noted earlier, this list only scratches the surface. The options are virtually endless, but the impact can be significant. The best approach is to start with the missionary. Ask what would be helpful. Good missionary care package ideas begin with listening. Sure, trying to surprise might be nice, but making sure your missionary care packages get through and meet a need is even better. Another way you can give to missionaries is by being there and helping them out. Consider going on a short-term mission trip to support missionaries on the field.   Related Questions   What is a good gift for someone going on a mission trip? A good gift for someone going on a mission trip is something practical or personal, such as favorite snacks, useful supplies, handwritten notes, or a list of encouraging Bible verses to take on a mission trip.   What should not be brought on a mission trip? You should avoid bringing prohibited items, expensive electronics, large amounts of cash, or anything that could cause customs issues or create tension in the local community.   Are missionaries allowed to receive gifts? Yes, missionaries are generally allowed to receive gifts, but it’s important to check with them or their sending organization to ensure the items comply with local laws and customs regulations.   How do you say thank you to missionaries? You can say thank you to missionaries through handwritten letters, thoughtful care packages, financial support, or consistent prayer and encouragement that reminds them they are not alone.

In today's uncertain world, patients are dealing with more and more stress and anxiety that ultimately impacts their health. Patients sometimes have "hidden unhealed triggers" that can lead to physical impairments. III John 2 states "Above all brethren, I desire you to prosper and be in Health, even as your soul prospers." In this session, the participant will learn how to "tend to their souls" and learn to identify areas of brokenness that patients are dealing with such that they are equipped to help patients tend to their souls, in an effort to propagate physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) have been used in the USA for the last several decades. The increased scope of practice with reimbursement for services has only been since 1997. The rapid expansion of the use of NPs in healthcare and the diversity of opportunities in the USA is a guideline to opportunities for NPs around the world. Exploring and promoting the role of the nurse practitioner in other countries of the world is an exciting and often challenging process. There are many countries who do not yet recognize the role an NP plays in the healthcare setting. However, NPs (both in traditional mission roles and as marketplace workers) can be utilized to expand the level of care for patients in many areas of the world. this session hopes to provide insight on obtaining licensure overseas as well as to inspire nurses to consider the many ways their skills and talents can be utilized around the world. to improve healthcare and to bring the good news

As a health care professional on the mission field, the task of language learning is both essential and complicated. We say that language learning is a high value and priority for ourselves as missionaries, and yet it often is the first thing to take a back seat in life and ministry. Why is that? How can we do better? With over 15 years of experience in educating, training, and coaching missionaries in language and culture learning, Dr. Mullen will cast a vision for what it takes to truly become “fluent” in your target host language. She will offer biblical, theoretical, and practical advice for missionaries and missions leaders alike on how to prepare, execute, and continually improve communicative competence in a second language and cross-cultural setting.

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 resource and research capacity building to better care for critically ill patients in low-middle-income countries. https://bit.ly/gmhc2022_burtonlee_supportingglobalcriticalcare

Background. Diabetes programs are difficult to implement in low-income settings. Mentoring clinics is promising to implement initiatives. We mentored local Community Health Workers (CHWs) to implement a diabetes program for low-income Latino(a)s (N=59) with type 2 diabetes in a twophased approach, each 6-months. Methods. -Phase 1 (training, feasibility assessment): participants randomized to the diabetes program or usual care. CHW-instructors (CHW-Is) led the program, CHWs observed. -Phase 2 (mentoring): CHWs led the program, CHW-Is mentored. -The program included monthly group visits and weekly CHWs/CHWIs-participant telehealth contact. -Outcomes included baseline to 6-month clinical changes i.e., HbA1c, adherence to medications and six American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines, CHW pre/posttest scores, and hypoglycemia. Results. Significant outcomes included improved HbA1c levels, medication and ADA adherence, hypoglycemic events, and CHWs test scores.

Every believer is called to fulfill the Great Commission, sharing the gospel and helping make disciples. But not everyone is called to do it for a living. Christian missionary jobs take a special kind of person, not to mention a special kind of calling from God. Thankfully, if you feel called to serve in a full-time missionary setting, you can find the resources you need to move in the right direction. Among the greatest tools at your disposal are job boards or job listings that help you know where the needs are greatest and where you can plug in. But before digging too deeply into the where of full-time missionary jobs, you need to take a look at the who. Specifically, you need to examine what it will mean for you to become the best version of yourself as you step into this incredible adventure. "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..." — Matthew 28:19   Key Takeaways Before pursuing Christian missionary jobs, you should evaluate both your personal character and the practical realities of life on the mission field. Full-time missionary jobs require spiritual maturity, a clear calling, adaptability, and a willingness to grow as a learner and team member. Career missions often involve sacrifice, including leaving behind comfort, navigating cultural differences, and addressing financial concerns like missionary salary and support. Financial planning and identifying a sending agency or support network are essential steps in preparing for missionary jobs that pay sustainably. Once you are confident in your calling, missionary job boards such as Word of Life, Medical Missions, Christian Job Fair, and Team can help you find the right opportunity.   Finding Your Missionary Position As you do some self-evaluation and reflect on your potential as a career missionary, it’s helpful to examine things through two basic lenses: personal and practical. The personal side considers whether you have the makeup and character qualities necessary for success on the mission field. The practical matters help you sort through the struggles and questions you might face as you explore Christian missionary jobs. Personally, career missionaries tend to possess some basic character qualities that allow them to adapt and thrive on the field. For example, full-time missionary jobs require individuals who have a personal and growing faith in addition to their firm call from the Lord. After all, you can’t lead people where you have never been, and you don’t want to chase a call that God has not placed on your life—especially one like missions. It's also helpful if missionaries are lifelong learners, always seeking to discover more about the people they reach and improving their skills. And since missionaries typically don’t work in a vacuum, being a team player is a must. Of course, some of these personal qualities can be developed and strengthened over time, but those pursuing full-time missionary jobs have to be willing to do the hard work to integrate these qualities and more into their lives and work. Practically, the biggest challenge career missionaries face is sacrifice. Even though the sense of call may be strong, you can’t escape the fact that you will be giving things up to work on a foreign mission field. You’ll leave behind family and friends, as well as many conveniences. You will also face some struggles with language and culture. You may feel vulnerable at first because your communication could be limited. What’s more, your very presence could represent a stigma for locals who view you through a particular economic or even political lens. You also may have questions about a missionary's salary and whether you can find missionary jobs that pay enough to support your needs. In addition, many career missionaries have the challenge of identifying a suitable sending agency and a support network. None of these challenges, either personal or practical, should discourage you from pursuing your call to missions. Instead, they should remind you of the incredible responsibility you have as you pursue Christian missionary jobs. God has given you the privilege of taking His Word to the world. You must do all you can to prepare well.   Full-Time Missionary Jobs that are Personal and Practical Once you’ve gone through the self-evaluation process and you’re sure God has called you to missions, it’s time to see what’s available. Again, you’ll find plenty of resources that can help you find the right fit, whether it involves a part of the world or a particular skill.  Missionary job boards are a great place to start, and we’ve identified four that can get you moving in the right direction. Word of Life. The Word of Life organization has been ministering in the United States and across the globe for nearly 80 years. Through its international ministries arm, it now has more than 1,500 missionaries serving in 70 different countries. The career opportunities are diverse, including clubs, education, and camps.   Medical Missions. The Medical Missions job board is associated with the Global Missions Health Conference, held each year in Louisville, Kentucky. The goal of the job board is to connect medical missionaries with the best opportunities for making a difference around the world. The board allows you to customize your search based on factors like income, specialization, and location.    Christian Job Fair. While part of a larger network to help Christians identify places of service, the Christian Job Fair has a section designated for full-time missionary jobs. The site connects individuals with a variety of missionary-sending organizations. It also has a feature that allows interested parties to post their resumes. Team. Tracing its roots to 1891, the organization that became Team was formed in response to calls for missionaries in Europe and Asia, including Hudson Taylor’s famous plea for 1,000 people to become missionaries in China. Over time, the movement has expanded around the world. Today, Team works with more than 500 missionaries and a network of some 2,000 churches. Its job board allows users to explore a wide selection of opportunities, including many related to medical and health care missions.   Taking the Next Step Whether you are not quite sure if God is calling you to missions or you know without a doubt, know that God will equip you and direct you if you do end up becoming a missionary. He never sets His people up to fail when they are obeying His plans and purposes. That said, consider starting with a short-term medical mission trip to get your feet wet and see if medical missions is where God is calling you.    Related Questions   How much does a Christian missionary make? A Christian missionary’s income varies widely depending on location, sending agency, and support structure, but many earn modest salaries supported by churches and individual donors.   Can you make a living off of being a missionary? Yes, many missionaries make a sustainable living through a combination of agency salary, raised support, or additional employment alongside ministry.   How do you get paid as a missionary? Missionaries are typically paid through a sending organization, personal fundraising support, bi-vocational employment, or a mix of these approaches.   Do you need a degree to be a missionary? While a degree is not always required, theological training or specialized education can strengthen your preparation and open more missionary opportunities.

Mission trips have been a go-to for ministries for decades. They are great experiences for leaving your comfort zone and taking your faith on the road. Whether a college student looking to dive into missions work, a ministry servant, or a medical professional, there are many doors open to you. You have choices, and so it's worth doing some research to find the best Christian mission trip organizations for you.   Key Takeaways Most mission trip organizations faithfully pursue the Great Commission, but finding the best fit requires evaluating how each aligns with your calling and skills. Prayer should be your starting point, asking God for wisdom and clarity as you consider which mission opportunity to pursue. Personal reflection and wise counsel from trusted friends and family can help you identify your strengths, passions, and practical needs before committing. Location, length of service, and financial considerations—such as missionary salary or trip costs—play an important role in narrowing your options. While the six highlighted organizations offer strong starting points, many other reputable groups—including denominational agencies—may provide the right mission experience for you.   Finding the Best Mission Trip Organizations for You Let's be clear about two things from the start. First, most mission trip organizers are great agencies that love Jesus and want to spread the gospel worldwide. So, as you start your search for the best mission trip organizations for your particular calling and passion, you may encounter a lot of win-win situations. If you find that narrowing your list is a tough task, that's a good thing. Second, not every mission trip organization is going to meet your needs. Mission opportunities vary from working with healthcare organizations that travel to a group that builds houses. The body of Christ is pretty unique, and God uses all kinds of people with all kinds of skills to share His love. So, if you have to scratch a few good groups off the list because they aren't a good fit, that's also a win-win. “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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:19-20   What Is Your Starting Point? So, what are some things you need to look for as you start your search for the best Christian mission trip organizations? The best place to start any endeavor is prayer. Talk to God about the decision you need to make and ask for His wisdom and leadership. If He wants you to go on a mission trip, He will show you the path you need to follow to get there. His plans always come through. You also need to think about your personal calling. Of course, this is part of the prayer step, but you can also talk to friends and family who know you well. Ask them to help you think through your skills, abilities, and passions. The insight and advice of trustworthy counselors can help you tremendously. You'll also need to identify what missionary salary you'd need to work for your situation. Finally, think about where you'd like to serve. The best mission trip organizations provide experiences around the world. So, whether you feel called to a certain part of the United States or to another country, the location of the opportunities has to be part of the equation.    6 Best Christian Mission Trip Organizations You Should Consider Most of these have been around for decades and have helped thousands of missionaries find a place to serve.  1. World Venture. This is one of the "granddaddies" of mission organizations, having sponsored trips since 1943. World Venture serves in the United States and around the world, focusing on a variety of needs. Along with church planting and evangelism, World Venture also shines the light of  Jesus through sports ministries, education, and business. Your commitment can last less than a year (Pathfinders), up to two years (Global Apprenticeship), or even for a career. 2. Operation Mobilization. This is another long-standing mission trip organization. Operation Mobilization (OM) began with a group of friends distributing Scripture and Christian literature in Mexico in 1957. By the 1960s, OM was working in Muslim and Communist countries. Today, the group sponsors short-term experiences in the United States and worldwide, including its OM Ships ministry. 3. Navigators World Missions. The Navigators was founded in 1933 and has become known for its discipleship and Christian growth resources published by NavPress. But the group also sponsors mission trips through Navigators World Missions. Short-term opportunities include domestic trips (like to Texas and Florida), along with international trips to places like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Longer experiences are available through its mid-term and long-term plans, as well as its iEdge program. 4. Youth with a Mission (YWAM). This non-denominational mission organization was founded in the early 1960s with a focus on bringing glory to God, sharing the gospel with the world, and empowering young people for lives of service. Today, in addition to providing mission trips around the world, YWAM offers an in-depth, six-month Discipleship Training School that includes classroom training and field experience for college students and young adults. 5. Appalachian Service Project. You don't have to travel across the globe to leave your comfort zone. Plenty of places in the United States can introduce you to the needs of another culture. Since 1969, the Appalachian Service Project has been providing hope by providing safe homes for residents in some of the poorest areas of the country. Appalachian Service Project focuses on repairs and replacement of sub-standard housing, offering ministry trips throughout the year for every age group. In addition, the duration of your trip can be flexible—everything from a weekend to a year-long immersive experience. 6. MissionGo. If you're looking for a mission trip organization that can work with you in shaping a mission experience, MissionGo might be the answer. The group offers several short-term ministries in areas like health care (including medical, dentistry, and chiropractic), education, water purification, evangelism, construction, and media. However, MissionGo also works with individuals to help them find the best mission trip experience for their skills and passions. In addition to short-term experiences, career opportunities are available.   Mission Trip Organizations are Everywhere To be honest, this list only scratches the surface. As noted earlier, dozens of mission trip organizations plan and execute trips with integrity and excellence. Many of these groups are considered among the best mission trip organizations because they combine strong theology with practical service. But here's another option to add to your list: your own denomination. If your church is a member of a larger denomination, it's likely that the body has at least one mission-mobilizing agency that offers short-term trips, longer internships, and career training and opportunities. For example, the Southern Baptist Convention has two agencies that focus on missions: the International Mission Board for overseas work and the North American Mission Board for domestic work. Each offers short-term and long-term experiences, along with career support. Of course, all the principles for finding the right fit still apply, even when evaluating what your denomination has to offer. The key is finding the best Christian mission trip organizations for you so you can be the most effective witness possible.   Related Questions   Where do Christians go on mission trips? Christians go on mission trips both locally and internationally, serving in churches, schools, clinics, construction projects, and underserved communities around the world.   Should Christians go on mission trips? Christians should prayerfully consider mission trips as one way to obey the Great Commission, using their gifts and availability to serve where God leads.   How much does a mission trip typically cost? A mission trip typically costs anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on location, length, airfare, lodging, and ministry expenses.   Do churches pay for mission trips? Some churches provide partial or full financial support for mission trips, while others encourage participants to raise funds individually or through sponsorships.

This breakout session is will be a taster of the Formational Course of the Academy of Missional Healthcare and Initiative of COGI and CAPRO. Designed primarily for pre-internship students in healthcare, it is also open to young professionals. This session will provide a taster to the eight-core module mentorship course in Missional Healthcare. The session will also highlight the uniqueness of the program. The Formational course provides participants with “A missional context of learning” in an environment of Transformational learning, problem-based training, experiential sharing alongside practical role-plays and interactive group exercises. Continual learning and reflective engagement through “journaling” is a key component of the program. The full program gives broad insights into the health and development needs in a country as well the various expressions of medical missions. It also provides a deeper understanding of God’s mission pertinent to healthcare and the healthcare person.