Content Resources

Your emotional health matters as you join God in His work among the nations. There are four proven biblical keys to receive your emotional healing and use to minister to others. Using these keys will help you to stay emotional healthy as you serve others. Speaker name(s): Francis Bukachi Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/emotional-healing-matters-4-proven-biblical-keys-you-can-use

A mission trip to Africa is more than a plane ticket. It’s a step into a story God is already writing—and maybe He’s inviting you into it. For many, the question isn’t what to do, but how to know if Africa is the place God is calling them to serve. If you're wrestling with that question, you’re not alone.   Key Takeaways A persistent tug toward missions in Africa may be more than curiosity—it could be God quietly inviting you into something deeper. When others start affirming what you’ve sensed, it’s often a sign that God is confirming His call through trusted voices. As your questions shift from logistics to obedience, it may be time to consider what faithfulness looks like in this season. You don’t need to feel fully prepared—God often uses those who are simply willing to show up and trust Him with the unknown. Mission trips to Africa aren’t about having all the answers—they’re about partnering with what God is already doing and saying yes to being part of it.   You Keep Feeling the Tug—and It Won’t Go Away There’s a difference between curiosity and calling. If the idea of missions in Africa keeps resurfacing—through prayer, people, or even restlessness at home—it could be more than a coincidence. The tug might not come with neon signs. It could be a growing sense of holy discomfort. A desire to do something that matters. A stirring when you hear stories of need or healing. That’s often how God works. Quietly persistent.   You’re Not the Only One Who’s Noticing Sometimes the clearest confirmation comes from the people around you. Mentors. Pastors. Friends who say, “You’d be great on a mission trip like that.” When multiple voices affirm what you’ve been sensing, it’s worth paying attention. As Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”   You’re Starting to Ask Different Questions When God is inviting you into something new, your questions begin to change. Instead of asking, “Is it safe?” or “Can I afford it?”—you start asking, “What if I don’t go?” or “What will obedience look like in this season?” Those are spiritual questions. And they usually mean growth is ahead.   You Don’t Have to Know Everything to Say Yes Abraham didn’t get GPS coordinates. Paul didn’t get a five-year plan. Obedience rarely comes with a travel itinerary. The truth is, most people don’t feel “ready” when the call comes. Some step into uncertain situations with nothing but a sense that God is leading. One healthcare worker who responded during the Ebola outbreak in the DRC didn’t go because he had it all figured out—he went because the need was great, and he believed God could use him in it.  A mission trip to Africa may feel like a leap, but sometimes the boldest thing you can do is just take the next step.   Real Stories Can Stir Real Faith Sometimes we overthink our way out of obedience. That’s why it’s helpful to hear from others who’ve gone before us. Stories from a lifetime in Africa often reveal something deeper than logistics—they show how God moves through people who simply show up. Even the challenges—like supporting mental health in Africa—can become places of breakthrough when approached with humility and dependence.   You’re Ready to Be Used—Not Just Impressed Mission trips to Africa are not adventure vacations. They’re acts of obedience. But they’re also invitations into a deep partnership with what God is already doing. You don’t need to have every spiritual gift or solve every problem. You just need to be available.    You Want to Be Part of Something Bigger There’s something about serving on a different continent that reminds you how big the gospel is—and how small our “boxes” are. Whether you’re offering medical care, mentoring youth, or joining an outreach in the bush, your presence matters. There are dozens of mission trips to Africa available through reputable organizations. You don’t have to invent the path—just walk it with others.   Ready to Take One Faithful Step? Discerning God’s call doesn’t always come with full clarity—but it often comes with an invitation to act. If your heart is being stirred, maybe it’s time to go on a short-term mission trip.  You don’t need every answer. You just need the courage to go where He leads.   Related Questions   How much is a mission trip to Africa? Costs vary widely, but many short-term trips range from $2,500 to $4,500, including travel, lodging, and food.   Why do people go on mission trips to Africa? Because they feel called to serve, learn, and join in God’s work already happening across African communities.   How long are mission trips to Africa? Most trips last one to three weeks, though longer-term opportunities also exist for those feeling led to deeper engagement.   Can I volunteer in Africa for free? Most mission trips include costs, but scholarships and support-raising help make it possible. Free options are rare but sometimes available through long-term service programs or NGOs.  

In this session, 'An Outrageous Hope for the Exploited and Trafficked,' Rachelle Starr, founder of Scarlet Hope and author of "Outrageous Obedience", shares transformative strategies for extending Christ's love and hope to those affected by exploitation and human trafficking. Discover how faith-based outreach can create pathways to healing and empowerment, reshaping lives and restoring dignity in the darkest of circumstances. Speaker name(s): Rachelle Starr Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/an-outrageous-hope-for-the-exploited-and-trafficked

To serve others means to love them through action, placing their needs ahead of personal comfort. Serving like Jesus on the mission field isn’t about status or spotlight—it’s about choosing humility, presence, and obedience in everyday moments that build trust and reflect the heart of God.   Key Takeaways Serving others like Jesus begins with presence, not platform—small, faithful acts often speak louder than big moments. True service starts by seeing people—honoring their stories, cultures, and dignity before meeting their needs. Most mission work is ordinary and unseen, yet deeply powerful—bandages, meals, and quiet conversations often make the biggest impact. Humble service means showing up without needing the spotlight—letting love, not recognition, lead your actions. Long-term impact comes from obedience and dependence on God, not just passion—transformation begins with one small step of faithful love.   What Does It Mean to Serve Others in Missions? When people think about how to serve others, they often imagine big projects, large crowds, or life-changing speeches. But even Jesus took the time to serve in small ways. He washed feet. He ate with outcasts. He talked with Nicodemus one-on-one. Serving those in need in missions starts the same way—not with a platform, but with presence. You don’t need to be a pastor or run a program to serve well. Mission work often begins with showing up, listening, and loving people consistently. That kind of faithfulness may not look impressive, but it is deeply powerful.   Serving Others Starts with Seeing People What does it mean to serve others like Jesus? It starts by truly seeing them. Jesus noticed the sick, the lonely, the overlooked. In missions, it’s easy to focus on tasks, schedules, or goals. But service begins by slowing down long enough to understand the people you’re called to love. Seeing people also means honoring their culture, listening to their stories, and treating them with dignity, regardless of who they are. Effective missionaries serve with—not just for—the communities they join. This posture builds trust and reflects the heart of Christ.   Serving Those in Need in Missions Often Looks Ordinary Serving is rarely glamorous. It might mean changing bandages, teaching English, or sharing a meal with someone who feels forgotten. In Christian health ministries, for example, service often looks like meeting tangible needs while pointing people to deeper hope. The mission field isn’t only about preaching sermons. It’s about holding hands at hospital beds, visiting homes, or mentoring youth. These small acts of love can open doors for eternal impact.   Serving Others Requires Humility, Not Spotlight Jesus said, “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). True service is not about recognition—it’s about sacrifice. On the mission field, this might mean doing unnoticed work or letting local leaders take the lead. Serving others means laying down preferences for the sake of the mission. If you’re unsure how to serve others, start by asking: Where can I help, even if no one sees? That’s where humility grows—and where God often moves most powerfully.   Serving Others Flows from Obedience, Not Just Passion It’s easy to feel excited at the start of mission work. But long-term service requires obedience when passion fades. Jesus stayed committed to people others avoided. He remained faithful even when it was costly. Serving like Jesus means walking in obedience to God’s call. If you’re discerning that call, exploring how to find God’s will with trusted guidance is essential. Discernment often comes through Scripture, prayer, and input from mentors. Sometimes it also includes wrestling with the baffling call of God, which may lead you outside your comfort zone. But God never calls you to serve alone. He invites you into community and into His strength.   Serving Others Requires Dependence on God Mission work exposes limitations—cultural barriers, spiritual opposition, and personal weakness. That’s why serving others like Jesus requires dependence, not self-confidence. To stay spiritually grounded, missionaries must stay connected to the Lord through prayer, Scripture, and reflection. When serving becomes exhausting, returning to Christ is the only way to continue with joy. His presence sustains the work and keeps service rooted in love, not performance.   Serving Others Starts Small—but Leads to Transformation Some of the most impactful mission stories begin with simple acts of service done consistently. Over time, those small acts build relationships that open the door to discipleship, healing, and community transformation. If you’re wondering how to serve others, start where you are. Knock on someone’s door. Prepare a meal for the family that has just had a baby. Sit with someone who is hurting. Service is not about doing everything. It’s about doing the next right thing in love.   Ready to Put Service into Action? You don’t have to move overseas to serve like Jesus. Many communities in the U.S. need the same compassion, presence, and practical help found on international mission fields. Exploring domestic mission opportunities can be a powerful first step toward serving those in need with purpose, humility, and Christlike love. Serving others isn’t about doing something impressive. It’s about being faithful—one person, one moment at a time.   Related Questions   What does the Bible mean by serving others? It means humbly meeting the needs of others in love, following Jesus’ example.   How do you serve other people? By showing up, listening, meeting practical needs, and acting with compassion.   How is God calling you to serve others? Through your skills, opportunities, burdens, and the needs He places in front of you.   How do you serve others like Jesus did? With humility, presence, sacrifice, and a heart focused on people over position.  

In this breakout session, we will explore cultural aspects of child mental health across the globe. How helpful are our “western” diagnoses for children and adolescents in the Global South? Does autism, trauma, depression, etc. look the same across cultures? Are our therapeutic approaches relevant and sustainable? How do we build the capacity of local providers and encourage Christians to provide care and address stigma? Speaker name(s): Heleen Yoder Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/addressing-child-mental-health-needs-across-cultures

Team discord is one of the most potent causes of healthcare missionary discontent and early departure from the field. However, a few healthcare mission teams report a high level of concord and mutual support. We will explore common characteristics of those "Happy Places" and consider why those factors lead to a more biblical and joyous unity despite challenging circumstances. Speaker name(s): Jim Ritchie Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/the-happy-places-lessons-from-healthcare-mission-stations-with-happy-teams

A call to ministry is more than a feeling—it’s a deep, God-initiated pull toward a life of service, shaped by humility, character, and confirmation. Whether it looks like preaching, health ministries, or something else, the call often comes quietly but persistently. But how do you know it’s not just your own idea? There are five signs to pay attention to that indicate God is calling you to ministry.   Key Takeaways A persistent burden or restlessness—especially one that deepens over time—can be a strong indicator that God is stirring you toward ministry. Repeated encouragement from trusted voices often confirms what you’ve sensed quietly: others see ministry potential in you. A true calling starts with faithfulness in small things—being willing to serve behind the scenes is often where ministry begins. Feeling the weight of ministry—not just excitement—is a mark of calling; it’s a holy urgency, not just a career move. Calling rarely comes with a full map—being willing to trust God with the next step, even without all the answers, is where obedience begins.   1. You Can’t Shake the Burden You’ve tried to dismiss it, but the thought keeps returning. A spiritual burden often starts with restlessness. You might feel unsettled in work that used to satisfy or deeply moved by a specific need. This kind of holy discontent doesn’t fade over time—it deepens. Don’t ignore it. Instead of making quick decisions, take time to pray and explore how to find God’s will with trusted mentors or spiritual leaders. Ministry rarely begins with certainty. It begins with careful discernment.   2. Others Keep Bringing It Up Sometimes the call is heard more clearly through other people. Pastors, friends, or mentors may start affirming something you haven’t said out loud. They see qualities—wisdom, patience, clarity, conviction—that reflect ministry potential. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” A true calling is confirmed in community, not isolation. Pay attention to repeated encouragement. If people keep saying, “Have you ever thought about ministry?”—that’s not a coincidence. It might be confirmation.   3. You’re Willing to Start Small A sign of calling isn’t just desire—it’s availability. If you're wondering how to get into missionary work or considering what it’s like to be a missionary, the next step may not be a dramatic leap overseas. It might be serving faithfully right where you are. God rarely calls people into something big before they’ve been faithful with something small. Think of David tending sheep before becoming king. Ministry begins in the mundane—visiting a hospital, mentoring a student, teaching a Bible class. If you’re willing to say yes to the quiet, unseen work, you may be closer to your calling than you think.   4. You Feel the Weight of Responsibility—Not Just Excitement A calling is more than passion. It comes with weight. When God begins to call someone, He often increases their sensitivity to spiritual needs. It’s not just inspiration—it’s intercession. You don’t just want to talk about change. You want to be part of it. In 1 Corinthians 9:16, Paul says, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” That’s the kind of internal pressure that calling brings. It’s not about ego. It’s about urgency. If you feel that weight, don’t move forward alone. Seek wise input. Ask trusted leaders what they see. Ministry is too important to step into without clarity and accountability.   5. You’re Ready to Trust Without All the Details If you’re waiting for the full plan before obeying, you might miss the call altogether. God’s calling often comes with less detail than we want. Abraham was told to go—without being told where. Peter was told to follow—without being told how. And there are plenty of other examples like this throughout the Bible.  If you're asking am I called to be a missionary, the next question isn't where, but will you trust? Saying yes to God doesn’t require knowing the outcome. It just requires obedience for the next step. And often, a short-term mission opportunity is the clearest and healthiest way to test that step with structure, support, and team discernment.   Calling Requires Community You were never meant to figure out your calling alone. Ministry isn’t a solo mission—it’s a shared journey that requires clarity, feedback, and wise spiritual counsel. There can be many signs that God is calling you to ministry that are confirmed by Scripture, prayer, mentors, and the local church. If you’re sensing a call, don’t rush. Invite others into the process. Ask hard questions. Let your character grow deeper than your gifting. Calling isn’t just about what you’re doing—it’s about who you’re becoming.   Related Questions   How do you know God is preparing you for ministry? Through growing conviction, godly counsel, and spiritual sensitivity to others’ needs.   How do you identify your calling in ministry? By seeking God in prayer, serving faithfully, and inviting wise feedback.   How do you know if you're called to ministry? Consistent internal prompting, external affirmation, and a willingness to obey without certainty.   What is it like to be a missionary? Being a missionary means living cross-culturally, building relationships, and meeting spiritual and physical needs while daily depending on God for wisdom, strength, and direction.

A collaborative approach to learning more about kingdom-minded Family Medicine residencies: location, vision, etc. Come join this special time with med students and residents. Speaker name(s): Carena Chai (Todd Stephens, Liz Redican, Steve Manock, Cleon Rogers, Jonathon Peters, John McVay and lots of Family Medicine residents) Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/exploring-kingdom-minded-family-medicine-residency-programs

Missionary burnout is the emotional, spiritual, and physical exhaustion that builds when the weight of ministry goes unshared for too long. Often misread as weakness or failure, burnout is actually a warning light—a signal that something important needs attention. Missionaries don’t quit because they don’t care. They quit because they care so much that they forget to care for themselves.   Key Takeaways Burnout—not lack of passion—is the top reason missionaries leave the field early, often caused by blurred boundaries, emotional fatigue, and spiritual isolation. Early signs of burnout include losing your sense of purpose, emotional numbness or overreaction, and guilt around rest and self-care. Burnout isn’t weakness—it’s a signal that you’re carrying more than you were meant to, and it often thrives in silence and shame. Preventing burnout starts with honest reflection, safe conversations, redefining success, and building rhythms of rest and renewal. Sustainable mission work requires soul care, not just sacrifice—because staying well is part of the calling, not separate from it.   The Real Reason People Leave the Mission Field Burnout is the number one reason missionaries quietly pack their bags and leave the field early. Not a lack of passion. Not poor training. Burnout. And it’s not just about long hours. It’s about the slow erosion of joy, clarity, and connection. Most missionaries enter the field with deep conviction—but without a clear plan for sustainable living. Over time, small compromises stack up. Boundaries blur. Identity becomes tangled in outcomes. And without trusted people to process the weight, the calling starts to feel like a burden. What is burnout? Chronic exhaustion, cynicism, and fruitless striving are some common indicators of missionary burnout. These symptoms of burnout in overseas workers don’t show up all at once—they build slowly. And by the time they're visible, it's often too late.   3 Silent Signs of Burnout in Ministry   1. You’ve lost your "why." At first, you were fueled by calling. Now you’re running in survival mode. When the mission becomes a grind, you start wondering if it was really God's idea.   2. You feel numb—or overreact to small things. Emotional fatigue can make you snap at teammates, withdraw from locals, or get stuck in spirals of overthinking. Emotional highs and lows aren’t random—they’re signals.   3. You can't remember the last time you rested without guilt. Guilt is one of burnout’s most manipulative tools. It says: “If you were really called, you wouldn’t need rest.” But Scripture disagrees. Jesus withdrew often to be alone and pray. So should we.   What Burnout Actually Feels Like on the Field Missionary burnout feels like pushing through quicksand with a smile. Outwardly, things might look okay. Internally, it feels like you’re unraveling—and no one notices. You start dreading the very things that once brought joy: team meetings, morning devotions, connection with supporters. You second-guess your calling. Your prayers feel dry. And the thought of another term feels like a weight you can’t carry. The worst part? You’re afraid to say anything. Because it feels like failing God. But burnout isn’t failure. It’s the body and soul asking for rescue.   Burnout Doesn’t Mean You’re Weak—It Means You’re Carrying Too Much Alone Missionaries are often praised for their sacrifice. But sometimes, what we call “sacrifice” is really a lack of boundaries dressed up as faithfulness. Learning how to set boundaries is not about limiting impact—it’s about protecting longevity. Missionaries who thrive long-term are those who’ve learned to say no when needed, to ask for help without shame, and to rest like it's part of the mission. And it is.   What to Do If You’re on the Edge of Burnout You don’t have to crash to course-correct. Here are some starting points: Name it. Acknowledge what’s happening internally. Don’t minimize it. Don’t spiritualize it away. Talk with someone safe. Whether it’s a counselor, teammate, or sending pastor—don’t process this alone. You’re not a liability. You’re human. Adjust expectations. Reset what “success” means in this season. Find ways to avoid burnout and identify the unhealthy drivers behind your pace. Build rhythms of rest and reflection. Sabbath. Journaling. Walking. Whatever helps you rest and gives you time to reflect.   Sustainable Mission Starts with Staying Well If God’s call is for a lifetime, then burnout isn’t just a personal crisis—it’s a strategic threat to the mission. And while there’s no formula, the most enduring missionaries all have one thing in common: they take care of their soul as seriously as they take care of their assignment. Mission burnout isn’t just about fatigue—it’s about forgetting the God who invites us to rest. Whether you’re exploring long-term mission opportunities or currently serving in the field, having a strong support system in place is critical. With the right structure and spiritual clarity, it’s possible to serve for the long haul without losing yourself along the way. "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." — Psalm 73:26 Related Questions   What is the #1 reason missionaries leave the field? Burnout from emotional, spiritual, and physical exhaustion.   What does ministry burnout feel like? It feels like emotional numbness, spiritual dryness, and chronic fatigue.   What is the missionary kid syndrome? It’s the emotional struggle missionary kids face from constant transition and pressure.   Why do missionaries quit? Because of isolation, unrealistic expectations, lack of support, and burnout.  

Culture shock is one of the things those serving on cross-cultural missions may experience. There may not be a process in place for those serving to debrief the experience. Often there is so much focus on the task to be done, that processing the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes may be overlooked. Those serving cross-culturally on short-term, mid-term, and long-term assignments could benefit from identifying the benefits and best practices of debriefing. Speaker(s): Rebecca Meyer Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/minimizing-culture-shock-through-structured-debriefing

Culture shock is a real part of missionary life. It can’t be avoided, but it can be managed. Knowing how to combat culture shock before it hits allows you to stay rooted in your calling, even when everything else feels upside down.   Key Takeaways Culture shock is a normal, multi-stage response to entering a new culture, often marked by emotional and physical stress—but it’s part of the growth process. Practical habits like setting realistic expectations, building simple rhythms, and staying curious can ease the transition and prevent isolation. Culture shock is not just external—it’s spiritual, revealing deeper layers of identity, dependence, and the need to anchor in Christ, not comfort. Honest conversations and team debriefs help normalize the experience and strengthen emotional and relational resilience in the field. A strong support system—both on the ground and back home—can help you navigate culture shock with grace, clarity, and a sustained sense of calling.   What Is Culture Shock and Why Does It Happen? Culture shock is the disorientation people feel when adjusting to a new cultural environment. It can show up as exhaustion, frustration, loneliness, or even physical symptoms. And it’s not just for first-timers—long-term missionaries experience it too. Everything from language barriers to local food to transportation can trigger culture shock. But the deeper challenge is often internal. You’re not just adjusting to how others live—you’re confronting your own assumptions about time, value, communication, and community.   The Four Stages of Culture Shock Culture shock tends to follow a loose pattern with four stages: Honeymoon: Everything feels new and exciting. Frustration: Differences become irritating; homesickness kicks in. Adjustment: You start to adapt, slowly building new rhythms. Acceptance: You find a sustainable way to live in the culture. Some move through these stages quickly; for others, it takes months. There’s no right timeline—but recognizing the pattern can help you normalize the experience instead of panicking.   How to Deal with Culture Shock Practically There’s no shortcut through culture shock, but there are habits that can anchor you:   1. Lower your expectations. Not of the people—but of your own performance. If you're serving in cross-cultural medicine, for instance, expect miscommunication. You’re learning. Give yourself grace.   2. Build simple rhythms. In a world of change, even small routines help. Morning prayer, familiar food, evening walks—anything that brings consistency.   3. Name what you’re feeling. Journaling, talking with teammates, or structured debriefing can help you process stress and spot patterns in how culture shock affects you.   4. Learn actively. Instead of resisting differences, approach them with curiosity. Ask questions about common cross-cultural teaching issues you may run into, or talk to locals about their customs. Understanding reduces frustration.   5. Take care of your body. Exhaustion makes culture shock worse. Sleep, hydrate, and eat in ways that support your energy—even when your options are limited. Most tips on how to survive culture shock often focus on managing stress, but managing mindset is just as important. You don’t need to “beat” culture shock. You just need to stay engaged to keep from drifting into isolation.   How to Handle Culture Shock Spiritually Culture shock isn’t just physical—it’s spiritual. Being in a new place forces you to wrestle with identity, dependence, and control. God often uses culture shock not to test us, but to grow us. In Psalm 61:2, David prays, “[F]rom the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” That’s what culture shock invites you to do—not rely on your own cultural reference points, but on Christ. Daily prayer, Scripture, and worship can help re-center you. Mission doesn’t start with strength. It starts with surrender.   You’re Not the Only One Feeling It It’s easy to feel like everyone else on your team is adjusting better. But culture shock often hides under the surface. What looks like confidence may be someone else’s coping mechanism. Make time to check in with others. Invite honest conversation. Structured debriefing after short-term trips can help teams process more effectively and keep small issues from turning into major problems. Being proactive about culture shock is a way of loving both yourself and the people you’re serving. When you show up whole, you can serve wholeheartedly.   Why Support Systems Matter Culture shock doesn’t just affect your emotions—it can distort your sense of calling. That’s why having people you trust—mentors, teammates, sending churches—makes all the difference. A support system can help you process honestly without the pressure to perform or pretend.  Those supporting missionaries from afar can also play a key role—simple things like regular check-ins, sending care packages, or understanding how to support missionaries in culture shock can make a lasting difference.   Ready for the Next Step? Culture shock isn’t failure—it’s formation. If you’re preparing for your first short-term mission trip, you won’t avoid discomfort. But you can step into it equipped. Explore short-term mission opportunities designed with training, debriefing, and cultural awareness in mind. Because the better prepared you are, the more present you can be in the work God has already begun.   Related Questions   How can you overcome cultural shock? By building healthy habits and staying spiritually grounded.   How long does it take to get over culture shock? It varies—some adjust in weeks, others take several months or more.   What are the four stages of culture shock? Honeymoon, frustration, adjustment, and acceptance.   What are typical symptoms of culture shock? Irritability, fatigue, homesickness, anxiety, or a desire to withdraw.    

Two cases of extra-pulmonary tb encountered in LMICs are presented Speaker(s): Scott Armistead Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/case-studies-in-extra-pulmonary-tb