Content Resources

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 exhaustion 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 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 searching for long-term mission opportunities or are 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. Start by finding 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

Raising money for mission trips isn’t just about strategy—it’s about inviting others into what God is already doing through clear, compelling communication. And it’s not reserved for full-time missionaries. Whether you're preparing for your first trip or returning for the tenth time, there are strategic, creative, and Christ-centered ways to fundraise without burnout.   Key Takeaways Fundraising for mission trips becomes far more meaningful when seen as gospel partnership—not pressure or begging. Clarity, personalization, and direct asks are key to raising support quickly—people give to vision, not vague goals. Creative ideas like merchandise, service-based fundraisers, or donation-matching can make support-raising both fun and effective. Staying organized with tools, updates, and thank-you notes strengthens relationships and builds trust for future support. Raising funds isn’t just about money—it’s spiritual preparation that builds dependence on God and invites others into eternal impact.   Fundraising Starts with a Shift in Mindset Most people don’t love asking for money. That’s normal. But when fundraising becomes about partnership, not pressure, it changes everything. You’re not begging—you’re building. You’re inviting friends, family, and churches to sow into something that matters. Paul modeled this in Philippians 4, where he thanked the church not for charity, but for their “partnership in the gospel” (Philippians 1:5).    How to Raise Money for a Mission Trip Fast Start with clarity. People give to vision, not vague goals. Before asking anyone for anything, write out what the trip is, what you'll be doing, and why it matters to you. Make it personal. A generic letter won’t get far. Share your story—why you're going, what God has put on your heart, and what you're trusting Him to do through the trip. Be clear about costs. Break down what your funds will cover—flights, lodging, supplies, etc.—so people know their gifts are being stewarded. Ask directly. It’s tempting to post and pray, but the most effective way to raise money for a mission trip fast is to reach out personally. Text, call, or meet with people one-on-one. Follow up. Don’t assume a no just because someone doesn’t reply right away. A gentle follow-up often unlocks support. If you're new to this process, some field-tested principles for effective fundraising can help you avoid common mistakes while building lasting relationships.   Creative Ways to Fundraise for a Mission Trip Support raising doesn’t have to be boring—or exhausting. Some of the most successful fundraisers are also the most creative: Custom t-shirts or mugs. Design simple merchandise with a Scripture verse or phrase that connects to your mission trip, then sell them through local churches or online platforms. Bake sales or coffee bars. Set up outside a church or community event and offer treats for donations. Pair it with a storyboard that shows why you’re going. Car washes or yard work. Offer practical services in exchange for mission support—this works especially well for teams. Silent auctions or donation-matching campaigns. Ask local businesses to donate goods or services, and use your network to spread the word. You can also plan ahead using a thorough mission trip packing list to make sure your fundraising efforts match what you’ll actually need in the field.   Use the Right Tools to Stay Organized One of the best ways to fundraise for a mission trip fast is to get organized early. Use tools like Google Sheets or support-raising platforms to track donors, send updates, and manage deadlines. Sending thank-you notes and prayer requests builds long-term relationships—many supporters will want to give again in the future.   Don’t Forget the Spiritual Side Raising support isn’t just logistical. It’s deeply spiritual. It forces dependence on God, opens opportunities for testimony, and often deepens your sense of calling. If you're wrestling with the tension between calling and cost, understanding what missionaries do can help clarify what you’re inviting people into. You’re not just raising money—you’re opening a door for others to invest in something that matters eternally.   Fundraising as Formation, Not Just Finances Support raising will stretch you—but that’s part of the process. It builds humility, prayerfulness, and perseverance. Whether your trip is two weeks or two years long, this is part of your preparation. If you're unsure where to begin, you can use a fundraising checklist as a practical starting point for planning your approach with wisdom and structure.   You’re Not Alone in the Journey Many who fundraise for missions worry they’re too late, too inexperienced, or too under-resourced. But every missionary—whether short-term or long-term—starts with faith, not finances. If you feel called to go, there are short-term mission opportunities specifically designed to help you take the next step with training, guidance, and experienced partners already in place.   Related Questions   How do I raise money for a mission trip? Start with personal outreach, clear goals, and creative fundraisers that engage your community.   Are there grants for mission trips? Yes—some churches, denominations, and organizations offer grants or sponsorships for qualified applicants.   What type of fundraiser makes the most money? Personal appeals with direct asks and matching campaigns tend to raise the most support.   Do churches pay for mission trips? Some churches partially or fully fund mission trips, especially for members or supported partners.

What is a call? How does a person know if God is calling them to mission service? Join in a discussion as these and other questions are addressed. Speaker(s): Rebekah Naylor B.A., M.D Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/a-call

In this session, we will review 10 potentially practice-changing articles for primary care in the developed and developing world from 2020-2025 and will present each of these articles in a few minutes, critically appraising the articles and highlighting the positives and negatives of each. We will also discuss issues related to the applicability of this research in different settings. Speaker(s): Philip Dooley; Jeff Leman Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/top-10-research-papers-in-global-health

Missionaries meet spiritual and physical needs across cultures, using whatever they’ve been given to build trust and share the gospel. The skills needed to be a missionary can include medical training, cross-cultural communication, teaching, or even business—anything that helps serve people and reflect Christ.   Key Takeaways Missionary work starts with presence, not a pulpit—serving real needs and building trust long before preaching begins. The Bible’s call to “go and make disciples” applies to all believers, and missionaries live this out through obedience, wherever they’re sent. Missionaries come from all professions—nurses, teachers, carpenters, and more—using their everyday skills to serve and uplift communities. Day-to-day, missionaries may run clinics, teach, disciple, or plant churches, always working to empower and elevate the people they serve. You don’t have to move overseas to live on mission; wherever you use your gifts for the gospel, you’re participating in God’s global story.   Missionary Work Starts with Presence, Not a Pulpit What do missionaries do? More than most people think. While evangelism is central, missionary work often begins with service—caring for physical, emotional, and relational needs. Many missionaries spend their days listening, building trust, learning a language, and participating in the daily life of a community. Whether through teaching, farming, or healthcare, they reflect the heart of Christ by meeting people where they are. In fact, the history of medical missions shows that healing bodies has opened doors to healing hearts.   The Bible’s Vision for Mission Work What does the Bible say about missionaries? Scripture doesn’t use the modern term, but the calling is clear. Jesus says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). Paul’s letters are filled with stories of travel, encouragement, suffering, and teaching—each part of what it means to live on mission. Missionaries aren’t defined by a title—they’re defined by obedience. Whether they cross oceans or work in their hometown, they carry the gospel with them, fulfilling the call—seen throughout the Bible—to go and serve.   Missionaries Are Nurses, Carpenters, and Students One of the biggest myths about missionary work is that it only applies to pastors or Bible teachers. Missionaries come from all backgrounds. You’ll find healthcare workers leading pediatric mission trips, engineers helping build water systems, and tech workers training local nonprofits. Medical mission trips, in particular, are worthwhile experiences and continue to be some of the most strategic and sustainable forms of outreach, especially when they support and strengthen long-term partnerships already in place.   What Missionaries Actually Do Day to Day Depending on their assignment and setting, missionaries might: Run health clinics or mobile medical units Teach in local schools or vocational training centers Plant and support churches Train local leaders and disciple new believers Offer trauma counseling and family support Start small businesses that provide jobs Translate Scripture or teach English Missionaries build bridges—not empires. They enter slowly, listen well, and serve with a quiet and generous spirit.    Do Missionaries Get Paid? Are They Sent? Missionaries don’t always earn a traditional salary, but many receive financial support from churches, mission agencies, or individual donors. Most raise personal support by building a team of partners—people who give monthly or annually so the missionary can focus on their work full-time. Support-raising often involves casting vision, building relationships, and sharing regular updates with those who give. In some cases, missionaries work part-time or full-time jobs (known as bi-vocational missions) to support themselves while serving. Others receive a stipend or are fully funded through sending organizations that handle their logistics and care. Regardless of the model, missionaries are typically responsible for their own budgets, which can include housing, travel, insurance, ministry expenses, and retirement. It requires faith, planning, and a lot of communication—but it can result in a network of people who are spiritually and financially invested in the mission.   You Don’t Have to Move Overseas to Be a Missionary Mission work isn’t always global. Many communities across the U.S. need the same kind of intentional, Christ-centered service found on international mission fields. Whether you're supporting refugees, mentoring youth, or serving in under-resourced medical clinics, you're living out the mission. If you’re wondering where to begin, finding domestic mission opportunities that interest you can help you discern how your unique gifts can be used right now. Missionary work isn’t reserved for the elite. It’s for anyone willing to go—whether across the street or across the world.   Related Questions   What is the main purpose of a missionary? To share the gospel and serve others through Christ-centered presence and action.   Do missionaries make money? Many raise support, others are salaried, and some are bi-vocational.   What are missionaries not allowed to do? Depending on local laws, missionaries may need to obtain permits, follow visa restrictions, get vaccinated, or complete screening processes before serving.   What are the activities done by missionaries? Activities range from teaching and healing to mentoring, building, translating, and church planting.