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Like a stone hitting the surface of a pond, Jesus described concentric circles extending the reach of the gospel. Over the next 2,000 years, Christian missionaries from all countries and denominations have taken the message of Christ from their personal Jerusalems to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). What began as the opening act of the Christian church has resonated across time. Things have changed a lot since the first century, but the truth of the gospel—and the role of Christian missionaries in sharing that truth—has remained a constant for the kingdom. If you are considering joining the ranks of Christ-centered missionaries, you are preparing to join a long thread weaving through church history.  And it’s important that you know just how that thread has touched the lives of millions.   To the Ends of the Earth The story of Jesus’s missionaries begins in the book of Acts. As noted, Jesus challenged His followers to take the gospel from the confines of Jerusalem to the outlying areas of Judea and Samaria. Ultimately, the goal was to hit Rome and the furthest reaches of the known world.  Acts 1:8 presents the mission. The rest of Acts explains how it happened. Early on, believers stayed close to Jerusalem, but a massive wave of persecution caused Christians to scatter (Acts 8:1). That’s how God got originally moved His people into Judea and Samaria. It’s also how He started the church’s missionary work. Christian missionaries like Philip shared Jesus’s message to the north in Samaria (Acts 8:4-8) and to the south in Gaza (Acts 8:26-40). Before becoming a Christian, Saul chased Christians as far as Damascus in Syria (Acts 9:1-8), while Peter witnessed a Roman centurion in Caesarea (Acts 10). Later, after accepting Christ, Saul ministered in Antioch, a Gentile city that was among the largest communities in the Roman Empire (Acts 11:19-26). It was from there that the Holy Spirit called him to become a missionary for Christ and to take the gospel to Rome and beyond (Acts 13–28). This zeal for Christian missions essentially defined the first three centuries of the early church. Even in the face of persecution from Jews (who served the law), Greeks (who served idols), and Romans (who served the emperor), the church grew.  But around 313, something shifted. Emperor Constantine revoked laws against Christianity. This new openness actually worked against the church and its missionary movement. Outsiders entered the church because it was convenient or somehow beneficial. This led to deeper heresies, which forced the church to focus more on theology (what to believe) than on missions. In a sense, Christian missions lost a measure of urgency while church councils took priority.   The Politics of Faith Constantine’s edict also strengthened the connection between churches and states. In some areas, the Christian faith became institutional rather than personal, which also served to water down Christian missionary efforts. In other areas, monasticism transformed faith into an inner discipline rather than something to be lived out before the world. Meanwhile, kings and armies began adopting Christianity as a sort of “good luck charm.” As a result, missionary work became synonymous with wars and conquest. Soldiers saw themselves as Christian missionaries, “converting” every land they defeated.  However, the important work of genuine Christian missions never stopped. For example, after the fall of Rome, new missionary activity was initiated to evangelize the barbarians who now controlled wide swaths of the old empire. God also used Christians who were taken captive and enslaved by pagan armies to evangelize nations that had no other knowledge of Jesus and His work. One British missionary named Patrick had such an impact on the spiritual life of Ireland that it became a missionary launching pad for centuries.   The Printing Press and the New World When Johannes Guttenberg invented the printing press in 1462, he didn’t just open the door for the widespread publication of Bibles and religious literature. He also encouraged Christian missionaries to embrace new technology in sharing the gospel. Eventually, the printing press—along with the Protestant Reformation—sparked missionary efforts across Europe. In time, those sparks jumped the Atlantic and stoked a flame in the Americas. Both Catholic and Protestant missionaries embraced the opportunity to minister in the New World. In North America, the primary focus (along with exploration) was evangelizing Native American tribes.  But America was not the only focus. Many nations, like England, sent the ancient equivalent of “marketplace missionaries” to other nations. These individuals were trained in matters of business and trade, but they were also trained as Christian missionaries who could share the gospel as they fulfilled their secular duties.   The Advent of Modern Missions Within two centuries of the Protestant Reformation, Christ-centered missionaries were using a new tool for spreading the gospel. Groups of believers began coming together to form mission societies. In modern terms, these became the first sending agencies in the history of Christian missions. The first recorded agency (founded in 1701) carried a ponderous name: Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. Despite the complicated name, it set about the business of sending missionaries to America (like John Wesley in Georgia) and across Europe.  Other agencies focused on Africa and Asia. For instance, William Carey—commonly known as the “Father of Modern Missions’—joined the Baptist Mission Society and traveled to India in 1793. Less than two decades later, in 1812, Adoniram Judson and Luther Rice became the first Americans to travel overseas as Christian missionaries when they went to Asia. The middle of the 19th century also saw the rise of denominational sending agencies in the United States.    Setting the Stage for Today During the 20th century, new missionary organizations were founded, many with a focus on challenging young adults to serve. Groups like Youth with a Mission (YWAM), Campus Crusade for Christ (now called Cru), and Navigators continue to have an impact on the kingdom through their missionary emphases. History also has repeated itself as Christian missionaries have consistently found ways to leverage technology. Marketplace missionaries in careers like media, aviation, sports, medicine, and Bible translation have opened doors that once were closed.  Missions research has revealed new trends to make missionary work more effective. For example, the rise of large urban areas has led to a shift in how some missionary organizations determine their strategy. We also use terms like “indigenous leadership” and “unreached people groups” to define target audiences.  We focus on the “10/40 Window” to describe a large area between the 10th and 40th parallels that includes places like North Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and China. These areas claim nearly half of the world’s population but have experienced limited gospel penetration because of the powerful influences of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and atheism.   God is Still at Work Of course, this is a quick review of just a few of the highlights of Christian missions, but one thing remains clear. Throughout history, God has continued to call and equip Christian missionaries to fulfill His purposes. The God who empowered Paul to take the gospel from Antioch to Rome is the same God who guided William Carey to India and Hudson Taylor to China. He is the same God who led Jim Elliot to South America and inspired Bill Bright to found Campus Crusade for Christ. If you believe He is calling you to follow in their footsteps and to fulfill the Great Commission as a Christian missionary, you can trust that He is with you, as well.   Discover Medical Missions. Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.

You have a heart for the nations. It may involve a longing to pack your bags and settle on the other side of the planet, or it may be a call toward short-term mission work. Whatever the case, God has His hand on you. Your next step will be to filter through a list of Christian missionary organizations and find the one that’s right for you. You’ll need to identify the right partner, the team that will support you and equips you to be the most effective representative of Jesus Christ possible. And, when it comes to Christian missionary organizations, you have a lot of options.   Knowing What A Sending Organization Can Offer Christian mission organizations often serve as the bridge between missionaries and the people they serve. Some could be classified as sending agencies, while others focus on support and networking. These missionary organizations can provide training and logistical support for those called to the mission field. In some cases, they also may assist in areas like placement and fundraising.  Christian missionary organizations can be great allies. But you need to find the one that best fits your calling. In the list below, we’ve highlighted ten trusted Christian missionary organizations. The first five primarily focus on medical missions, while the second half of the list focuses more on general missions. Since many medical mission agencies also enlist non-medical volunteers and many non-medical agencies are open to medical professionals, all ten might be a potential mission agency for you.   Medical Missions Agencies If you’re interested in Christian missionary organizations that emphasize medical opportunities, these are reliable options to consider:   Medical Missions Medical Missions is affiliated with the Global Health Missions Conference, which is held every year in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to the conference, Medical Missions provides information and networking opportunities for individuals who feel a call toward medical missions. This includes a job board, information on dozens of sending agencies, community groups, and a blog filled with helpful articles and videos.   MAP International While medical missionaries have an abundance of the skill and compassion necessary to make a difference in the world, they often run short on one thing: medical supplies. Whether it’s equipment or medicine, medical missionaries need help getting these basic tools of their trade. MAP International is a Christian missionary organization that stands in this gap. The group’s mission is to provide medicine and supplies to people who need it, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.   Blessings International Like MAP, Blessings International focuses on providing resources for medical missionaries in the United States and around the world. For more than 40 years, Blessings International has worked under the premise that healthy individuals create healthy communities. By providing medicine, vitamins, and other resources, Blessings International helps medical professionals fulfill the Great Commission and expand the kingdom of God.   Cure International In so many corners of the world, children suffer from conditions that could be remedied by a relatively simple surgery. Cure works through a network of eight hospitals in Africa and the Philippines to provide free life-changing operations for children while sharing the good news of Jesus. Cure also works within communities to support families and strengthen healthcare options for underserved regions.   GO International If you’re looking for a Christian missionary organization that specializes in short-term opportunities, GO International might be a great option. GO works within communities overseas to plan and provide mission trips that address a variety of needs. These experiences include medical missions, disaster relief, church planting, discipleship, clean water projects, feeding programs, and children’s ministry.   Samaritan’s Purse You may be familiar with Samaritan’s Purse through its Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry, but this mission organization does so much more to spread the hope of Jesus. Through its work in medical missions, doctors and other healthcare professionals minister to individuals around the world. The goal is to provide relief and comfort for those dealing with disease, natural disasters, wars, and poverty. Like its namesake character from Luke 10, Samaritan’s Purse strives to meet the physical needs of outcasts—all to earn a hearing for the gospel.   Non-Medical Missions Agencies If you’re looking for Christian missionary organizations that are more general in nature, these are proven groups that are making a difference in the world:   Youth with a Mission (YWAM) This non-denominational mission organization was founded in the early 1960s andfocuseds on bringing glory to God by sharing the gospel with the world. Its goal is to empower young people to serve Christ. Today, in addition to providing mission trips around the world, YWAM also offers an in-depth, six-month Discipleship Training School that includes classroom training and field experience for college students and young adults.   Operation Mobilization (OM) In 1957, a group of friends began passing out Scripture and Christian literature in Mexico. From that simple start, Operation Mobilization (OM) grew into a steadfast Christian missionary organization. As a trailblazer in overseas missions, OM began working in Muslim and Communist countries in the 1960s. Today, the group sponsors short-term experiences around the world, including through its OM Ships ministry.   CRU Originally known as Campus Crusade for Christ, CRU was founded in 1951 by evangelist Bill Bright. This missionary organization currently has a presence in 191 countries around the world. While CRU originally focused on discipling college students, it now provides mission trips for a variety of age groups with a variety of interests. Trips range from a few weeks in length to a few months and seek to find common ground through things like sports, media, humanitarian aid, and more. CRU also offers internships, study abroad, and career ministry opportunities.   World Venture Founded in 1943, World Venture has stood the test of time among Christian missionary organizations. With ministries in the United States and around the world, World Venture focuses on a variety of needs, including church planting and evangelism. World Venture also shares the gospel through sports ministries, education, and marketplace missions. Short-term and career opportunities are available.   Send International As the name implies, Send International serves as a missionary sending agency that focuses on mobilizing believers and planting healthy churches. In its mission, Send highlights the role of the local church in identifying and commissioning missionaries. They also emphasize cultural and language training so missionaries can live out the gospel in meaningful ways wherever they serve.   Although this list isn't exhaustive, you now have an idea of which type of Christian missionary organization might work best for your calling.   Discover Medical Missions. Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.

In this session participants will be exposed to the role rehabilitation professionals can play in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities around the world and how addressing these needs can advance the gospel. We'll explore the prevelance of disabilities in the world, and what God has to say about His love for and care for persons with disabilities. https://bit.ly/gmhc2022_roy_canclini_mrowiec_howrehabprofessionals

Resilience, Endurance and Serving God's Kingdom in Unfamiliar Places

We all know that the days and weeks following a trip are brimming with potential.  Everyone is excited about what just happened and how they are changed by their experience.  However, whenever I ask how that energy is getting captured, focused, or shared, I hear a lot of organizations and churches say things like “Yeah, we really should do this,” but if we are being honest, this is very rarely enacted or done consistently across all teams.  Even within your teams, you will find that some teams or team leaders might do this well, while others completely ignore this critical step.   Why are we so inconsistent with this area if we know it’s a valuable part of the Mission Journey? In my experience, this topic is often overshadowed by the excitement and anticipation of the mission trip itself.  Unfortunately, without this key step, we miss an opportunity to cement life change and, I would argue, this results in short-circuiting the potential for discipleship and future engagement with those participants. We believe what happens after the trip is over is just as integral to the mission journey and a golden opportunity to deepen your impact, both personally and within the community.  Here are four ways to better understand our tensions in this area and create a culture within our organizations that stewards well the entire process, including the time after the trip is over. 1. Rethinking the Post-Trip Engagement: A Shift in Perception In the wake of a mission trip, many of us heave a sigh of relief, tempted to say, "Whew… it’s over.” Unfortunately, this mindset can lead us to overlook a critical stage of the journey: post-trip engagement. It's essential to resist viewing these gatherings as simply "nice to have" or as an afterthought. Instead, we must recognize that each trip isn't a standalone event but rather a crucial milestone in a person’s broader missional journey. By placing the trip within this larger narrative, we begin to grasp the importance of the return home and the subsequent communication about what transpired during their mission. What God has done in their lives during this time is a powerful story that needs to be shared and honored. Once you capture this larger perspective, it impacts your communication with your team.  By providing a reason why and being aware of your own mindset, you can communicate the importance more clearly and help establish the mindset that you want. Here’s an example of how you may express this mindset via email to your participants. It might sound like this: “Phew, you're back from your mission trip. Your suitcase may be empty, but your heart's likely full. Now, it's tempting to breathe a sigh of relief and think, ‘All done. The trip's over.’ But wait! There's one crucial part of the journey we often overlook: the post-trip get-togethers. Let's break the mold and think of these meetings not as an ‘oh-by-the-way’ kind of thing or even just a reunion, but as a significant part of the overall mission. Why? Because a mission trip isn't a one-off. It's a stepping stone on a bigger, beautiful journey. It's a chapter in your unique story of how you're making a difference in the world… and how those moments made a difference in you that you hope to continue to cultivate. So, don't rush to close the book on this chapter. Savor it, share it, and let's talk about what God's been up to in your life.” 2. Setting Expectations Before the Trip: The Power of Preparation The groundwork for effective post-trip engagement begins even before departure. Ensure that your team understands the expectation for participation in the form of a debrief meeting upon their return. This sets the stage for open communication and active engagement. If anyone misses this meeting, a follow-up should be arranged to communicate the importance of this step, preparing them better for future missions. By setting these clear expectations and being proactive in your follow-through, you facilitate an environment where individuals feel more involved, heard, and integral to the mission's success.  Additionally, you set yourself up for success in the following years.  Think of this as a “line in the sand” moment and by establishing and enforcing expectations over the next couple of sending seasons, you will start to see incredible results. 3. In-Country Debrief: Harnessing Immediate Reflections Engaging your participants effectively in their experience of the trip shouldn’t begin once you're home. We believe it should begin while you're still in the field. Encourage your leaders to facilitate a debriefing session regularly, or at least soon before your return home. This simple yet impactful practice presses for the participation of everyone and primes the team for more in-depth conversations when they return home. Open-ended questions such as, "What was one highlight that encapsulates our time here?" and "What personal challenge, mindset shift, or behavior change did you face during this mission?" can stimulate thoughtful responses. As you wait for your return flight, encourage participants to summarize their experiences into a two-minute account and jot it down on a notecard. On the route home, they can expand this into a detailed journal entry, documenting three key take-aways that profoundly impacted their lives, perspectives, or missional journey. 4. Using Their Experience as a Call to Action: Spreading the Missional Flame Back home, the participants' experiences can be a powerful catalyst for drawing others into their journey or alongside your organizational mission.  Sharing your stories can inspire others to embark on their own journeys, and maybe even join you on your next adventure!  Therefore, encourage participants to share their stories and make it easy for them to do so. Pro Tip: Find a way to capture those stories, the lessons, and the examples of life change that occurred in your debrief.  These details will touch the hearts of your donor base, encourage future participants, and help others feel the impact that was made by the team.   Make it easy for your participants to share information about your organization, field partner, or church. As a small example, as your participants have conversations, you can encourage them to connect those people with your social media. This additional engagement not only grows your potential participant pool but also allows for continual dialogue about missions, further fostering a vibrant community that is engaged, inspired, and ready for more missional opportunities.   The mission trip might be over, but its ripple effects are just starting.  It’s an ongoing journey of growth, sharing, and inspiration.  So let’s keep the conversation going and continue making a difference together.     What have you found effective in post-trip debriefs?  How have you leveraged the stories and insights to improve in your next season? For 14 quick tips on running a successful post-trip debrief, check out our quick guide here.  

Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) face significant challenges to their health and well-being that are unique due to lack of necessary resources including food, water, sanitation, shelter, security, and healthcare. Caring for people in these situations requires an understanding of their unique needs as well as having realistic goals regarding what can and cannot be done for them. Our experiences in providing healthcare for the victims of disasters in Congo, Indonesia, Pakistan, Myramar, Afghanistan, Honduras, Nepal, Kurdistan, and Turkey – both natural and manmade – highlight the need to be well prepared when serving in these difficult situations. We are called to serve “the least of these,” and the victims of disasters and crises certainly qualify. Often these events, though causing much hardship and suffering, create the possibility for doors and hearts to be open to the message of Jesus that otherwise would be closed. We must be both willing and well prepared if we are to serve well when we are called to respond to those in need.

What is missionary work?  That’s a fair question, especially if you believe God may be pointing you in that direction. While it’s great for you to consider a life of missionary service, you need to know what you’re getting into—and what your options might be. To start uncovering an answer to any question, it can be helpful to go back to the basics. And for the question What is missionary work?, the basics are found in the Gospels and in the book of Acts.   The History of Missionary Work During His time on earth, Jesus gathered a group of followers for a three-year intensive in ministry education. That education included opportunities to take the message of His kingdom to surrounding cities (Mark 6:7-13). Those early efforts had positive results, even if His disciples were often a step or two behind what Jesus was trying to teach them. Then, just before He went back to heaven, Jesus provided the marching orders for His people until He returned. Their job was to make other disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) and to take the gospel to ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Over time, early believers like Philip (Acts 8:26-40) and Peter (Acts 10) stepped outside their comfort zones and shared the gospel with folks who might have been considered outsiders. Christian missionary work took a huge step forward when the church at Antioch felt the Holy Spirit leading them to commission Saul (later known as Paul) and Barnabas to extend the reach of the gospel across the Roman Empire (Acts 13:2-3). In fact, the rest of Acts narrates Paul’s missionary journeys as he literally took the message of Jesus to Rome, the boundary of the civilized world at the time.   Mission Work Today For Paul and those early Christians, the question of What is missionary work. Involved some serious thought and prayer. The leaders in Antioch even spent time fasting before they were sure they’d heard the Spirit correctly. They took missionary work seriously—and so should we. Today, missionary work might look different than in the first century. But we can still identify some common denominators to help us understand and embrace what missionary work is. Here are five basic elements you can think through as you consider the question What is missionary work? means to your life.   Learn more about Medical Missions. Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.   Missionary work involves sharing the gospel. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it really is important to understand. You cannot know what missionary work is all about apart from the gospel: the good news that Jesus lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose again to offer eternal life in Him. A lot of humanitarian organizations do some great things at home and abroad; but unless their primary goal is to share the gospel, they’re not really doing missionary work.    Missionary work can be domestic or international. You might naturally think of a believer who travels to another country to be the hands and feet of Jesus. And, in a sense, you’d be right. A lot of Christian missions do focus on international work.  But you don’t always need a passport to do missionary work. Many missionaries minister right here at home. God knows that the needs in our nation are just as powerful as the struggles of individuals across an ocean. So, in His grace, He also calls missionaries to work for Him in domestic contexts.   Missionary work can be a career or a short-term endeavor. Just like location, missionary work can also vary in duration. Some believers find their answer to missionary work in moving their families overseas.  While they may serve as a pastor, doctor, or teacher, they truly are career missionaries. On the other hand, other believers find great joy in taking regular short-term mission trips. They serve for weeks or maybe months instead of years. They may travel to same region on every trip or visit many nations over time. Whatever the specifics of their experiences, God uses these short-term missionaries to make a big difference for His kingdom.   Missionary work can involve traditional ministry or marketplace ministry. When Paul went from one town to the next, he had a plan. He shared Jesus in the Jewish synagogues on the Sabbath and shared Jesus is public spaces during the week (Acts 17:16-18). Along the way, he preached and planted churches all over the Empire. That’s traditional missions work—believers preach, lead Bible studies, plant churches, and do personal evangelism where God plants them. It’s a tried and true method that God continues to bless today. But other missionaries minister in the “marketplace.” They aren’t necessarily preachers or church planters. They serve as teachers, medical professionals, pilots, relief workers, business leaders, or in any number of “secular” jobs. They use their skills in a particular career field to build relationships and earn a hearing for the gospel.   Missionary work can be in the field or in support. You probably understand how being in the field could teach all you need to know about missionary work. But you may not realize that behind every missionary—whether domestic or international, career or short-term, traditional or marketplace—stands a support system that breathes life into their work. It could be a prayer network back home, partners from a mission sending agency, or a list of financial backers; but those individuals working behind the scenes are doing missionary work that is just as critical as what the actual missionary does on the field.   Something to Think About in Missions Of course, these five elements are just the beginning of your quest to figure out what missionary work could look like in your life. You also need to spend time in prayer, asking God to give you wisdom and direction. And you need to make sure you have these three issues settled: 1. You must have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. You cannot lead people down a path you have never walked yourself. 2. You need a clear calling from God. This includes an internal sense that God is setting you apart for missions, along with the external affirmation of leaders you trust and the church you attend. 3. You need a plan for training and education. Christian universities, sending organizations, and missions programs can help you in this area; but you need to do all you can to prepare for what God has for you. Missionaries are disciples who lead others to become disciples. They are called by God to fulfill the Great Commission in a unique way. And if God is calling you to move in that direction, He will equip and empower you to make it happen. You might not have all the answers right now. But, in time, He will let you know how the question What is missionary work? finds its resolution in your life.   Discover Medical Missions. Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.

In one version of the Great Commission, Jesus told His followers to go into all the world (Mark 16:15). In another, He said to take His love from the home base of Jerusalem to the farthest reaches of the world (Acts 1:8). In every case, He challenged His people to make a difference around the world. One valuable way medical professionals fulfill that call is through global health mission trips. Whether long-term or short-term, the impact of a global health mission trip can resonate within communities around the world for years to come.  If you haven’t taken part in a mission trip focused on global health, as God leads, this may be the time.   What Are Global Health Issues? Before we can dig into global health mission trips, we need to understand what global health really means. As the name suggests, global health relates to any health problem that affects the world. This differs from public health in terms of scope. While public health deals more with local or community problems, global health speaks to situations that involve nations or groups of nations. In general, global health issues fall into two broad categories. First, global health advocates address physical or emotional wellness issues. This primarily relates to the treatment and prevention of various diseases. For example, risks related to illnesses like HIV/AIDS and diabetes are among the top concerns for global health workers because they affect so many people in so many places. Likewise, disease education and prevention fall under the category of physical global health issues. The second category could be called cultural or policy concerns. These issues deal with the negative impact social expectations or government actions can have on global health. For instance, the availability of clean water and access to proper hygiene are problems in many regions. Also, poverty, refugee crises, and natural disasters present global health concerns. From a Christian perspective, many medical missionaries and missions organizations view all global health issues through the lens of the Great Commission. For these groups, such as the Global Health Missions Conference, working toward solutions is an important way of serving as the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. And mission trips focused on global health are part of the equation.   How You Can Make a Difference Meeting the needs of suffering people in underserved areas is not just a good idea. It’s a divine mandate rooted in Jesus’s command to serve the “least of these” (Matthew 25:31-46). That’s why so many organizations are working to answer God’s call through global health mission trips.  The list below includes five organizations that offer mission trips related to global health issues. Their influence reaches around the world through both short-term and long-term opportunities. Above all, they seek to make a difference for people, for nations, and for the kingdom of God.    Global Health Outreach Global Health Outreach is the missions arm of Christian Medical and Dental Associates (CMDA). As part of its work, GHO provides long-term and short-term global health mission trips in a variety of nations. These trips involve basic health care, education for disease prevention, support for local medical professionals, surgical care, and dental care. Since medical professionals have access to areas that forbid traditional missionaries, GHO places special emphasis on unreached groups in difficult settings.   Medical Teams International Some disasters are the result of nature. Some are man-made. All of them are the focus of Medical Teams International. The global health mission trips from Medical Teams International cover everything from hurricane relief to helping ease suffering during a refugee crisis. Serving primarily in Africa and South America, Medical Teams International also works to improve maternal and childhood health in underserved regions.    Heart to Heart International One key to solving a medical crisis is teaching people how to avoid it in the first place. Such education and disease prevention programs are part of the global health initiatives supported by Heart to Heart International. In addition to education, Heart to Heart also works to provide greater access to medicines. In addition, the agency recognizes the impact of some global health issues on the United States, so it offers medicine, equipment, and community support closer to home.   Global Health Reach The major focus on Global Health Reach is providing global health mission trips that will produce long-term results. The agency believes that partnerships are key to resolving global health issues As a result, Global Health Reach sponsors both long-term and short-term global health trips, but every opportunity plugs into a support system for local professionals. By providing follow-up with regular trips, Global Health Reach can have an impact on an area’s global health concerns for decades.   Christian Connections for International Health (CCIH) Another agency rooted in partnership is Christian Connections for International Health. Through their network of individuals and organizations. CCIH advocates for effective solutions to global health crises. In addition to health issues, CCIH global health mission trips attempt to connect best practices with faith in a way that produces wholeness for individuals and communities.    You and Global Health Missions Some things haven’t changed much since Jesus issued the Great Commission more than 2,000 years ago. Many around the world are still hurting and still need the power of the gospel in their lives. And one proven way to earn a hearing for the gospel is to meet people where they are and to provide relief for their suffering. That’s what makes global health mission trips so important. As a medical professional or student, you have the chance to use your skills and abilities to make a difference in the world. You can apply your passions on a mission trip focused on global health concerns.  All it takes for you to become part of the solution is a divine call and a willing heart. As God leads, you can be the one God uses to transform the life of someone struggling with a global health crisis today.   Discover Medical Missions. Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.

Sometimes, Christians will joke about following God wherever He leads—as long as He doesn’t call them to Africa. But the truth is, the African continent is a stunning mixture of incredible beauty and devastating need. That’s why many sending organizations have a full slate of mission trips to Africa listed in their short-term, long-term, and career options.   Getting to Know Today’s Africa While it’s easy to think of Africa as a mysterious place, it’s important to move past stereotypes and examine the facts. For example, Africa is the second largest continent in terms of both land and population. It accounts for about 20% of the world’s land mass (nearly 12 million square miles) and more than 12% of its population (1.2 billion people). Those people are spread across 54 nations, including the islands of Madagascar and Seychelles. More than 1,500 different languages can be heard on the continent. Geographically, two regions of Africa are divided by the Sahara Desert, one of the largest deserts in the world. Yet, areas of Africa thrive thanks to magnificent rivers (like the Nile) that feed into fertile valleys and forests. The continent is home to both large, modern cities and traditional, rural villages. Religiously, Africa has a long history with both Christianity and Islam. Many in the more rural regions also practice spiritism and naturalistic religions, along with witchcraft.    7 Mission Trips to Africa  All of that information makes mission trips to Africa a vital tool in fulfilling the Great Commission. The combination of a large population and spiritual diversity means that many African people need to hear about Jesus. Plus, so much of Africa is underserved and mired in poverty. It’s a place where opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus abound, especially when it comes to medical missions. The list below highlights seven organizations that are sponsoring medical mission trips to Africa in 2023. Since the needs are so great, the opportunities are rich. Regardless of your specialty, you can find a place to serve on a mission trip to Africa.    Pioneer Christian Hospital This 60-bed hospital is located in the Republic of Congo and exists to share Jesus while making an impact on the overall health of the nation. Pioneer, which serves an area that roughly 300,000 people call home, offers opportunities for both long-term and short-term African mission experiences. Visiting medical missionaries work with Congolese staff members to treat a wide array of medical issues.    Tenwek Hospital. The motto of Kenya’s Tenwek Hospital is “We Treat, Jesus Heals.” Founded in 1937, this 361-bed hospital continues to meet the needs of residents in a variety of ways, including dental and optometric services. Tenwek is also a teaching hospital that trains new doctors and has a research emphasis to keep up with important medical advances. Medical missions opportunities are provided in cooperation with hospital partners, like Samaritan’s Purse and World Gospel Mission.   World Medical Mission. Speaking of Samaritan’s Purse, this North Carolina-based ministry provides additional medical mission trips to Africa through World Medical Mission. The ministry’s Specialty Teams represent a focus on short-term experiences in places like Kenya and Cameroon. Some of these teams share knowledge with local doctors, while others focus on medical equipment and building relationships that could help expand its network of medical facilities. World Medical Mission also has internships and apprenticeships for students.   Cure International. If you have a heart for children, you will want to look into the African mission trips sponsored by Cure International. With hospitals in seven African nations (Malawi, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Niger, Zambia, and Kenya), Cure specializes in treating children with disabilities. The surgeries they provide are performed at no cost to the families involved. In addition to medical professionals, Cure also offers opportunities for spiritual ministry and facilities management.     One World Health. Mission trips to Africa sponsored by One World Health focus primarily on the nation of Uganda through two kinds of trips. The group’s typical short-term experience—Clinical Outreach Teams—lasts one week and provides support for local hospital staffs. One World Health has three of these trips planned this year, in May, July, and December. The second option is an ongoing project called Partner in Global Health. This trip provides continuing education to local professionals and encourages a four-week commitment.   Global Health Outreach. As part of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations, Global Health Outreach offers dozens of outreach events each year, including mission trips to Africa. For example, in June a trip to Zambia will focus on orphan care. Because HIV and other illnesses have devastated its adult population, Zambia has the world’s highest orphan rate, despite being only the size of Texas. This trip will bring together medical doctors, dentists, optometrists, nurses, physical therapists, and even non-medical volunteers to meet these needs. In addition, GHO has separate general medical trips to Ghana and northern Africa scheduled for later in the year.   Medical Educators International. If you’re a teacher at heart, Medical Educators International might be the group for you. Like GHO, Medical Educators International is a ministry of Christian Medical and Dental Associates, but it provides academic and clinical training for indigenous medical staffs. In addition to instructing students on the practical aspects of health care, MEI missionaries also model ways to show the love and compassion of Jesus. In June, MEI is sponsoring a trip to Tanzania to teach medical residents in classroom settings and through hospital rounds.   Follow Your Calling If you sense God calling you to take part in a mission trip to Africa, you’ve got plenty of options. Your gifts and abilities might be the perfect fit for a missions experience that will change your life and the lives of so many on the other side of the world.  Accept the challenge. Follow your call. Be Jesus’s hands and feet in Africa this year.   Discover Medical Missions. Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.

According to the WHO, in the African Region, about 473 000 children die from pneumonia, 300 000 from diarrhea, and a further 443 000 from malaria every year. Mortality in hospitalized cases of severe pediatric malaria is 9%-10%. Many efforts to prevention infection and improve nutrition so as to modulate the impact of infection are in place but when critically ill children present, correctly preparing staff and systems to prioritize effective care can make the difference. This session will discuss why children die from malaria, reading the signs and practical prioritization of care to reduce morbidity and mortality.

There is a shift happening in missions, what is God up to and what is my role? https://bit.ly/gmhc2022_charlievittitow_whatismyplace

In both domestic and international situations, dental needs often go unmet (for multiple reasons). Many people in poverty develop a "survivalist" mindset and only seek care when in pain. Untreated dental conditions, if neglected long enough, can turn into dental emergencies. When many patients do finally seek dental care, it is often in an emergency medical setting where dentistry is not usually available. In some parts of the world, dental care may be non-existent altogether. These emergency dental patients are often mis-diagnosed and/or go untreated in a medical setting. This lecture will serve to enlighten/empower non-dentists with some basic diagnostic and treatment skills to better manage dental emergencies in a non-dental setting. https://bit.ly/gmhc2022_jonathanspenn_emergencydentaldiagnosis