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We aimed to assist church members in Hispanic churches to become certified and trained CHWs and mentor them to lead a six-month diabetes self-management program. We found that raising up individuals from the church to become health leaders (CHWs) in their community is a promising model to increase the reach of the church while reducing health disparities. Speaker(s): Betty Nava Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/creating-healthy-communities-a-church-based-community-health-worker-led-initiative

A prayer for healing isn’t about saying the perfect words—it’s about bringing our real pain to a real God. And when we don’t know what to say, the Psalms give us language. These ancient prayers for the sick still speak to our fear, grief, hope, and need for mercy.   Key Takeaways The Psalms offer honest, Scripture-rooted prayers that help you speak healing and hope when words are hard to find. Verses like Psalm 18 and Psalm 34 provide strength and comfort—reminding us that God is both our refuge and near to the brokenhearted. Praying Psalms over the sick brings peace, especially in dark or uncertain moments, by anchoring hearts in God’s presence and promises. Healing isn’t always physical—Psalms like 103 speak to deep restoration of the soul, body, and spirit through God’s mercy and love. You don’t need perfect words to pray—just a willing heart; the Psalms guide us in showing up with presence and trust.   When You Don’t Know What to Pray Sickness can make prayer feel fragile. You want to say something meaningful, but pain can leave you silent. That’s where the Psalms come in—not as magic words, but as honest prayers already soaked in suffering. They remind us we’re not the first to feel weak or to ask God, “How long?” If you’re just beginning to build a prayer life that can carry you through trials, start with simple rhythms of prayer that you can commit to for the long haul. These practices—anchored in Scripture—make space for both peace and perseverance.   1. A Psalm for Strength “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” — Psalm 18:1–2 When you’re praying for someone too weak to pray for themselves, Psalm 18 gives you words of strength and shelter. It’s a reminder that healing begins Who we run to for help.   2. A Psalm for Comfort “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18  This is one of the simplest and most comforting prayers for the sick. You can whisper it beside a hospital bed or speak it quietly when you get the news you didn’t want. It reminds us that even in heartbreak, God doesn’t leave. And when you’ve seen suffering firsthand—as many in medical missions camps do—you realize that presence often speaks louder than explanation.   3. A Psalm for Peace in the Middle of Pain “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8 Night is often the hardest time for those who are sick or in pain. This verse is a simple, powerful prayer for healing and recovery that you can speak over someone before sleep. It doesn’t promise instant comfort—but it does offer peace anchored in God’s care.   4. A Psalm for Sustained Trust “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” — Psalm 91:1–2 Psalm 91 is one of the most often-quoted passages in times of illness and fear. Not because it guarantees a certain outcome—but because it grounds us in the presence of a God who protects, even when healing looks different than expected. Abiding in the shadow of the Almighty is something all believers should aim for, and this need is especially realized in the presence of sickness.   5. A Psalm for Deep Healing “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.” — Psalm 103:2–4 Sometimes what needs healing isn’t only physical. These verses can be prayed over those recovering from trauma, burnout, or spiritual fatigue. God’s healing reaches every layer. And for those who wonder whether prayer really matters, stories and testimonies on the power of prayer offer a glimpse of what can happen when faith and compassion meet in action.   How to Turn the Psalms into Personal Prayer You don’t need to rewrite them. Just open your Bible and read them aloud. Add your own words where it makes sense. Let the rhythm of Scripture carry your voice when you feel unsure. You don’t need to be eloquent. You just need to show up. The Psalms remind us that prayer isn’t about performance. It’s about presence—with God, and with the person you’re praying for.   Feeling Drawn to Stay with the Suffering? If you’ve found yourself returning to these verses often—not just for yourself, but for others—it might be more than a moment of compassion. It could be part of your calling. Long-term missions often involve showing up again and again for people in pain. Not to fix, but to pray. To walk alongside. To serve with hands and hearts open. If that resonates with you, long-term missions are worth looking into. Prayer doesn’t end when a conversation does—it goes with you.   Related Questions   What is the most powerful prayer for healing? Scripture-based prayers from the Psalms, like Psalm 18 and 91, focus on God’s power, mercy, and protection.   Why is Psalm 91 so powerful? Because it declares God’s refuge and protection over those who trust Him, even in danger or disease.   What is a powerful prayer for a sick person? Psalm 34:18—“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted”—is a short, strong reminder of God’s nearness in pain.   How do you pray for someone who has a sick family member? Ask for peace, strength, and God’s presence using verses like Psalm 46 or Psalm 121.

In this session we will discuss the role of people with disabilities in missions as well as how to meet the needs of the global disabled community. Speaker(s): Jenny Smith Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/disability-and-missions-including-people-with-disabilities-in-the-church-and-global-missions

Medical education has a potentially powerful role in global health. This breakout will explore some ways that medical education can not only support patient care but also augment research capacity building to better care for critically ill patients in resource-limited countries. Speaker(s): Burton Lee Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/supporting-global-critical-care-in-resource-limited-countries-through-medical-education

Breaking down language barriers is less about mastering grammar and more about building bridges. In cross-cultural missions, especially in healthcare or ministry, communication must be clear—but it also must be respectful and patient. Whether you're serving long-term or just beginning, learning how to overcome language barriers is essential to effective, relational mission work. Key Takeaways Language barriers in missions go beyond words—they often involve missed meaning, cultural misunderstandings, and emotional disconnects. Common challenges include linguistic gaps, unspoken trauma, and assumptions that someone understands when they don’t. Simple strategies—like learning key phrases, using repetition, visuals, and patient silence—can create real connection in cross-cultural settings. Trust is built more through posture than perfect pronunciation—humility, consistency, and presence speak louder than words. Mistakes will happen, but grace-filled effort often leads to deeper relationships, mutual respect, and unexpected moments of joy.   Why Language Barriers Are Deeper Than Words When people think of language barriers, they usually think of translation problems. But in a missions context, they often show up as something deeper: missed meaning, cultural misunderstanding, or unspoken confusion that causes people to shut down. Miscommunication can create frustration. But it can also hurt trust. This is especially true in medical missions or faith-based settings, where tone, presence, and intent carry spiritual weight. That’s why overcoming language barriers isn’t just about vocabulary—it’s about empathy.   Types of Language Barriers in the Field There are several types of language barriers that missionaries regularly face with the main ones being: Linguistic barriers: You don’t speak the local language, or they don’t speak yours. Cultural barriers: Body language, eye contact, and even silence can mean different things. Emotional barriers: Fear, trauma, or shame may keep someone from expressing what they really need. Assumptive barriers: You think they understand because they nod—but they don’t. If you ignore these, even the best-prepared team can miss the deeper needs of the community they serve.   Practical Ways to Overcome Language Barriers Knowing how to break down language barriers starts with intentional, often simple actions. Here are strategies that work in the field:   1. Learn key phrases early. Don’t try to learn everything. Just start with greetings, medical terms, or simple encouragements in the local language. Even broken effort shows a desire to connect. This kind of intentionality is at the heart of effective language learning for missions—it’s less about fluency and more about presence.   2. Use repetition and simple language. Avoid idioms or complex sentences. Repeat important instructions slowly, and use the same phrase consistently rather than rephrasing each time.   3. Match tone with intent. Your voice, facial expressions, and body posture matter. If you’re calm and warm, people will respond—even if they don’t know every word you say.   4. Use visuals, gestures, and demonstrations. Showing someone how to take a medication or how to do a task is often more effective than trying to explain it verbally. Use physical objects, pictures, or actions.   5. Ask for feedback, not just understanding. Instead of asking, “Do you understand?” ask them to show or repeat what you said. This prevents miscommunication without putting anyone on the spot.   6. Use local interpreters with cultural awareness. It’s not enough to translate words. A good interpreter also explains what’s behind them. Choose someone who understands both the language and the culture. If you’re not sure where to start, explore different language learning options tailored for cross-cultural work.   7. Be patient, and don’t fill the silence. Let people process. Give space. Silence doesn’t always mean confusion—it can mean thoughtfulness or respect.   How to Build Trust Without Perfect Translation Trust is often built in the posture more than the pronunciation. A willingness to enter someone’s world, listen longer, and embrace discomfort often speaks louder than well-formed sentences. This is the essence of cultural humility in healthcare, where connection matters more than control. The same principle applies in any culture: trust comes through consistency, humility, and small acts of love.   What Happens When You Get It Wrong You will mess up. Everyone does. You’ll pronounce something wrong, misunderstand a question, or say yes when you meant no. But when your posture is one of grace and humility, people are incredibly forgiving. In fact, those moments often lead to laughter, deeper conversation, and lasting connection.   Ready to Serve Longer? The longer you serve in cross-cultural contexts, the more natural these habits become. If you’re sensing that God is calling you to the field, long-term missions could be the next right step. Deep language learning, cultural immersion, and lasting relationships often start with small, faithful steps forward.   Related Questions   How do you break down the language barrier? Use simple language, visual cues, patient tone, and active listening to bridge communication gaps.   What are the ways to overcome language barriers? Strategies include learning key phrases, using interpreters, and building relational trust.   What is the most common language barrier? The most common is assuming understanding when none exists—especially when someone is afraid to ask for clarification.   What are the types of language barriers? Types include linguistic, cultural, emotional, and assumptive—each requiring a unique approach to overcome.  

This session will explore the importance of anticipating needs and listening to treat patients successfully. As clinicians, we quickly work towards solving the immediate problem, but the healing process is much more than clinical interventions. Our education and training focus on caring for people, but not always caring about people. How can we best support patients in improving healing from a physical, mental, and spiritual standpoint regardless of the clinical setting? Speaker name(s): Steven Hester Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/not-just-caring-for-people-but-caring-about-people

A mission trip Bible verse is more than a line of encouragement; it’s a spiritual anchor. Whether you're preparing for a mission trip or already packing your bags, Scripture helps keep your focus on what matters.    Key Takeaways Scripture is essential for mission trips—it anchors your heart, resets your focus, and brings peace when circumstances feel unpredictable. Bible verses like Matthew 28:19–20 and Isaiah 6:8 remind you that God sends you with purpose and promises to go with you. Verses for strength and peace—like Philippians 4:13 and Joshua 1:9—help you rely on God’s power, not your own. Mission-centered passages call you to serve with humility and love, reflecting Christ through both action and attitude. Keeping these verses close—in prayer, in conversation, or on paper—can deepen your impact and remind you that your mission is part of God’s bigger plan.   Why Bring Scripture on a Mission Trip? Even the best team prep can’t always calm nerves or answer every question. Travel can be unpredictable. Ministry moments can feel overwhelming. That’s why Scripture matters—it resets your focus when things feel unsteady and gives encouraging words for mission trips. Bringing mission trip Bible verses into your daily rhythm helps you respond with prayer instead of panic. And they serve as fuel when your energy runs low or your purpose feels unclear.   Bible Verses to Say “Yes” to the Call   1. Matthew 28:19–20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This is more than a command—it’s a promise. You’re not going alone.   2. Isaiah 6:8 “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send’…Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’” This verse speaks to the willing heart. You don’t need all the answers—just a posture of surrender.   Verses for Strength in the Field   3. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This isn’t about being impressive. It’s about being dependent.   4. 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” When you feel stretched thin or unsure, this is the reminder: grace holds.   Verses That Speak Peace   5. Joshua 1:9 “…Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Whether you're heading across the globe or joining a medical mission trip in the USA, courage starts with remembering God’s presence.   6. Psalm 121:1–2 “I lift up my eyes to the hills…My help comes from the Lord…” In the quiet or the chaos, this verse grounds your spirit.   Verses for Love and Humility   7. Galatians 5:13 “…through love serve one another.” Mission work isn’t about crossing tasks off a list. It’s about showing up in love.   8. Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” You reflect Jesus when you lead by serving.   Verses That Frame the Bigger Picture   9. Romans 10:14–15 “And how are they to hear without someone preaching?...‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” Whether in word or deed, mission work shares the good news with those who desperately need it.   10. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Your mission trip isn’t random. You’re walking into something God already planned.   How to Use These Verses Daily Mission trips are spiritual work. These verses aren't just for reading—they're for praying, sharing, living, and preparing for a mission trip. Consider: Meditating on a verse and using it as a springboard into prayer. Memorizing a couple to have in mind throughout the trip. Going over them during a Bible study with your team. Some travelers also keep a small Scripture list in their bag or on their phone as a reminder during long days or unexpected challenges.   When You Start to Wonder If It’s Worth It It’s common to question impact—especially when things don’t go as expected. You may find yourself wondering, Are medical mission trips worth it? That question is best answered through faithfulness. When you show up in love, in humility, and in step with the Spirit, your presence is never wasted. Even small conversations or simple service can leave a lasting impact—both in others and in you.   Ready for What’s Next? Maybe your trip is just the beginning. If these verses stir something deeper—if you feel like God might be calling you further—don’t ignore it. Sometimes a short-term step becomes the door to long-term purpose. Maybe this trip isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting point. If something in you is asking what a longer path of service could look like, don’t rush past it. You can begin exploring long-term missions not as a commitment, but as a conversation. Sometimes, the next faithful step is just being willing to look.   Related Questions   What does the Bible say about a mission trip? It shows that God calls His people to go, serve, and share His name in humility and love.   What to say to someone going on a mission trip? Offer encouragement and Scripture that reminds them of God’s faithfulness.   How to spiritually prepare for a mission trip? Spend time in prayer, read Scripture, seek accountability, and approach the trip with a teachable heart.   How do you know if God wants you to go on a mission trip? Pay attention to repeated stirrings, wise counsel, and doors that open through obedience.  

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 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 in a different environment that reminds you how big and needed the gospel is in Africa—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 the US or overseas starts the same way. 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. God calls us to serve others, and starting can look like knocking on someone’s door, preparing a meal for the family that has just had a baby, or sitting 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.