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Why Global Health Mission Trips are Important
As a medical professional, you know the power of a healing touch. You also understand that you can make a huge difference for God’s kingdom right in your own backyard. There are plenty of people who need your help in your own hometown. But global health mission trips can open new doors for you, doors that you may have never considered in the past. These medical mission trips just might be God’s way of speaking to you about the plan He has for your life and ministry.   What's Your Role in Global Health? In some ways, the definition of “global health” is exactly what you might think. It relates to health concerns and issues in different parts of the world. And mission trips that focus on global health strive to meet those needs to some degree.  But these trips can also take a wide variety of forms. For example, you could serve in a hospital or clinical setting in an underserved nation. Or, you could work with community and national leaders to create healthcare initiatives. You can even minister as a teacher in a classroom or as a disaster relief responder. You could be a medical doctor or a dentist, an optometrist, or a physical therapist looking to serve global health missions around the world. In other words, global health issues cover a broad spectrum, and global health mission trips allow you to plug into regions and specialties that resonate with you. You can work where your greatest calling meets some of the world’s greatest needs.   The Source of Global Health Missions One of the amazing things about global health mission trips is how God uses them to transform lives. You might set out determined to make someone else’s life better. Yet, as you pour your life into them, you find a greater blessing than you ever could have imagined.  Of course, mission trips focused on global health also include other, more tangible, blessings. Here are five practical reasons a global health mission adventure might be a great idea for you. Jesus said to go. Jesus’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is foundational to the life of a Christ follower. After all, He told His people—including us—to go and to share Him with the world. A global health mission trip is one way to fulfill that command. If you’re wondering how to get started, you could explore our “Get Started” page or even attend the Global Health Missions Conference.   The need is great. As mentioned, many medical professionals find ways to minister closer to home. But you can be a tremendous blessing to doctors and other health workers across the globe. Plus, many mission sending organizations have missionary roles ready to be filled (Browse our list). You can stand in the gap and provide encouragement and support for medical missionaries who could use another pair of hands and another willing heart. The opportunities are there. You just need to find the one God is pulling you toward.    You can gain experience. Of course, ministry and obeying Jesus have rewards of their own. But a global health mission trip will also allow you to learn about medical procedures and practices that you could never learn anywhere else. Beyond that, you’ll also get the chance to work in a different culture, which will make you more sensitive to people’s needs wherever you serve. These global health mission experiences will make you a better healthcare worker and a stronger Christian.    See things with your own eyes. If you want to know what’s going on with global health issues, you can read and research the facts. You can even talk to missionaries who are in the trenches every day. But nothing compares to the kind of firsthand experience a global health mission trip can provide. You will see for yourself the pain that people are experiencing and the victories that God is orchestrating. It’s a perspective you cannot get any other way.   Use your gifts for the gospel. As a healthcare professional, God has gifted you in unique ways. He’s wired you to change the world one person at a time. A mission trip focused on global health gives you a priceless opportunity to use your gifts and talents to be Jesus’s hands and feet in the world. You will get the chance to work in your strengths, sharing Him by offering hope, help, and healing to people in need.   Find Your Global Health Mission Trip God has given you a heart for health care. He’s also given you a heart for missions. Those two passions don’t have to be an “either/or.” They can combine to be a beautiful “both/and” through global medical mission trips. 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.
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How to Avoid Missionary Burnout
Unlike other vocations, missionary burnout doesn’t just affect a person’s body and emotions. It also carries spiritual implications—both for missionaries and those they are called to reach.  Stress and burnout are realities in every profession. Without proper self-care, any career can become a breeding ground for workaholism and unrealistic expectations. Any job can convince you that a little more will get you over the top or that you’re the only one who can save the day. Whether you’re on the field now or preparing for a life of missionary service, you need to understand the dangers of missionary burnout.   Know Yourself Helps Avoid Burnout Missionaries start out with a heart fully committed to God. They feel a passion for the nations, and they long to share the gospel with others. So, it might come as a shock when following God’s call creates an incredible amount of stress—stress that can lead to missionary burnout. But burnout among missionaries actually makes sense. For one thing, they embrace more than their fair share of shifting paradigms by packing up and moving to another culture. Missionaries experience change on a dozen levels, and sometimes those changes create stress. One common measure of stress is called the Holmes-Rahe Inventory. This chart measures stress by assigning a number value to the various transitions in a person’s life. One or two life transitions at a time are relatively normal. Multiple life transitions (like what missionaries face) can create a perfect storm of stress and anxiety. In addition, missionaries often are exposed to the worst this world has to offer. The needs are so great, and the resources are so limited. Trying to be all things to all people can become overwhelming, which leads to stress and missionary burnout. So, as you consider how you can avoid burnout as a missionary, understanding who you are and embracing your limits is a great place to start. Set realistic expectations and remember that you can never solve every problem. Let God lead you and when necessary, let God heal you. Do the best you can and leave the results in His hands.   The Self-Check Beyond knowing yourself and accepting your limits, stock your missionary toolbox with practical ideas for reducing stress and avoiding burnout. Take time to check yourself through a regular self-care evaluation. On the surface, that might sound selfish, but nothing could be further from the truth. God didn’t call you to burn the candle at both ends. He called you to serve Him effectively, and you can’t do that if you don’t take care of yourself.   How to Avoid Missionary Burnout   Find ways to relieve stress. On the mission field, you will face stressful seasons, but you should never operate in high gear on a permanent basis. Spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship will help you maintain a healthy balance. But look for additional ways to relieve stress and avoid missionary burnout outside your spiritual routines. For example, find some quiet time to read a book or listen to music simply for enjoyment. Make time for exercise. You don’t have to run a marathon, but you do need to get your heart rate going. Start a new hobby that will recharge your batteries. Above all, set aside intentional time for rest each day, week, and month. Again, “me” time is not selfish. Even Jesus encouraged His followers to get away for a while (Mark 6:30-31).   Change things up. As noted, too much change can create additional stress and hasten burnout. But that doesn’t mean you should never change anything! Routines are good, but embracing change often can be better. The old cliché says variety is the spice of life. So, do what’s required to add appropriate spice to your experience. Alter your schedule or create new traditions. Delegate some jobs so you can focus on other commitments. Those ideas can be tough; but, if they save you from stress and burnout, it’s worth the trip outside your comfort zone.    Invest in relationships. Isolation is the main ingredient in the recipe for burnout among missionaries. Even if you have a great family and friends on the field, you can still feel alone in your new reality. Find ways to intentionally form relationships that have nothing to do with work. Build connections based on mutual interests, not mutual ministry.  If you’re struggling, talk to people who can help. Reject the idea that God wants you to “tough it out” or “go it alone.” You’re part of the body of Christ. So, lean into the people He provides to support and mentor you.   Practice gratitude. One great thing about thanksgiving is how it shifts your attention. It forces you to look in a different direction and refocus. Of course, gratitude is no silver bullet. It never denies what’s going on around you. But it does remind you that God is really big and that you are part of His grand design.   Reject the voices in your head. Missionary burnout is often associated with the drive to do more. But that drive is often fueled by a false belief that you are not enough and need to do more to measure up. Even as you’re working hard to serve God faithfully, the enemy will whisper lies designed to tear you down. Thankfully, even as a missionary, you are not what you do. You are more than a missionary, and that’s how God sees you! So, instead of listening to the unhealthy voices that lead to burnout for missionaries, embrace what Jesus says about you. Lean deeply into His truth: He loves you more than you could ever imagine—and, with Him, you are always more than enough for any job He has for you.    Pay attention to physical red flags. For missionaries, there’s a fine line between being uncomfortable and being unhealthy. Sometimes, that line’s a little fuzzy. And if it gets too blurry, it can lead to missionary burnout.  God gave us pain as a warning sign. So, if you’re suffering physically, listen to your body and get help. That doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re wise!   Take on Missions with Confidence As a missionary, keep this checklist close to your heart and mind. It can help you be more effective as a minister and protect you from the pitfalls that create stress and burnout on the mission field. If you’re already suffering from burnout—or think you might be on the brink—you need to do two things: get help and give yourself time. This is not a battle you should fight alone. Talk with a professional who is trained to address missionary burnout. And remember that you will not get through this overnight. It’s a process, so let the process work—even if it means taking a break from the field. Your mission is important, but God created you to function in a healthy way. Take the necessary steps to avoid missionary burnout so you can become the servant that God created you to be.     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.
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A Brief History of Christian Missionaries
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.
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10 Christian Missionary Organizations - Medical Missions
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.