Content Resources

Scores of creative ministries are providing quality healthcare to marginalize people in the name of Jesus here in the United States. This session will look at the problems of access of care for the poor, and the problems of sustainability and spiritual care integration for health and healing ministries who work with under-resourced communities. We will share several best-practice models of care that are providing superior care to the sickest and neediest among us, and doing it as both an expression of and a platform for the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

In these days of numerous natural disasters we are blessed to be a blessing around the world but we must be well prepared for all contingencies. This session will take a look at the essential preparedness for disaster relief—specificities of surgery in time of natural disaster, health management after a disaster, appropriate surgical technology (what works on the field), lessons learned from the field, personal security, trip planning, and logistics. Crowds and mobs, hostile negotiations, entry/travel/ vehicle checks, convoy driving and control, and field hospital set up and site assessment will be covered. I will save some time for questions and answers in this important area of disaster relief where we want to do it all with excellence for the glory of the Lord.

Oral lesions can present clues of a systemic disease—the appearance, the character
of the lesions, the size, the duration, and the location of the lesions can give some insight as to a possible systemic disease. On the mission field, without all the desired tests and studies, it is very helpful to have an idea what lesions may be part of a system disease and what lesions are most likely to respond to local measures. There will be time for questions and answers.

Dental emergency care with a basic overview of dental emergencies for non-dental health care practitioners in limited resource situations including a brief course in dental evaluation and treatment.

This session will focus on how to teach a technical skill. The session will include a brief literature review on skill development, a discussion of teaching strategies including simulation for the low budget educator, and a brief outline of cognitive task analysis
as a tool in developing an educational program. An interactive format will be utilized.

The objective of the session is to show how short-term missions can break the cycle of dependency by teaching basic medical and dental skills to the church community. This then empowers the church to provide a sustainable healthcare model to share the Gospel.

With the increasing frequency of natural disasters and the church’s heart to respond,
we are witnessing a great number of volunteers working in areas impacted by disasters. Establishing a sound strategy of engagement is critical to insure team safety and security, as well as to insure that our response is appropriate and will “first do no harm,” and second
will accomplish the desired outcome in relief, recovery, and development. Priorities and best practice standards for disaster relief will be discussed, which will be relevant to both domestic and international involvement.

Women in the Window outlines key opportunities to bridge the gap between the incredible need and timely opportunity for women to extend influence and impact as they discover their unique purpose in the global community. During this session we unlock treasures from God’s Word as we explore the value of women through the stories of biblical women like Ruth, Lydia, Deborah, or Priscilla. We also focus on life stories and impact of women living in the developing world, often known as the 10/40 Window or Global South, and specifically how preventative health education can play a pivotal role.

Tropical travel is frequently associated with concerns about being bitten or stung. Although most of these injuries are minor, some can be dangerous or even life threatening. The worst offenders are reviewed and practical strategies offered for bite/sting prevention and treatment.

Most healthcare providers from the US or Europe that are planning to work in
the developing world lack knowledge and experience with even the most common tropical diseases. A variety of excellent courses have sprung up to meet this need but the choice of which course to take can be daunting. This session will help you choose which option is best for you.

Modern travelers are very fortunate in having an array of very effective vaccinations to prevent many travel-related diseases. The judicious use of these vaccines is now an essential part of travel preparation. New vaccines in particular will be emphasized.