Before a medical mission’s trip, you are typically prepared for the work you will be doing, but it’s also important to know what to expect about the overall cultural experience as well.
Here are six things you should know about medical missions:
1. Use your American “privilege” for good.
You will have many opportunities to help those around you in more ways than one. Locals will be able to spot an American from a mile away — we stand out. You are no better than those around you, but being an American has certain assumed wealth. Since people will be taking notice of you, make sure to use your “privilege” for good. Tip generously, leave belongings behind that you don’t need in the States, and support as many local markets as you can.
There’s always someone you can think of who needs a souvenir!
2. Be mindful when you take pictures.
Some places frown on people taking photos. Always ask permission before you assume it’s okay to photograph your surroundings, or especially the people! Also, don’t take advantage of the community by taking pictures and exploiting them.
You are there to serve, not to make yourself look good and “charitable.”
3. Share with the community about the organization you represent.
It’s easy to show up, build a relationship, and then leave. This can make it difficult for future groups to be trusted. Communities appreciate the help, but they watch people come and go and relationships are difficult to build with people they never see again. Plan to show up and go in explaining the organization you are representing.
It’s easier for the people there to build a relationship with the organization as a whole more than it is individual people. Build trust.
4. Try the foods you are offered!
The food will be very different, but it’s important to try at least what you are offered out of respect for those generously providing. So much time and sacrifice is put into the food in third-world countries.
Be gracious and accepting.
5. Listen.
The people will tell you their stories, and through genuinely listening, you’ll be able to better meet their needs. Sometimes there is a language barrier, so make sure there is a reliable translator always available.
Your goal is to listen and respectfully respond to the stories you hear.
6. You can only do what you can do.
Don’t try to be a savior. You are only there to meet a need and plant seeds. Don’t put the pressure on yourself to save everyone. God only calls us to be willing and say “yes” to His call. He has a plan for what happens next. You are reaching out and touching lives.
Give your all but don’t walk away blaming yourself for not fixing all of the world’s problems.
We hope these tips will help you feel better prepared to go into the mission field! Click here for more information about our upcoming trips!
See you in the mission field!
Sheri Postma, RN Founder & CEO Mission Partners for Christ MissionPartnersforChrist.com Facebook.com/MissionPartnersforChrist Twitter.com/mission_partner
I have heard people time and time again talk about how only a few people are called to be missionaries, and they just aren’t one of the few! I believe there is some truth to this. Not everyone is called away to permanently serve overseas, but we are all called to missions in different ways.
“Go and make disciples of every nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey all that I’ve commanded. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Matthew 18:19-20
The key word in the verse above is “go.” That means we can’t stay exactly where we are. Now, the verse doesn’t say how far to “go.” So how do we develop a heart for missions so we can follow in obedience to God’s call — wherever the call may take us?
We all have to start somewhere, and sometimes that is “going” right next door and sharing a cup of coffee with a neighbor you’ve never met. Sometimes it’s sitting across the table with a new couple who recently moved into your town and doesn’t know the Gospel. God calls us to serve where we live, work, and play.
But other times, God calls us farther away.
We are unlikely to say “yes” to God’s call to serve elsewhere if we don’t learn how to serve right where we are. If we can’t love those in our own communities, how we can love others around the world? The good news is that God is everywhere and loves everyone. So no matter where we are, we can follow His example of love! We can serve God in our normal, ordinary lives or in the great unknown.
The word missionary means “someone on a mission.” There is no defined place or distance that qualifies someone as a missionary. God didn’t put boundaries on where we can serve, and one day, He may call you to an uncomfortable place with unfamiliar people.
Will you go?
We were sent from the moment we were placed on this earth to help grow the kingdom of God! Wherever we go with the Lord is Holy Ground. Start serving at the place beneath your feet and then step outside your designated borders and go to anyone who needs to hear of God’s grace.
If you want to develop a heart for missions…start where you are! As you learn to love those who are close, your heart will expand and stretch to wherever God calls — near or far.
Have you been hearing us talk about the 2023 trip to Burundi and wondering how to go with us?
If so, you are in the right place to learn more about the 2023 trip to Burundi!
Our trip to Burundi, one of the smallest countries in Africa, will be 7/14-7/23. The majority of the population lives in rural areas which has led to deforestation (overpopulation), soil erosion and habitat loss. Burundians experience a great deal of poverty, corruption, poor access to healthcare, education and hunger. In fact, the World Happiness Report of 2018 ranked Burundi as the world’s least happy nation. Join us on this medical mission trip as we bring joy and the love of Jesus to the people of Burundi.
Here is a list of facts about the trip. We hope it will help you decide whether to join us! Of course, if you have any more questions don’t hesitate to contact us via email.
How much does it cost to join the 2023 trip to Burundi? Do I have to pay the entire amount to secure my spot?
The cost for our Burundi trip is $2700. Half of the balance is due 5/5/23, and the rest is due by 6/30/23. Additionally, there is a $100 application fee.
What does this trip’s cost cover?
The cost of each of our trips include meals, travel, and accommodations. If a tourism day is built into the trip, travel is included. Volunteers are responsible for the cost of souvenirs or other optional activities they wish to pursue.
Unlike most other short-term mission trip organizations, volunteers are not responsible to cover any administration fees. Every single cent you pay goes towards the costs of the trip itself.
How old do I have to be to participate in the 2023 trip to Burundi?
For liability purposes, you must be 18 years or older to participate in the 2023 trip to Burundi.
What are my responsibilities while attending this trip?
All we ask is that you are willing to serve as a unified team member and are willing to be flexible. We assign roles and discuss more specific trip responsibilities during our first team meeting which will be held via Zoom video conference. Additionally, we ask each participant to attend all team meetings, be on time during the trip, and attend all trip activities.
What type of documentation do I need to provide to attend the 2023 trip to Burundi?
All participants need to provide a passport with 2 blank pages and at least 6 months expiration date past return date of trip (7/23/23), a clear color copy of your passport, 2 additional passport photos, and a visa. (This will be discussed during our first team meeting).
Doctors and dentists must provide a clear copy of their medical degrees, certificate or evidence of completing internships, CV, a reference letter from employer, and a copy of their current medical license. Nurses must provide a clear copy of their nursing degree, nursing license, a resume, a reference letter from their employer, and an official transcript.
Are there any vaccines or other medical requirements to participate?
All volunteers are required to get a yellow fever vaccine before they can obtain their visas. We also recommend you consider getting measles, Hepatitis A and oral typhoid vaccines, as well as prescription medication to prevent malaria.
Are there any other requirements that I should know about this trip?
Yes. We do require a background check, and you sign a waiver.
I need help raising funds for the 2023 trip to Burundi. Can you help me?
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. - Col 3:12
Humility is a characteristic that is absolutely essential for missionaries. There is a reason that humility is emphasized so strongly, in Scripture, as an admirable trait for believers to possess. Humility is what keeps us grounded and allows believer to work together as one body so that we may accomplish the work that the Lord has set before us.
What Is Humility?
Humility is a quality characterized by modesty, respectfulness, and a lack of arrogance or excessive pride. It involves recognizing one’s own limitations and limitations of one’s achievements, and viewing oneself as equal to others rather than superior.
Humility involves being open-minded, approachable, and willing to learn from others. It also involves being willing to serve and putting others before oneself. In short, humility is the opposite of conceit and self-aggrandizement, and is considered of high importance throughout Scripture.
Why Is Humility Important In Missions?
Humility is a crucial aspect of missionary work because it helps create an environment in which the message of the gospel can be effectively shared and received. When missionaries approach their work with humility, they are more able to build trust with those they serve, listen to their needs, and understand their perspectives. This can help facilitate meaningful relationships and effective communication, which is essential for making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Humility can also help missionaries better navigate the challenges that often accompany mission work, such as cultural differences, language barriers, and opposition to their message. By approaching these challenges with a humble and open-minded attitude, missionaries can more easily spot their weak areas and put more effort into learning whatever needs to be learned. Humility also allows the missionary to remain focused on their ultimate goal of serving others and sharing the gospel, rather than becoming bogged down by personal pride or frustration.
Humility can also lead to personal growth and spiritual maturity for the missionary, as it helps them to remain grounded in their faith and focused on serving others rather than seeking personal recognition or success. When one recognizes that they, themselves, are a fallible human being only then can they open the door to learning and growth.
Humility Creates Better Relationships
Humility is the backbone of healthy relationship, both within a missions team and in the field with those being served.
In a team setting, humility allows for:
Improved communication
Reduced conflict
Increased cooperation
Greater flexibility and
Better decision-making all around.
When humility is allowed to surface, one’s individual feelings or needs don’t take precedence over the groups. There is a general understanding that what meets the needs of the team will also cover the needs of the individuals, and that everyone’s feelings matter.
Humility can create opportunities for deeper, more meaningful connections and understanding. When individuals approach relationships with a willingness to learn from each other, they can gain new perspectives and insights that can enrich their own lives and the relationship as a whole.
In the context of mission work, cultivating humility can lead to better relationships with those being served, as it creates an environment of respect, trust, and understanding, and allows missionaries to effectively meet the needs of those they serve. By approaching their work with humility, missionaries can build meaningful relationships with those they serve, and make a lasting impact in their lives.
Some Obstacles To Humility And How To Overcome Them
Humility doesn’t always come easily, unfortunately. We are all human, which means that we are susceptible to the same pitfalls as everyone else when it comes to remaining humble.
Some examples of obstacles may be:
Pride One of the biggest obstacles to humility is pride, or an over-inflated sense of self-importance. This can make it difficult for individuals to recognize their limitations or mistakes, and can lead to a refusal to seek help or advice from others.
Ego Another obstacle to humility is an overly inflated ego, which can cause individuals to seek recognition, praise, or attention from others. This can lead to a desire to dominate conversations or prove oneself right, rather than seeking to understand or learn from others. Our egos can also prevent us from seeing our weaknesses or areas in which we need to grow by learning from those around us.
Fear of Rejection Fear of rejection is one that most of us don’t think about as an obstacle to humility. However, fear of rejection can be a powerful motivation for not allowing ourselves to be seen as uninformed or inadequate in some way. This fear can lead individuals to try to control the impression they make on others, rather than being open and vulnerable.
To overcome these obstacles, Christians can draw on the teachings and example of Jesus, who exemplified humility and service to others. They can also seek to develop a deeper understanding of the nature of God and their own relationship with Him, which can help cultivate a spirit of humility. Seeking out the support of their community through accountability partners, mentorship, and seeking wisdom from others can also be a great way to overcome struggles to maintain humility. Another choice that believers can make is to lean into spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and self-reflection. These spiritual tools can allow Christians to remain grounded in the Lord and focused on serving others rather than seeking recognition or success.
Without humility, it would be impossible to do the God-given work and responsibility of sharing the gospel with others. It would also be impossible to sit in community with other believers due to the isolating nature of self-centeredness. When you really think about it, humility is a gift from God that leads us to true connection with the people around us – and what a beautiful gift it is!
What are your thoughts on humility and the role that it plays in the lives of Christians today? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
“Missionary: someone who leaves their family for a short time, so that others may be with their families for eternity.”
I recently came across this quote and really resonated with this meaning of missionary. You see, my husband was a missionary kid, so the idea of missions has always been a topic we discuss regularly. One recent question we had was “What if one of our children is called away to missions and desires to go?”
If you have been talking about the importance of mission work, it’s highly likely your children have been listening. They may have already started talking about going on one. If you find yourself wondering how to support your child’s desire to go on a mission trip, keep reading! We wrote this post just for you!
Here are 3 easy ways you can support your child’s desire to take their very first mission trip:
1. Encourage
Encouraging children to attend a mission’s trip may be difficult. A mission’s trip can sometimes be dangerous or the idea of your child being apart from you can feel scary. But remember to offer your support before, throughout, and upon their return home. Help your child prepare before, pack a few letters full of Bible verses like the one below for him to read during your trip and feel encouraged during the difficult times.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:19
There honestly isn’t much we can do to replace our worry other than to make time for frequent prayer. Remember, God calls us to spread the Gospel. Pray for those who will be impacted by your child. Pray for your child’s personal spiritual growth, and pray for his safety while he is away! Remember, prayer is a powerful weapon to replace fear.
Support your child’s desire to go on a medical mission trip by praying with, for, and over them regularly. Helping them tune their ears to God’s voice will always lead them to their calling. Allowing prayer to shape our hearts and soften any resistance we parents may have to our chidren joining a mission team, is essential to helping children grow more independant in their faith.
“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.” — 1 Samuel 1:27
3. Let Go
One of the worst things we can do as parents is to try to hang onto our children while they are following the will of God. Their desire to go on mission trips is no exception. Even young children can serve locally on mission teams. Check with your church to see if they have short term opportunities locally. There are also mission organizations that offer family and parent+child trips. A quick Google search will help you locate options for your family!
Remember, God doesn’t always call us to the safe and comfortable places. As parents, we want those two things for our kids but we need to be able to let go of our kids and give them room to be obedient to God. Listen with an open mind when they start discussing mission work and let God provide the means for their calling to unfold!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.“— Jeremiah 29:11
Tell us in the comments about your experience letting your children go on mission’s trips!
This year might look nothing like you planned. It may be tempting to get used to it or grumble about what has changed. But things aren’t going to stay this way forever. There is so much to look forward to! So as this year comes to a close, let’s look at three ways to continually stir up your faith.
1. Encourage Yourself in God’s Word
We can receive encouragement every day by hearing God’s word. (Romans 10:17) Not just during this season or the next–but every day. In difficult seasons or good, by making a habit of spending time in God’s word, we prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally. It can be a challenge to want to hear what is in the Bible or in prayer at times, but when we are disciplined, then we do this. We know God loves us and always has the best in mind, and we love God too…and want the best to be on our minds as well!
Discipline helps us form and maintain the habit of every day spending time in God’s word and becoming trained in it. It may not always be our first instinct to get ready for the day and then sit quietly with God, or to make that time later in the day. But if we do, we are thankful to notice God is still the best coach and mentor! He brings peace to every situation and certainly encourages us.
2. Spending Time in God’s Presence
Faith is so often stirred by spending regular time in prayer, praise, thanksgiving, and quiet time with God. If you have gotten away from this, you can go right back to it and be strengthened once more. Romans 12:12 says to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” When we make the effort to do this, it helps us be consistent in how we hope and where we place our faith.
Discouraging news can be distracting, but we have a certain hope in Christ that encourages us. Time spent worshipping God and sitting in his presence changes things. You will notice there is so much to praise him and celebrate. He truly is good and he is for you!
3. Remembering God’s Goodness
God is bringing us through this season and any other season to come. It’s just like before! He’s answered our prayers before. We each have a history with him that shows us he is faithful. There are people reading this right now who have prayed about a thing and received the answer then, soon, or years later. God listened and did not forget. Not only that, but he over-delivers. So you can stir up your faith by recalling his goodness too.
All Things Work Together for Our Good
It can be frustrating to wait. Waiting in line, waiting for an answer, waiting for the Internet to speed up. We have become so used to being able to order something with a few clicks on a website, and it’s here in a couple of days. But we know we can wait with a thankful heart. God knows what work needs to be done, and he knows just how to get all the pieces to come together in a wonderful way. Staying focused on God and his goodness might not always decrease the wait, but it will help you feel and remember how close he is to you, how good he is, and stir up your faith.
Have you been looking for a way to stay involved with medical missions trips this year? Perhaps you could consider becoming one of our volunteers, a monthly supporter through donations, or sign up to go on a medical missions trip with us! Go to our website, Mission Partners for Christ, to learn more about how to volunteer or join us. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
See you in the mission field!
