In the United States, if our mouth hurts when we sip our morning cup of coffee, many of us might set up a dental appointment. When we chip a tooth, we call the dentist. Within an hour’s notice, our tooth can be repaired. Antibiotics or pain medication prepare us to be healthier or safer for the dentist to work on. We go to see the dentist multiple times per year for regular dental care. It’s such a blessing and benefits us to be able to eat and drink in healthy ways that support our immune systems, muscles, minds, and whole health. We don’t always think of it, but it really can be a tremendous thing for our lives.
Medical Need
This privilege of dental care access is not the case for many around the world. There are countries where there are no toothbrushes in the majority of households. Those in extreme pain or medical need may use a stick or rock to prod or remove the affected tooth. This can cause infection, injuries, or other serious health problems. Something as simple as the shape of one’s jaw or the bones in one’s face can also make eating or drinking painful or difficult. According to the WHO Africa website, as many as one in five children in Africa has suffered from a form of oro-dental/facial trauma. That is just in one region of the world.
It’s easy to see there is a serious medical need for all kinds of dental work worldwide. In many countries, though, dental schools are not only an issue of affordability but of availability. For some, there simply might not be a nearby school to study and practice. A student in the United States could choose to go to a fairly close university or dental school to train.
Fortunately, there are volunteers here and overseas who work alongside trained medical professionals to help people receive good dental care and antibiotics or medications they might need. Global medical outreaches can help bring good dental care to people who may never have seen a dentist before or who don’t have access to one. Mission Partners for Christ has worked with others in some of these outreaches. We are thankful for the dental volunteers who join us on missions trips.
Good Dental Care Matters
Good dental care help us have a healthy smile when we greet one another. It helps prevent serious illnesses from medical issues like infection or malnutrition. We bring hope in numerous ways when we address this medical need. It’s a blessing that there are groups and volunteers who come together to support this important type of health care. If you are a dentist or dental hygienist and are interested in joining us on a future trip or supporting us in another way, please go to our Mission Partners for Christ website and find out how you can join us today.
Have You Ever Been Afraid to Do Something Because of Fear?
God had a unique and sure way to deal with my fear… and the answer came through participation on a short-term mission trip to Benín, Africa in November, 2021.
I had been to Africa once with Mission Partners for Christ. In October 2019, we had served in Ethiopia. Then there was a long pause on travel due to Covid. The Benín trip would be the first mission trip opportunity post-Covid, and I was so ready to serve again. But…there was a lot of FEAR about this trip.
In the forefront, was a fear of COVID and what that could mean for any of our team members. At that time, the travel rules were very strict, and if someone acquired Covid while in Africa, there was a likelihood that we would have to stay in Benín in quarantine, and I felt uneasy about all of the unknowns about this possibility. Also, I had some fear of Benín due to this country being the origin of voodoo. Honestly, I just didn’t have a good understanding of voodoo and if it could potentially impact or harm us.
I had prayed about the trip for weeks, and with every prayer, God’s answer was a solid YES, time after time!
God Used Unique Ways to Speak to Me
A few times, I would receive a text from a friend with a Bible verse about a specific fear or worry I had expressed to the Lord while praying about the trip earlier that very day. He used friends reaching out to me, saying they had been prompted by God to send me a note, text, call or Bible verse.
I even reached out to a Missions Pastor, to ask for some advice. He had very wise words for me. He said, “Stop staying in safe places…How can you be effective when you just choose to stay safe?” So I committed to the trip, literally, on the last day of the deadline to sign up.
Then the fear actually became worse. There were times, I would cry and feel so anxious, every time I thought of the trip. It was a crazy spiritual attack and I was so aware of that, but it was still ongoing. So I began to fight back! I began to speak the name of Jesus out loud, just so the enemy had to flee. I also began to perceive that God was about to do something huge, if the enemy was trying so hard to discourage me from going!
Volunteering in Benin
The actual mission trip itself in Benín was an amazing and stretching experience, as each mission trip that I have served on, has been.
We set up medical clinics in 4 remote villages and treated 2,155 people in 4 days, and 243 people accepted Christ!!
We had an incredible team consisting of 10 from America, and over 40 African partners who served with us. We worked long hours, we loved people deeply, by God’s grace -we served well, and we gave until we were empty. I remember a team member on the last day saying, “I don’t have anything left in me to give…I laid it all out there.” That was the common sentiment amongst all of us.
Then we got on the plane to head home, and right away I began asking God to fill me back up again so that I can do this over and over again.
So Where Did The Fear Go?
Do you realize that not once while we were in Benín did I experience fear? My fear stopped exactly 3 days before we left.
And it was replaced with a deep sense of pure peace. Just calmness. Assurance in the Lord. Security. A knowing. Like the saying goes, “when you know, you know.” I knew deep down that we were going WITH God.
I fully believe that the prayers of people around me helped to wash that fear away, as many, many were praying for us! Also, just the process of feeding your faith and starving DOUBT. Why should I ever doubt or worry?
In talking with others who have a desire to serve on a mission trip abroad, but haven’t yet, I commonly hear people say that they “don’t know if they have what it takes?” Many say they’re hesitant because of how far the travel to Africa is? Is it safe there? Where will we stay? Concern over clean water and food? All of these are natural questions….but is this fear or concern enough to stop you?
Now, let me share what happened AFTER the trip to Benín!
God Works Powerfully Through Medical Missions
Job 42:5 has come to mean a whole lot to me since returning from Benín. It says, “My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have SEEN YOU!”
To me, this verse speaks about the conversion of knowing God with our HEAD, to knowing God with our HEART. Truly experiencing Him.
Due to our work in Benín, God has opened many doors for the Gospel. Over the past 11 months, since we served there, many new churches have been planted. There have been so many open doors for the spread of the Gospel. Clean water wells have been placed in 2 villages that we served in. Latrines have been placed in all 4 villages where we served. Missionaries and pastors have been encouraged and supported in their Gospel mission work. We have even seen 3 of the pastors receive motorbikes to enable them in their missionary work of spreading the Gospel!
To be able to fully comprehend ALL of the ways in which God is working things out for HIS purposes and HIS people in Benín, is what has allowed me a greater perspective of what these short-term trips are all about.
Some people will ask, “What can you really accomplish in one week?” The truth is, that the team is only on the ground for one week, but God is not working on our timetable! He is the master and creator of time. His word tells us “A day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day” (2 Peter 3:8). So we may have eyes to see the perspective of what we need to do in one week, but God is not bound by that week.
He is setting a lot of things in motion during that week while we are serving, but really, that is just the launch pad for what is coming in the weeks, months and years to follow. As I have often reflected on this trip, I literally am in AWE of how God used that week in Benín to stir up the Gospel in those 4 villages, and beyond.
And I have only mentioned what God did in Benin…I haven’t even talked about the spiritual growth that has happened to me since this experience, which has been, quite literally, a change in the trajection of my own Christian walk. I know now, why the enemy was stirring up fear. It is so obvious to me now. If he can stop us from going, he will do anything in his power to do so.
There have been several times since the Benín trip, that God has asked me to do something out of my comfort zone, and it only takes a brief reflection back on this trip, to give me the courage to say YES, and remember God’s faithfulness, on so many levels.
I want to encourage anyone who is considering going on a short-term trip abroad, just say yes!
Take a step of faith, and just trust the Lord to work things out. Nothing is too much in front of God, and there is absolutely nothing He cannot do!
As many of you know, Mission Partners For Christ is preparing to head to Guinea for our next medical missions trip – and we cannot wait! We are going to be serving a people group of more than 13,000 souls that are unreached with the gospel. We will provide health screenings, treatment, and health education during our time in Guinea.
For those who are joining us – or those thinking of joining us – it might be fun to learn a little bit about this area first. So here is a quick primer on the beautiful nation known as Guinea!
1. Guinea is a diverse nation
While the official language of Guinea is French, the country is also home to multiple language groups. While there, you might hear the following languages: Fulani, Susu, and Mandinka. source
2. Guinea is home to Africa’s Fourth Largest Mosque
In a nation where the dominant faith is Islam, it is unsurprising to discover that the fourth largest mosque – the largest in Sub-saharan Africa – is located in Conakry, Guinea, the capital city of the nation. The Grand Mosque of Conakry (also known as La Grand Mosquée de Conakry in Guinea’s official French language) opened in 1982. It features 2500 spaces on the upper level for women, 10,000 spaces on the lower level for men, and an additional 12,500 outside to accommodate bigger crowds. Source
3. Guinea Has Been an Independent Nation for Nearly 70 Years
Guinea became an independent country in 1956 under the leadership of President Ahmed Sékou Touré, but it was a long time coming. French, Portuguese, and British colonizers created the slave trade in the 15th century, which impacted Guinea until the 19th century. In 1891, Guinea became a French colony and was eventually adopted into the French West African Federation in 1906 before its eventual declaration of independence in the 1950s. Source
4. The Flag of Guinea Holds Powerful Symbolism
While many might be struck by the vivid colors in Guinea’s national flag, it may not be common knowledge that each color symbolizes something about the nation’s identity. According to former President Sékou Touré,
Red is the color of sacrifice and labor
Yellow is the color of mineral wealth, the sun, and justice
Green is the color of solidarity and the wealth of the agricultural lands of Guinea
One fun fact you may not have been aware of is that up to one half of the world’s bauxite reserves are found in Guinea. The rest of the world, including the USA, relies heavily on the ability to import minerals like bauxite for their in-country aluminum production. Bauxite isn’t the only mineral in this West African nation; high-grade iron ore, diamonds, and alluvial gold are also highly sought-after resources. As of 2007, uranium has also been discovered in Guinea. Source
6. Guinea Is Famous For Its Luxurious Beaches
The coastline of Guinea goes on, seemingly, forever. It spans a distance of 200 miles (or 320 km) and features well-known beaches such as Cape Verga, Sobane Beach, and Bel Air Beach. If you really have the itch to explore, you can take a ferry and travel a little distance off the coast of Corakny. You will also find the famous îles De Los, which has become popular with tourists in recent years. Known for its beaches and forests, Îles De Los will leave you with a sense of awe.
Nearly 36% of the nation’s landmass is considered protected territory, which preserves much of Guinea’s indigenous plants and wildlife. Within these protected spaces, you can find several national parks:
8. Despite Its Wealth of Natural Resources, Guinea Remains One of the World’s Poorest Countries
According to The Borgen Report,
“The poverty statistics in Guinea are staggering, especially in rural areas. 55 percent of people live below the poverty line, and unemployment rates are very high. Hunger also poses a serious threat, with 17.5 percent of the population experiencing food insecurity, 230,000 children suffering from moderate acute malnutrition and 25.9 percent of the population experiencing chronic malnutrition.”
Music is deeply connected to the heart of Guinea culture. Famous for originating certain musical instruments, like the kora, and styles like Manding Music (The traditional music of the Susu people). Guinea is also home to famous recording artist, Mory Kanté.
As previously noted, the majority religion in Guinea is Islam, making up 85% of the population, while Christians make up 8% of the Guinea population. Another 7% hold to indigenous beliefs.
This final point brings us back to why we are going.
Mission Partners For Christ longs to share the love of Jesus with those who have yet to meet Him. Through our health clinics, we pray that our patients will experience that love. They will learn that there is a God who loved them enough to send His Son, Jesus Christ, for them and that they are worthy of access to healthcare and health education.
We hope you will consider joining us on this trip to experience this beautiful nation and the people who call Guinea home.
We are looking for anyone with a willing heart. If you have medical experience – we have a place for you. If you don’t have medical expertise, we still need your help.
To learn more about where we are going and how we plan to serve the people of Guinea, we invite you to check out our volunteer page. There you will learn all the relevant details: the travel dates, the cost, the location, and our Covid-19 precautions.
Imagine you are a parent who has walked a long way from home on a deeply rutted road of hot red clay. The sun shines brightly overhead and all around you. Motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles occasionally pass you. You look down each time at the child in your arms, but she does not wake up. She has been ill for about a week and is worn out from walking part of the way. She stirs only when you sit to give her water and food to eat. About a mile ahead of you is a medical outreach event. Your hope is great. There are canopies with chairs to sit in and open buildings. Friendly faces look up in your direction and wave. You are welcome here. Not only are you welcome here, but you are prepared for, hoped for, and expected. You are prayed for and rejoiced over.
Imagine Finding Out That God Loves You
Now imagine you find out that it is not only the medical clinic volunteers but also Jesus–the Son of God–who is happy you are welcome here and that you have arrived. You may have heard that there is someone called Jesus who is supposed to be the Son of God, but you did not know about Him.
Or you may have heard good things about Him, but did not think He still does those things. You did not know He personally cares for you, your child, your neighbor, and so much more. Hearing from the Bible for the first time ever has brought so much joy to your heart that you want to give your life to Christ. You want your child’s life to be dedicated too, and you pray with the volunteers that she recovers so she can hear the good news too. You want her to know she is welcome to know Jesus.
When We Welcome the Unreached
This is just one scenario that could take place in thousands of different ways each day. When we welcome unreached peoples, we not only extend care and kindness to them, but we share the good news of Jesus. They get to see it expressed through us as well. For many–especially those who have endured war, famine, or other serious issues, this might be first certain good news they have heard in a while. It encourages them and bolsters their faith. They believe God is with them as they learn about health concepts in a way they had not heard before. They believe it is possible to make new habits. It seems true that things will get better. Some may have heard naysaying about their situations. Now they can listen to someone who speaks with the voice of reason and feel courageous faith burgeoning from within.
When someone is welcomed not only with help they may have hoped for, but with the Source of all hope, something changes. It’s not just another day they hoped for anymore. It’s the beginning of a brand new life. Some troubles may be the same, but now they know God. Their perspective is filling up with faith even if they do not see the precise result they expected just yet. They welcome God and tell other people all about Him.
Would You Like to Welcome the Unreached Too?
There are people all over the world who have yet to hear the truth about Jesus. Many of them also have other unmet needs. One way we are able to help them is by providing medical care they may lack access to. If you believe you would like to be a part of supporting our endeavor by volunteering to join a medical missions trip, check out the Volunteer page on our website. Donors are appreciated too, if you believe you’re called to give and would like to. You also are welcome to learn more about us by reaching out to us here or on our Facebook page, Mission Partners for Christ. We want you to know that we are thankful for you and you are welcome here.
One very common, and understandable, concern we hear from potential applicants to one of our medical mission trips is, “will I be protected from Covid?”
The Covid-19 pandemic has cost too many lives and left many more grieving and dealing with the impact of long-term health conditions connected to the pandemic. There is a common feeling of anxiety when venturing out into the world because we can see that there are risks to our health that we’ve never had to worry about before. Many people want to know that their health is a priority when volunteering to join us on one of our medical mission trips.
Friends, we want to assure you that we hear you and we share your concerns. Covid is one thing that we at Mission Partners For Christ take very seriously.
We have done our due diligence to ensure that every person who travels with us will be safe on the trip. During Covid, we have gone on multiple mission trips that required testing before, during, and after the trip. Not one person has gotten infected during their time serving with us.
So today, let’s talk a bit about how we, as an organization, safeguard against infection.
We Listen to Health And Government Authorities
When preparing to travel abroad, we listen to the advice and requirements of our local health authorities who can advise us of the best way to protect ourselves from becoming sick with Covid.
We also pay close attention to the requirements of the countries we plan to visit. Since each nation has its own requirements with regard to Covid-19, it is important that we follow their requirements closely; some countries require testing on arrival and some require proof of vaccination.
Two of the resources we use, Sherpa and CDC, help us to stay informed as to the current state of the global pandemic in the nation that we are planning to travel to. We also get our information directly from the ministry of health of the nation we are planning to travel to.
Another helpful resource that we use is the Worldometer statistics website which keeps track of Covid-19 trends around the world.
These resources help us to decide if a trip will be safe for our volunteers or if it is better to reschedule.
We Have Requirements For Our Volunteers To Follow
The first and best step in our Covid preparedness plan is to remind our volunteers that they can do a lot to protect themselves. In order to protect against potential Covid-19 infections, we require that our volunteers follow best practices as listed by organizations like the CDC.
Several examples that we ask of our volunteers are as listed:
– Finish their vaccine series at least 2 weeks before our travel date. We also recommend additional booster shots when available and recommended by health professionals.
– Submitting documentation to Mission Partners For Christ that the vaccination requirement has been met. This is not only to meet legal requirements set forth by the countries we serve, it also provides assurance to the rest of our team that everyone is vaccinated. – Sign our waiver acknowledging the responsibility to monitor one’s own health and quarantine when necessary. This places the onus of responsibility back onto the individual team member to care for their own bodies and protect the rest of the team by not needlessly exposing them to possible infection.
We Talk With Our Ministry Partners
One important part of our decision-making process is to remain in close contact with our ministry partners who are based in the communities we plan to serve. They are able to give us a better understanding of what is happening in the area. They can alert us as to the infection rate numbers within the community and what precautions they advise. We will also decide together if it is safe to travel in light of whatever the current Covid-19 situation might be.
To be perfectly transparent with you, reader, we will never make the call to travel when we believe that it is unsafe for us to do so. In the past couple of years, we have had to make the difficult choice to postpone trips due to infection rates. While we hate to have to make that call, we recognize the importance of prioritizing our team’s health.
We also believe that God will re-open that door to travel back to these places when it is safer.
We Pray
This is the most important part of the process. We make a point to go to God in prayer. We ask for wisdom in making the best choice for our team and for the community we wish to serve. It is our deepest desire to go if it is at all possible.
Our founder, Sheri Postma had this to say,
The most important thing we do is PRAY! God is calling us to serve those with limited access to medical care and unreached with the gospel. We can trust that God will protect us from coming in contact with someone with covid.
Sheri Postma
Continuing to discuss the importance of why we must go when it is safe to travel, Sheri also says,
Poverty has risen significantly during the pandemic. Families have to make a decision about obtaining medication for their illness-malaria, high blood pressure, or feeding their family. During each of our trips, we bring a great deal of medication but most importantly we provide very necessary health education. Medical missions is needed more now than ever before.
Sheri Postma
Will You Join Us?
Knowing that we will prioritize your health and safety on our medical mission trips, we hope that you will consider joining us on an upcoming medical mission trip.
Our next trip to Ethiopia is already booked up. However, we have another trip coming up in February to a country called Guinea. During our time in Guinea, we will serve in 4 different areas amongst this people group. We will provide screenings, treatment, and health education. We pray that they see the love of Jesus and through this outreach, many will be saved. The deadline to apply for this trip is November 12, 2022 – and is sure to fill up fast. Don’t miss out.
If you are unable to make it to Guinea with us, never fear! You can still join us on a medical mission trip. We have a few more trips planned for the 2023/2024 season, several of these trips were rescheduled from early on in the pandemic. Keep your eyes peeled to our website and our social media accounts for more information!
Each year thousands of volunteers travel around the world to care for people with little or no access to adequate medical care.
Nonprofit organizations like Mission Partners for Christ specialize in organizing teams to provide free care, often in remote locations where there are no local physicians. For the people who live in these areas, our free clinics are their only opportunity to receive health screenings, preventative care, and medical treatments without traveling great distances. Our volunteers also teach clinic visitors about hygiene and nutrition and offer dental and vision screenings. When we leave the USA, our bags are packed with over-the-counter medications, treatment supplies, and vitamins to distribute to local families who need them.
As a Christian medical missions organization, we know that we bring more than medical care to our free clinics.
We bring hope and eternal healing that can only be found in Jesus Christ. We partner with local faith-based agencies to help community members connect with local Christians who will mentor them as they learn more about the Gospel.
Mission Partners for Christ relies heavily on physicians, nurses, techs, and other medical providers to volunteer their expertise in our temporary clinics. None of our medical providers receive payment for their services, everyone volunteers their time and pays for their own travel. Unlike other organizations, Mission Partners for Christ does not add administration or supply fees to the travel expenses. These are covered by individual and corporate donations from across the country.
It may surprise you to know a large number of volunteers are not medical providers. Our medical missions teams provide basic health education, weigh and measure our patients, and distribute free supplies. There are plenty of jobs to do and we welcome people from all professions to serve on our teams.
Still have more questions about what our medical mission teams do?
Send us a quick message here so our team can answer your questions about medical missions and how you can be a part of them! If you are ready to serve, we can carve out the perfect place on our team where you can have the greatest impact!
See you in the mission field!
Sheri Postma, RN
Founder & CEO
Mission Partners for Christ
MissionPartnersforChrist.com
Facebook.com/MissionPartnersforChrist
Twitter.com/mission_partner
We bring hope and eternal healing that can only be found in Jesus Christ. We partner with local faith-based agencies to help community members connect with local Christians who will mentor them as they learn more about the Gospel.
