One of the most common bits of feedback we hear from our volunteers is how the medical mission team felt like family. This is one of the reasons why our return rate for volunteers is higher than any other short-term medical mission organization; when you serve on one of our teams you will find new life-long friends who quickly become extended family.
The best example of this phenomenon, to date, is our Sierra Leone medical mission team from our 2024 trip.
Who Went?
In March of 2024, our team of 10 volunteers traveled from Chicago, Detroit, and Dulles to meet up together in Sierra Leone in the early days of March.
Our list of volunteers included two registered nurses, two nurse practitioners, one physician, one physician assistant, and three non-medical professionals.
Our team was made up of Barb, Bill, Kim, Mitchell, Randy, Rosemary, Jen, Tammy, Sheri, and Toshie.
Months before we ever touched ground in Africa, our team was already busy bonding behind the scenes. Through our Zoom meetings, group Bible studies, and our group WhatsApp chat, friendships were being formed.
The feeling of friendship and family wasn’t just limited to the team members coming from the USA. Our team also bonded with those we worked alongside once we arrived in Sierra Leone. Not long ago, one of our team members received a voice message:
“We want to see you people back. We’re missing you here so much. you got fun. Trust me, I’ve never lived with people like you before.
Your staying here was so lovable. I never wanted you people
to go…Extend my greetings to the rest of you. Tell them we love you people so much. And we may like to see you
back home to Sierra Leone!”
– Samba, driver for the MPFC medical mission team
(shared with permission)
Why Does Friendship Matter In Medical Missions?
Friendship is the cornerstone of serving together on a medical mission team, embodying the very essence of unity and compassion that drives our mission. In the mission field, where challenges are numerous and the environment is often unpredictable, the bonds of friendship provide the support and encouragement needed to persevere.
How Are You Feeling About The Trip Overall?
“It was so great! I don’t want to go home. Of all the teams [I’ve served on], this one has been my favorite of any trip. As far as our medical care,
our team served hard and lovingly, and we brought a lot of hope
to these people.” – Rosemary
—
What Stands Out Most About Your Time Serving On
This Trip?
“From the first day, the welcome we received from everyone.
The sharing and prayers of our team,and the support for one another.” –
-Barb
These relationships foster trust, open communication, and a sense of belonging, allowing each team member to contribute their best. The shared experiences and mutual respect cultivated through friendship not only enhance our ability to serve effectively but also reflect the love and solidarity that we aim to extend to the communities we serve. Together, as friends and partners in Christ, we transform our collective efforts into powerful acts of healing and hope.
Not only does friendship help to create unity as the team serves together in person, it also creates a kind of safety net for individuals to fall back on when they need a little encouragement in their day-to-day lives after returning home and for their individual ministry efforts at home. In the time the team has served together, they have learned that they have a reliable group of people to turn to when they need prayer and encouragement. They also know that they have a personal cheering squad when they have good news to share.
What Stands Out Most About Your Time Serving On This Trip?
“The extraordinary teamwork, the love, unity,
fellowship of the US team!” – Randy
Are You Ready To Serve God While Making New Lifelong Friends?
Is God calling you to missions? You never know who you might meet that could end up being your new adopted family member!
Right now, we have several medical mission trips open for applications, but don’t wait because applications are filling up fast. Once a trip is full, we can place you on a waitlist, but there’s no guarantee a spot will open up.
“I’ve never felt kinship and unity with
another group of people like I did all of you. 🥰
I burst into tears the other day just thinking of
when I get to see you all again. I don’t want to miss
a second of time I can spend with you guys.
We are “the team!” – Tammy
