You’re Asking Me To Share What?!
On my first MPFC trip to Ethiopia in 2022, I had the fortunate privilege of being invited into the home of a local. As I went into their home, I noticed a large number of people following us in and, once inside, about 20 people crammed in the house with us. Everyone sat down and started looking at me. The local missionary then turned to me and said that those who followed us wanted to hear what I have to say and prompted me to share the Good News of the gospel!
I was so nervous as I had never shared the gospel in that situation before, and never with such a large group of people. Yet the Holy Spirit took over and I was able to share the message of Jesus. When I was finished speaking, I asked if anyone would like to accept Jesus as their Savior and about half of the people raised their hands. I had the privilege of being able to lead them in prayer.
I was extremely humbled and excited. God used ME– little old ME– to share His story with people who had never heard of the Good News. The best part is that we have also been able to confirm that the missionaries in the area have followed up the new believers with discipleship which is an important part in becoming believers.
Fine God, I’ll Get A BSN
My name is Kelly Parkin, BSN, and I am a Registered Nurse. I also consider myself a short-term medical missionary, though my call into missions came later in life than for many people.
My husband and I took our very first mission trip to Honduras in 2014. We both felt the call on that trip, and we realized that missions were our true calling. My husband followed that call into full time missions, and I joined him on many trips.
I hadn’t yet committed to a future in the medical mission field. Instead, I was a middle school counselor for 15 years. However, each time I went on a mission trip, I felt God calling me out to go back to school for a medical degree so I could do more on mission trips.
For years I kept telling myself, “no, I am too old. I already have a lot of degrees. No more school. I can’t afford it. etc…” However, The Lord just would not let me off the hook.
Finally, I heard Him say “Are you going to walk the walk and be obedient or are you going to just keep talking the talk?”
So, I decided to be obedient and trust God.
I began taking some of my science prerequisites (because, at that point, my credits were more than 10 years old!) and in May 2019 I resigned my full-time position as a counselor. I enrolled at Mercer University in their Accelerated BSN program in September 2019. I completed my BSN in 11 months – most of which was during Covid!
I graduated with my BSN in August 2020.
Since becoming a nurse, I make it a priority to go on at least one medical mission trip a year, and He ALWAYS provides the means. Even when I doubt.
Stepping Into Short-Term Missions
Being involved with Mission Partners For Christ has been life-changing.
In the past, I have done missions with my church and my family, and that will continue to happen. But it is a different experience altogether to serve on a mission trip with other believers that you have never met. It has challenged me to put my trust in Jesus. He is truly where my help comes from.
On my trip with Mission Partners For Christ to Burundi in 2023, I became ill one day and had to stay back from the clinic. It was VERY challenging and humbling. God worked on me that day and I experienced a whole new level of trust in Him. That experience reminded me that God truly is the one in control and even when things don’t go the way I expect them to, He is always there.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. – John 10:10
John 10:10 is one of my most favorite verses. It reminds me that the enemy is out there and wants to cause us trouble but Christ came to overcome and to give us ABUNDANT life. The abundance isn’t in things but in HIM. He is the abundance.
Are You Willing To Take A “FaithFall”?
Why is this work important? Christ. That is the reason. He commanded us to go and make disciples. In order to be obedient, we must go. It also gives those of us in healthcare a new perspective and allows us to become better nurses and doctors.
If you have been feeling the gentle nudge from God to get involved with medical missions, but have feelings of anxiety or doubt standing in the way: I understand. I have been there myself. But I am proof that God can use anyone!
God has shown me that if He calls you to it, He will give you the tools, the finances, the courage, all the things you need. You just have to take the step. A good friend of mine calls steps “faith falls”…that is what it is. You have faith that your foot will catch you as you fall (step) forward.
So, just do it. Sign up. God will take care of the details. If He calls you to it, He will give you the tools, the finances, the courage, all the things you need.
You just have to take the first step.
Be Part Of The 2024, “Multiply The Miracle” Impact Campaign!
Mission Partners For Christ has set a goal, and is trusting God, to raise $10,000 for medical mission trips in 2025! The best part? We have an anonymous donor who has agreed to help by TRIPLING all donations, up to $10,000 made between Nov 1-Dec 31, 2024. That means that your gift of $100 will really be $300.
These donations will help fund medical supplies, clear water filters, free clinics and more. As you think about how you want to make a lasting impact this year, would you consider donating to this cause to help us “Multiply The Miracle”? The ripple effects will make an eternal impact.
