People don’t care how much you know but they will see how much you care.
This is how Jesus lived. It’s why He was so different.
Why is medical mission work important? Because someone out there is waiting for hope; hope for a better future–both physically and spiritually. And you may be someone’s answer in this world. An answer that only you can provide and no one else. so we must be obedient to the call, and it is a call.
My name is Traci. I am a family nurse practitioner and I am also a medical missionary.
Here is my story of how God called me and the things I was privileged to witness and experience in the mission field.
Obeying The Call
My story begins many years ago.
I entered the health field at the young age of 17 as a certified nursing assistant in my junior year of high school at the local Vo-Tech. It wasn’t until age 27 that I went back to school for nursing and completed my RN degree. At 40 I went back to complete my masters in nursing and became a nurse practitioner because I knew that my calling was to help people to a greater degree.
As I deepened in my nursing career, I learned about the opportunity to use my medical skills to not only help people, but to also share the gospel and tell others about Jesus. I was approached in church by a doctor who participated in many mission trips and she encouraged me to go.
I won’t lie; I was afraid to say yes and be obedient to the Lord’s call into the mission field. I used to have a great fear of going to an African nation before my first trip.
I had to really pray that fear away and I began to rely on God, remembering that He has not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.
I also leaned a lot on Romans 8:28:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28, NIV
I am now so glad that I did not allow my fear to hold me back. I have had the blessing of being able to serve on many medical mission trips in the last couple of years, and I truly believe my purpose is found in ministering through health and sharing about Jesus on these trips.
There is no greater feeling than to be able to use my talent and skill as a caregiver and provider on the mission field. It is so fulfilling!
I have always taken care of people, it’s just in my nature, but to be able to provide care for someone who has never had that opportunity to experience being cared for is just priceless.
You really can’t put it into words how it feels when you give of your time and show compassion to those who are hurting, sick and have little hope.
The People You Meet In The Mission Field
My medical experience and my passion for the lost and hurting blend together so well. People won’t always remember what you did but they will remember how you made them feel.
I want to leave everyone I encounter feeling better.
I began serving with Mission Partners For Christ in 2022. It was my first mission trip and we were in a closed country, meaning you couldn’t openly share the Gospel. One story, in particular, stands out to me about that time.
After finding out that I get a wee bit motion sick sitting in the back seats of the team bus, I started sitting up front everyday with our “chauffeur.” After spending a little bit of time with this man, God laid it on my heart to just show him love. So I began to bring him breakfast and a snack every morning.
By the end of the trip, we were the best of friends and were laughing together constantly. When he dropped us off at the airport, and it was time to say goodbye, I gave him a hat as a gift and told him “God bless you.” I will always remember him and cherish our friendship.
Another fond memory from that trip was of an elderly man who asked me how far I’d come. I knew from studying google maps that it was over 8,000 miles from my home. He was amazed at that and said that “no one had ever come to see about them.”
I told him I would do it again.
You never forget the wonderful people God places on your path when you say, “yes!” to His call.
Preparing For The Field
Mission trips fill me up like an empty vase every single time. Serving God and ministering to others is a nourishment for my soul like none other. But preparing to answer the call doesn’t happen overnight. It’s an intentional process of seeking God’s wisdom, will, and guidance.
I won’t leave the country if I’m not spiritually prepared with prayer, the Word, fasting, and just asking God to use me.
I spend as much time in the Word as possible in the weeks before a medical mission trip. I participate in the team Bible chat daily. I also try to eat healthy and be active prior to going. It’s also important to drink plenty of water and get ample rest.
You can’t pour out of a cracked pitcher so we must stay filled with good things and that includes what we eat, drink and think!
Just Say Yes To God’s Call!
Missions, like any other ministry, isn’t a one-size-fits-all; God created us with many gifts and strengths, and He will use those as we walk in obedience.
Not all are called to go into the mission field, but all are called to serve in some capacity. If you are called to stay, even if it’s just for right now, there are so many ways to serve in missions right from your own home.
You can definitely pray for those who do go.
You can give an offering to a ministry that supports missions.
You can even sponsor someone’s trip.
God will honor that and it will be just like YOU were on the mission field, changing lives.
If you are called, you will know. God will strategically place the right people, finances, miracles, time off work, dog sitters, spousal support, whatever is needed, God will provide it.
Just trust Him and take that first step and say
“YES, I will go. SEND ME!”
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.
