The fields of nursing and medical missions have a long and fascinating history together. Arguably, one could say that medical missions began during the days that Jesus walked the earth, as He was the very first one. Jesus demonstrated for us that God doesn’t just care about our spiritual health, He is also deeply invested in our physical well-being:
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.
– Matthew 4:23-25, NKJV
History of Nursing in Medical Missions
Nursing has long been one of the most essential – and most courageous – callings in medical missions. While today’s mission field is served by both men and women whose skilled hands bring healing to communities around the world, the historical roots of nursing in Christian missions were largely carried by women. Women have been leading medical missions for well over a century. In a world that sought to limit what women could do and where they could go, God called them to more. In His eternal wisdom, the Lord drew brave women forward to demonstrate the spiritually healing power of the gospel through care for the physical body – and they answered.
Florence Nightingale (1820–1910):Florence is often considered one of the pioneers of nursing in mission work, though she might not technically be the “first” missionary nurse. Her work in the Crimean War (1853-1856) is widely recognized as groundbreaking in the field of nursing and had a significant impact on healthcare in mission settings.
Mary Slessor (1848-1915): A Scottish missionary to Nigeria, Mary worked as both an evangelist and a nurse, though her nursing was largely self-taught.
Amy Carmichael (1867-1951): Amy was an Irish missionary who spent 55 years in India without furlough. She is best known for her work rescuing children from temple prostitution, founding the Dohnavur Fellowship to provide a home for these children, and writing numerous books on missionary work and Christian living.
The Various Kinds Of Nurses Who Have Served With Mission Partners For Christ
Nurses from all walks of life and specialization have generously given their time, energy, and expertise to serve with Mission Partners For Christ in the medical mission field. We could not be more grateful for all the amazing people we’ve been blessed to work alongside to share the love of Jesus.
Because God called certain people to be missionary nurses, even if it was just for one trip, the legacy of the Gospel has touched dozens of underserved communities.
It is not an exaggeration to say that hundreds, even thousands, of unreached Africans will come to know Jesus because these nurses said, “yes!” to God’s call. Because the gospel, once told and understood, lights a fire that cannot be quenched.
- Aryana, RN travel nurse
- Sophia, LPN home health nurse, school nurse, & missionary nurse
- Robbin, NP mental health
- Melanie, RN Emergency Department
- Tiffany, RN Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse Clinical Coordinator
- Jordan, RN ICU Staff Nurse
- Amanda, travel nurse
- Komlan, RN nurse manager
- Akouete, Home Health and Nurse Faculty
- Traci, NP home health
- Rosemary, NP missionary nurse
- Kathleen, RN school nurse, missionary nurse
- Talaya RN School Nurse
- Paul RN
- Amelia Retired, Assistant Nurse Manager
- And many more!
What Kind Of Nurses Are We Looking For?
In a nutshell: if you are a nurse, there is a place for you on one of our upcoming medical mission trips!
Having a variety of nurses ensures that we have the expertise needed in the mission field to treat as many people as possible. While there are things that we cannot do at our free medical outreach clinics, the skills used in every day nursing can easily transfer and adapt in the ways needed in basic healthcare.
So to sum up: if you are a nurse who has been feeling a tug on your heart to share the love of Jesus, we want to hear from you!
Join Our Next Medical Mission Trip!
While spots are going fast, we still have a few openings left in our 2027 medical mission trips to Kenya! Stay tuned for 2028 opportunities…
We hope you’ll prayerfully consider committing to serve with us.
Kenya
October 8-17, 2027
Kenyan culture is diverse and community‑centered. Traditions include music, dance, storytelling, and strong family structures. Rural communities continue to value elders, ceremonies, and traditional practices. Agriculture, especially tea, coffee, and horticulture play a major role in the economy. Many rural families rely on subsistence farming. In remote rural areas there are traditional African beliefs. Some that have been exposed to Christianity have blended it with their tribal beliefs.
Healthcare access in rural Kenya is limited. Many communities travel long distances to clinics that have shortages of medical staff and limited resources. Common health challenges include malaria, HIV/AIDS, and maternal health concerns. In addition, many health issues are related to lack of access to clean water. Our team will provide (WASH) Water, sanitation and hygiene education in the communities we serve.
Learn more and sign up here.
Learn more about our medical mission trips here.
