MedicalMissions.com Podcast

India distinguishes itself as one of the worst places in the world to die (Lancet 2015). In rural areas, because of a severe lack of access to appropriate health care, disease often simply ravages the bodies of our precious people completely unchallenged. A host of factors preclude good quality of remaining life, and a good death. Home based palliative care in this scenario is a breath of fresh air, bringing relief, comfort and hope, thus affirming the dignity of human life grounded in Imago Dei Speaker(s): Ashita Singh Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/impact-of-a-replicable-model-of-palliative-care-in-underserved-rural-indian-communities

After a brief overview of the global challenges that human Trafficking presents, we will discuss the role of Christians in the fight. We will present a situation report and tools that Medical Ambassadors International uses to address the problem from a grassroots perspective. We will showcase partnerships with local actors, teaching resources used in different cultural settings and the impact of networks to eliminate Trafficking. Speaker(s): Dr. Bibiana Mac Leod, MD; Zuzana Polackova MS,M.Ed Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/taking-action-against-human-trafficking-from-within-communities

Refugees & Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) face significant challenges to their health & well-being. Caring for people in these situations requires an understanding of their unique needs as well as having realistic goals regarding what can & cannot be done for them. Our experiences in providing healthcare for the victims of in Zaire, Indonesia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Honduras, Nepal, Kurdistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Haiti, Philippines, & other places – both natural & manmade – highlight the need to be well prepared when serving in these difficult situations. Speaker(s): Mitch Duininck MD, FAAFP Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/caring-for-victims-of-humanitarian-disaster-and-military-conflict

I have been pursuing missions as a single female for the past 10 to 15 years. There are so many opinions from the church about what it means to be single and a believer, as well as being a single believer pursuing missions. I am no expert in the field of singleness, relationships, or dating. The goal of this session is to have a panel discussion of the extreme points of view on singleness in the church and try to find a more balanced approach to loving those who are single well in the church. Speaker(s): Clara Formby Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/seeking-truth-in-singleness

How do you keep up with the demands of ministry while balancing the needs of your family, not to mention your own needs? How do you keep doing more with less? How do you protect yourself from burnout while advocating for the least of these? How do you establish boundaries without neglecting the needs of your community? What does work–life – balance look like? These are some of the questions Dr. Thomas and his wife, Jessie hope to explore as they share lessons from the field. Dr. Thomas serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Dayspring Family Health Center answering a call to serve vulnerable and marginalized communities. Jessie serves as the National Director of Student Programming at Christian Community Health Fellowship (CCHF.) They have three teenage children. Serving their family and discipling their children are some of their top priorities. They are also active leaders in their local church. Despite the busyness and numerous challenges of ministry and family life, they have learned the importance of balance, boundaries, and rest. Speaker(s): Jessie Thomas; Geogy Thomas Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/staying-alive-finding-peace-in-the-chaos-of-missional-living

Motivating People to Change Their Health Habits Speaker(s): Dave MD, MA (Bioethics) Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/motivating-people-to-change-their-health-habits

Living on Mission in Healthcare Anywhere Speaker(s): Bob Mason; Helena Torres Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/living-on-mission-in-healthcare-anywhere

Hear healthcare missionaries share their journeys. In the first hour hear a panel of two docs and two nurses answer your questions as well as: - How do I find God’s guidance in the journey? - Why and how do I connect with a mentor or agency or team or training? - What if my spouse or family are not supportive of me doing missions? The second hour will be small discussion group with a missionary coach and others like you in your current stage: - Exploring full-time missions - Heading towards full-time missions - Single or married One participant shared after one of these discussions, “I felt so overwhelmed at the size of GMHC. It was easy to feel lost in the crowd. In the Exploring small group discussion I was able to share my questions and fears.” Speaker(s): John McVay Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/exploring-the-journey-to-full-time-missions-agencies-funding-singlesfamilies-guidance

STUDENTS and Residents will learn about original motivation, long-haul stamina, pearls and pitfalls of living in community, debt, vision for one’s next step to the nations, and helping those in need Today tensioned with investing in education to help others later. Hear from a dentist, physician, PT student, an international missionary doctor and a student minister. Speaker(s): Jessie Thomas; David in Christ; Katherine Musser; Elizabeth Redican; Adam Tes Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/the-training-years-a-students-guide-to-a-missional-life

Join us for a dynamic and engaging 2-hour interactive workshop exploring "The Impact of Global Trends on Cross-Cultural Missions." This session will delve into key global trends—such as technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, migration patterns, and cultural changes—that significantly influence the landscape of global gospel proclamation. Through a balanced mix of insightful presentations, collaborative table discussions, and lively group interactions, participants will examine both the opportunities and challenges these trends present to missionary work. Together, we will think deeply about strategic adaptations and innovative approaches to position ourselves and our ministries effectively for the future. This workshop is designed to foster a shared learning environment where we can collectively discern how to navigate and lead through an ever-evolving global context. Speaker(s): Michael VanHuis Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/the-impact-of-global-trends-on-cross-cultural-missions

Becoming involved in healthcare education can provide a way for healthcare workers and laypersons to be part of a strategic plan to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Deciding to use this strategy as a bridge to the Gospel means understanding what it means to serve in a cross-cultural context before ever going anywhere. Learn about this exciting opportunity to meet the needs of communities, build relationships and lasting partnerships, and show the love of Jesus. Speaker(s): Rebecca Meyer; James D. Smith; G Randall Bond Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/using-healthcare-education-as-a-mission-field-in-a-global-setting

In Honor-Shame cultures, people can misinterpret and see in our actions merit making, proselytization or apostasy, however pure our motivation may be. We will look at honor-shame based worldviews, come to understand how people may interpret what we do and look at risks and practices that may help us show and share God’s love appropriately. The workshop will use observations from relief and urban poor work in SE Asia. Application is relevant both overseas or close to home. Speaker: Alex T. Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/honor-shame-dynamics-how-to-serve-effectively

Aspiring missionaries face daunting obstacles that will only be overcome with spiritual weapons and practices. This session will concentrate on four irreplaceable strategies that will prepare medical missionaries for battle--and victory. We'll explore internalizing the Gospel, hearing from God through His Word, developing a theology of suffering, and operating within the Body of Christ. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; speaker: Rick Donlon, MD Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/spiritual-prereguisites-for-fruitful-kingdom-work

Spiritual Building Blocks for Fruitful Kingdom Work Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM and November 8 2024 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Session block #2 Speaker name(s):Rick Donlon, MD Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/spiritual-building-blocks-for-fruitful-kingdom-work

This session will describe how a inner-city Community Health Center in Buffalo, N.Y. that serves at risk pregnant women and their babies can be duplicated in a diverse, rural and under-resourced foriegn setting. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Session block #2 Speaker name(s): Paul Violanti and Heidi Nowak WHNP, FNP, CLC Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/reaching-the-nepalese-himalayan-mountain-communities-through-health-care

In healthcare there is a need for motivated and passionate leadership. Having a sense of "call" to a specific place and vocation at a specific time can help providers feel a sense of purpose and commitment. However, for those whom this service has a deeper spiritual meaning, there may be a deeper sense of call that transcends these smaller calls and leads us into even greater service. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM and November 8 2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM  Session block #2 Speaker name(s):Scott Dooley Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/finding-and-following-gods-call

This session focuses on the role of women in missions including opportunities, challenges, and preparation for service. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Session block #2 Speaker name(s): Rebekah Naylor Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/women-on-mission

A spinal cord injury is so much more than just the inability to walk. This session will discuss the physical, emotional, and spiritual (and sexual!) impact of SCI that every medical practitioner needs to know. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Session block #2 Speaker name(s): Jenny Smith Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/what-you-need-to-know-about-spinal-cord-injuries-the-physical-emotional-and-spiritual-impact

In a brilliant editorial by Ralph Winter over 20 years ago, he wrote that of all those “called” into missionary service only 1 of 100 make it! Why? Because of the lack of mobilizers, or mentors. This breakout session will consider the WHY, WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW of mentoring. What is it? Who and what needs to be mentored? And, how can you find the resources that are available? Join us to hear stories, learn insights and focus on your desire to journey with God and to ultimately glorify Him through your medical (healthcare) mission ministry. This session will describe the WHY, WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & WHY of mentoring. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; speaker: Neil Thompson Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/mentoring-for-future-healthcare-missionaries

Does God want you to be happy? And how important is happiness as we pursue God's mission? We are often faced with the false choice between happiness and suffering, let's figure out a better way. In our work starting a health center in a large refugee community, we have learned so much from our staff that has challenged our "Western" perspectives on happiness. Join us as we discuss the history of happiness and the church and its relevance to today. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; speaker: Andrew Kim Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/are-you-happy

I'll share what we did as a team to incorporate 10-15 hours of corporate prayer into our weekly schedule while working full time as an NGO and the difference it made on team life, personal and spiritual lives and how it expanded our hearts for the people and region in which we were living. I'll share practical ways to increase prayer times overseas and explain how vital it is for health, fruit and longevity. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM and November 8 2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Session block #2 Speaker name(s): Emelia J. Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/the-power-of-prayer

The Bible contains a narrative, a story, about God's gracious plan in Christ to redeem us from our sin. Believers are brought into that story. This story isn't something we just know and learn about but we are called to take our place in it. Missions is hard-wired to that story. Rather than thinking of our basis for missions as simply a collection of "missions" texts (and there are many!), the Bible tells a story that spans from one end of Scripture to the other--and you are part of it. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM and November 8 2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM  Session block #2 Speaker name(s): Brian Vickers Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/taking-part-in-the-biblical-story-of-missions

Each of our lives is a narrative. God’s word is a meta-narrative, a grand healing narrative. Weaving these narratives together in the context of the people we serve leads to missional living where ever we are called. Given our unique talents, gifts, passions, cultures and professions, how do we discern and sustain our respective niche in the purposeful and wonderful story of God? Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; speaker: Daniel ONeill Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/the-grand-healing-narrative-and-our-unique-niche

Many mission hospitals around the world do not have access to Rehab Professionals. Early patient mobility has been shown to improve patient’s outcomes. Visiting Medical Professionals, Doctors, Therapists, Nurses and other professionals can play an important role in teaching non rehab professional clinicians in mission hospitals when and how to mobilize even some of the sickest or most severely injured patients. This workshop will review some basic rehab patient mobility techniques. Session recorded on November 7 2024 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Session block #1 Speaker name(s): Skip Roy Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/teaching-and-encouraging-early-patient-mobility-to-non-rehab-professionals-in-mission-hospitals

Spirituality is an important component of health, and assessing a patient's spirituality is a cultural competence of healthcare professionals. This session will review secular “best practice” guidelines about spiritual assessment and provide a framework for taking a spiritual history during our interactions with patients. Participants will role-play a variety of spiritual history-taking scenarios. In this session, you'll learn how to routinely and confidently assess your patient’s spirituality, and practice your spiritual history-taking skills. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; Speaker: Mark https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/how-to-take-a-spiritual-history

This lecture delves into the integration of subspecialty skills, particularly cleft palate repair, to provide a platform to advance the gospel among unreached people groups. By intertwining the healing art of plastic surgery with the principles of the Gospel, it highlights a holistic approach to medical missions. The talk also underscores the significance of sustainable, long-term engagement, aiming to create enduring health improvements and foster community well-being. Session recorded on November 7 2024 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM and November 9 2024 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Session block #1 Speaker name(s): Paul K. Lim MD Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/transformative-healing-integrating-plastic-surgery-gospel-and-long-term-medical-missions

Are you: - Interested in mission and wondering what it really means for you and your family, and if you have what it takes? - Curious to know how one may start and sustain a ministry in resource-limited settings in a foreign country from scratch with no money, no team, and no knowledge about far too many things? - Looking for practical tools and resources to prepare for mission? Through the years, God has overwhelmed the Samoutou family with His tremendous grace, provision, and protection. Joyce will be the first to tell you how many humble pies she has eaten and lessons she has learnt along the way - from practicing medicine in a way that her training had not prepared her for, being far away from family and the world she knew, running a charity, leading a team, handling tricky and scary situations, raising a family, and getting over herself. She has also picked up several practical tips and tools along the way that can be helpful to those considering or having already embarked on overseas missions. In this session, participants will, through the firsthand experience of a missionary-medic- homeschooling parent who co-founded an international ministry: - Learn what is involved in starting, fundraising, and running an international non-profit medical organization in resource-limited settings, the challenges as well as useful practical suggestions in overcoming them. - Be encouraged and empowered to embark and thrive on long-term missions as health professionals, spouses, and parents with ageing parents back home. - Have an opportunity to ask questions that they have always wanted to ask a missionary who is happy to share with humor, candor, and vulnerability. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM and November 7 2024 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM  Session block #1 Speaker name(s): Dr Joyce Samoutou-Wong Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/ten-things-i-wish-i-had-known-when-i-became-an-unlikely-missionary-doctor-wife-and-homeschool-mama-2

In this session, we will review 10 potentially practice changing articles for primary care in the developed and developing world from 2019-2023 and will present each of these articles in a few minutes, critically appraising the articles and highlighting the positives and negatives of each. We will also discuss issues related to applicability of this research in different settings. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; Speakers: Philip Dooley and Jeff Leman https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/top-10-papers-in-primary-care-key-studies-to-know-about

We will discuss the burden of disease from severe neonatal jaundice and its progression to kernicterus spectrum disorder highlighting both the problem as a neonate and as an older child/adult living with the consequences Session recorded on November 7 2024 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Session block #1 Speaker name(s): Tina Slusher MD Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/severe-neonatal-jaundice-and-its-progression-to-kernicterus-spectrum-disorder-a-global-approach

Its a story of a family going through pain and suffering and seeking services for his son and journey along side with people with disability and God helped to created a model which become blessing for many - Enabled to see the greater Problem - Enable to see different Possibilities - Enable to Provide the needed services - Enable to pass on the passion - Enable to see the greater Purpose Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; speaker: Robert Kumar Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/pain-and-suffering-enable-to-minister

In both domestic and international situations, dental needs often go unmet (for multiple reasons). Untreated dental conditions, if neglected long enough, can turn into dental emergencies. These emergency dental patients are often misdiagnosed and/or go untreated in a medical setting. This lecture will serve to enlighten/empower non-dentists with some basic diagnostic and treatment skills to manage dental emergencies in a non-dental setting. Session recorded on November 7 2024 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Session block #1 Speaker name(s): Jonathan Spenn Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/emergency-dental-diagnosis-and-management-for-the-non-dentist

One can never be fully be ready for a crisis, even if aware of the danger. Maja and Bogdan share their first-hand experiences of helping and serving at the Polish/Ukrainian border while coordinating humanitarian aid and providing emotional and spiritual support with Proem Ministries during the critical early stages of the war. When crisis knocks at your door (quite literally in their case), a shift from a „mission trip” to a „mission-oriented” lifestyle in the face of immediate need defined their response. In their unreadiness, they responded almost instinctively, affording wholistic and practical care for Ukrainians who needed it most. What does „mission-oriented” mean and how do we develop such an attitude for unforeseen crisis? Join us to find out! Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; speaker: Maui Dwulat Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/going-the-distance-border-runs-humanitarian-aid-coordination-and-logistics-in-a-time-of-war

Every day healthcare workers face stressful and emotionally challenging situations at work. Numerous deaths, making difficult choices due to resource constraints, overstretched days etc also affect them mentally and emotionally. Many healthcare have these issues left unresolved. How then can we care for our caregivers as they provide care to their patients and their relatives? Care for a caregiver is such a program that seeks to address this issue - and this breakout is a revised taster of the well accepted program at the GHMC 2022. This is an awareness and taster session that will be both didactic and interactive with role play and group discussions. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #6 at 8:00 AM EST ; speaker: Mathew George Mulavelil Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/care-for-the-caregiver-providing-the-paradigm-of-continuing-care

The practice of medicine is inherently powerful, and our patients are vulnerable to our power. Though power can be abused, the righteous use of power, for the benefit of the vulnerable, is profoundly Christlike. We will explore the lessons of power which help us understand our roles, including the fundamental nature of professionalism and key kingdom strategies of healthcare missions. Session recorded on November 7 2024 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM and November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Session block #1 Speaker name(s): Jim Ritchie Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/power-vulnerability-medics-and-mission-how-do-you-fit-into-gods-mission-plan

Getting to the mission field is a complex process. The decisions required are truly life changing. Once on the field, the attrition rate is high. The adjustments for many are enormous. Getting to the field and staying on the field are strengthened immensely by a healthy sending church. However, a sending church can't simply be found in the final months before departure. Discover how to make finding a local church a part of missionary preparation that is both enjoyable and extremely helpful. You don't have to go it alone, before you leave or once you arrive! The Biblical model for sending missionaries is through the local church. See Acts 13 concerning the church at Antioch. For a variety of reasons many with long term missions interest don't build a relationship with a sending church. This can lead to lack of prayer support, financial support and counsel when the missionary is on the field. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #6 at 8:00 AM EST ; speaker: Doug Christgau Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/why-missionaries-need-a-sending-church

Nurses and other healthcare team members must provide evidence-based care for the broken, hurting, suffering, and vulnerable. Believers can do that in a God-honoring, loving, caring, and compassionate way. Nurses can be the hands and feet of Jesus while holistically providing shalom and meeting people's physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychosocial needs amid uncertainty. Learn practical ways to show everyone holistic respect, caring, and compassion. Session recorded on November 7 2024 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM and November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Session block #1 Speaker name(s): Rebecca Meyer Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/nurses-on-mission

Surviving motherhood is a genuine concern. Maternal and newborn deaths are the 6th and 7th leading causes of life years lost in the world’s poorest nations. Sepsis, post-partum hemorrhage (PPH), eclampsia-preeclampsia, and failure to progress are the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Major interventions are to reduce family size and to provide quality obstetric care at delivery, including care for PPH and basic newborn resuscitation. Session recorded on November 7 2024 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM and November 9 2024 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Session block #1 Speaker name(s): Nicholas Comninellis MD, MPH, DIMPH Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/high-risk-low-resource-maternal-care

God's call to his people are both general and specific. They are also tailored by God for each person, and for different seasons of life. Because God's specific calls to serve Him are tailored and individualized, they are never the same. Over time, God's specific calls to an individual can change. All of this can make the process of discerning God's call baffling a times! The key to understanding and obeying both God's general calls and his specific calls is the quality of our relationship with God, especially in the areas of faith and trust, hope, and love.   https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/the-baffling-call-of-god

Jesus demonstrated repeatedly the connection between physical health and the gospel. This session will discuss innovative ways to leverage healthcare skills through the local church in frontier mission areas that creates exponential Kingdom impact.   Session recorded on November 7 2024 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM. Repeated November 8 2024 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Session block #1 Speaker name(s): Charlie Vittitow Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/innovative-ways-to-leverage-healthcare-skills-for-exponential-kingdom-impact

There are principles and strategies for creating and growing Kingdom-driven ministries that glorify God by serving the needy and engaging the international unreached. This session will explore the power of incarnational living, the centrality of the church, the link between serving the needy at home and overseas, and the importance of investing in younger disciples. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #6 at 8:00 AM EST ; speaker: Rick Donlon, MD Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/starting-a-ministry-that-serves-the-poor-plants-churches-and-sends-international-missionaries

Living and working in settings with overwhelming poverty, malnutrition, disease, and death can result in accumulating stress, trauma, and burnout. How is it possible to endure in these settings for years? What strategies enable us to not only endure but to do so with joy? We'll discuss the value of remembering with gratitude, lamenting in community with national and missionary colleagues, and looking forward with hope.   Session recorded on November 7 2024 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Session block #1 Speaker name: Alyssa Pfister Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/enduring-hard-times-with-joy

Medical education has a potentially powerful role in global health. This breakout will explore some ways that medical education can not only support patient care but also augment research capacity building to better care for critically ill patients in resource-limited countries. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #6 at 8:00 AM EST ; speaker: Burton Lee Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/supporting-global-critical-care-in-resource-limited-countries-through-medical-education

Edyta and Robert provide a first-person localized account of working with refugees and individuals touched by war and forced emigration due to the ongoing crisis of Russian aggression in Ukraine. They focus first on defining the new wartime reality and emotional state of individuals crossing the Polish border and then move on to discuss their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs originating in the crisis of war. (shock, identity loss, grief/guilt, and PTSD). Finally, they outline a tentative way forward, using examples from Proem Ministries response as a „movement towards hope and meaning” on many levels. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #6 at 8:00 AM EST ; speaker: Maui Dwulat Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/crossing-borders-community-development-and-healing-during-the-war-in-ukraine

Improving Healthcare Outcomes for Patients and Providers in Medical Missions via Telehealth - In this session, you will learn how coordinate continuity of care, share medical knowledge and field insights and access resources to help improve healthcare outcomes for patients by leveraging healthcare information and technology systems both in the field and virtually. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #6 at 8:00 AM EST ; speakers: Roosevelt Fenelus; Jeff Lee; Hau Liu Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/connecting-medical-mission-providers-virtually-and-globally

God is our creator and provider. It is exciting to tell people about what God is doing around the world and how they can be a part of it. Prayer is a huge part of going to work cross culturally. You can raise up a great team to partner with you to pray for you, to pray for the country you are in, also to make a difference for the kingdom so people do not live and die without hearing the gospel. It can be overwhelming to think about raising support. If God is calling you to the mission field, don't let the fear of raising support you hold you back. You will learn... The Role of Prayer in Support Raising Why is raising a support team like sharing the Gospel? 5 keys to Support Raising Session recorded on Friday, November 10th during Session Block #5 at 4:00 PM EST ; speaker: Herschel Rothchild Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/joy-and-excitement-in-prayer-and-support-raising

Dramatic change in mid-career may seem too much, but God can and does call certain workers to a new role and prepares their hearts, and their spouses hearts for a new adventure following Him. See how God has prepared the way and worked through career ego, family, professional and personal health and "leaving" issues, as well as personal finances and support -raising and more. 5 healthcare providers and spouses will share experience with a call from a thriving service in North America to a later call to full time mission healthcare and take questions from others seeking discernment. Session recorded on Friday, November 10th during Session Block #5 at 4:00 PM EST ; speaker: G Randall Bond Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/finishing-your-career-in-full-time-missions-opportunities-barriers-and-solutions

In this seminar we will redefine the labels and terminologies commonly used to describe the singleness or unmarried persons. We will highlight the leading advantages, positive gains, and additional achievements that unmarried people possess and actually enjoy. There are a lot of advantages and freedoms for serving alone in ministry— like uninterrupted focusing on tasks, managing time/schedule, easier decision-making process, setting budget/finances for spending, moving between housing and living situations, building multiple friendships, engaging in wide range of activities, planning and traveling, and enhancing local/global outreach. However, there are also challenges for long-term singleness in ministry (being unmarried/unattached), whether serving across towns or across national borders, that can be emotionally unsettling and can create inner dissatisfaction or even chronic frustration. Not knowing how to handle our unmet needs, aloneness/loneliness, unfulfilled desires, and similar mental-emotional conditions/states, can actually hinder our sense of contentment in life and decrease our overall effectiveness in global service. We all have an innate need to nurture and care for other(s) and to be nurtured and cared for by others. Virtually, “to love and to be loved” is a universal principal... Unfortunately, people with low or poor social skills tend to struggle more than average, due to their apprehension about social mixing and their high tendency to isolate.  In this session we will highlight the joys-rewards and the challenges-struggles of the single life of people who are involved in the helping professions, especially in Christian ministry and missions. We will define terminologies, correct misconceptions, encourage realistic expectations (of self-others-life-God), differentiate between legitimate psychological intimacy and physical sexuality, rediscover a biblical paradigm for creative singleness-living (solo-operation), and press on to develop a contented aloneness, instead of struggling with isolation and loneliness. We will present practical suggestions and guidelines for a more fulfilling life in service— How to translate our frustrations into strengths and build a Koinonia around us, as an intimate community, that is mutually nurturing and empowering; how to build healthy relationships with the opposite gender/sex; how to begin looking for a partner-companion-mate when the time is ripe (courtship); and how to cultivate single-mindedness, joy along the journey, and higher aspirations for the Kingdom, while keeping “eternity in our hearts” so that we know what God is doing from beginning to end. Finally, the presenter will share from his own personal journey, over 40 years of cross-cultural ministry and still, single never married, with a full life and plenty of open doors, platforms, and opportunities. Session recorded on Friday, November 10th during Session Block #5 at 4:00 PM EST ; speaker: Naji Abi-Hashem, PhD Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/single-minded-singleness-handling-the-challenges-rewards-of-being-unmarried-in-ministry

Poverty and health are closely associated. The nations of poverty host lowest life expectancy, greatest child mortality, and highest preventable deaths. Three interventions are especially effective. First, promotion of broad-based economic development which usually enhances health infrastructure. Second, mitigation of military conflict, which especially afflicts those most vulnerable. Third, deployment of specific interventions that have proven particularly effective against the leading diseases of poverty. Session recorded on Friday, November 10th during Session Block #5 at 4:00 PM EST ; speaker: Nicholas Comninellis, MD, MPH, DIMPH Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/fighting-the-diseases-of-poverty

The "mPower Approach" trains and equips indigenous believers with basic dental skills to serve their communities and open doors for the gospel. This breakout will review promising practices in creating sustainable, replicable ministry, and examine how dentistry can be used to advance the gospel in difficult-to-reach communities. Session recorded on Friday, November 10th during Session Block #5 at 4:00 PM EST ; speaker: Luke Taylor Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/blessed-are-those-who-pull-teeth-training-equipping-through-short-term-dental-missions

God's call to his people are both general and specific. They are also tailored by God for each person and for different seasons of life. Because God's specific calls to serve Him are tailored and individualized, they are never the same. Over time, God's specific calls to an individual can change. All of this can make the process of discerning God's call baffling a times! The key to understanding and obeying both God's general calls and his specific calls is the quality of our relationship with God, especially in the areas of faith and trust, hope, and love.   https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/the-baffling-call-of-god-expanded

Everyone's calling into the world of healthcare missions is different. No matter where you are on your journey, we can all be inspired by hearing the firsthand accounts of others whom God has called into this field. In this segment, you will hear from four healthcare professionals as they share what God's calling is for them and how they followed His direction. Through their stories, we hope you feel encouraged for the work that God has placed on your own heart.    https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/pathway-to-missions