Buddhists in East Asia largely believe in one of the dominant Buddhist traditions, animism and ancestor worship. They believe in karma, the moral law of cause and effect which demands that every soul suffer for its past “sins;” so there is no value in alleviating suffering. While very few Buddhists have come to Christ through the direct preaching of the gospel, some have responded to the compassion shown by medical missionaries since the early 19th century. This session features the plight of one leprosy patient, an outcast in society who gradually found new life through the lives of Christians who dared to touch him, clean his wounds and tell him about Jesus. This session will bring attendees face to face with a culture that is very resistant to the gospel, the reasons for that resistance and what we can do about it.
Short-term health-related missions have been criticized for inadequate long-term impact on local health indicators, and on the actual team participants. Costs for short-term medical missions appear excessive to some, given the limited impact on spiritual and physical needs. This session will examine the criticism and present proposed measures of effectiveness that can be used by short-term and long-term trip planners and strategists so as to support improved planning and execution of short-term medical missions trips.
Health care settings offer multiple opportunities for victims of human trafficking to be identified and/or rescued. In this session a brief overview of the phenomenon of human trafficking will be provided. Participants will receive training on victim identification and will be taught concrete steps on what to do if human trafficking is suspected.
Is missions on your mind? Learn to get from where you are to where God wants you to be, well prepared spiritually, emotionally, relationally and professionally for what God has designed you to be.
With stories laced with humor learn the principles and practices of a great short term mission experience whether you are going for the first or your fortieth time. You, your patients and the building of God's kingdom will be better for it!
