Medical Missions
MVI medical mission is a Christian healthcare ministry that utilizes the healing arts to bring hope and relief from physical and spiritual suffering. Any healthcare provider can be a part of this vital ministry and even those without medical training or experience can participate in a short-term medical mission team. The skills of physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, technicians, optometrists, technologists, medical assistants, etc. can be used to show the love of Christ by practicing their profession and giving courses on healthcare in parts of the world where the care is not available and Christ is not known.
Those without medical training or experience are of great value on the mission field as assistants on the team. Others can supply the medicine and equipment for these teams and serve as prayer intercessors or evangelists. Also important to the medical teams are parallel ministries during the clinics such as drama, music, puppets, face-painting, youth and children’s ministry depending on the country.
If you are a healthcare practitioner or if you have a desire to comfort those who are suffering without hope for relief around the world, you can help and you are needed. Please call to sign up for a short-term team or a long-term medical project. You will be blessed as you bless others.
Description:
Missionary Ventures is excited about our Medical Missions Department and the powerful impact we are enjoying around the world as a needed component under the Great Commission. Our Medical Missions Department (MMD) exists to promote, recruit, train, and send medical teams to the field to support and strengthen the outreach ministries of our missionaries. The MMD also exists to aid in obtaining of medical supplies, both durable and non-durable, for our medical teams and for the field.
Philosophy:
Our approach to Medical Missions is holistic, addressing the medical, spiritual, vocational, and physical needs of people who live in impoverished and sometimes remote areas of the world. The love of Jesus can be powerfully exhibited through the treatment of physical suffering in this manner. The one who renders care can feel the blessing of God’s hand in what they do. The one who receives care can be relieved of their physical sufferings as they learn about a Savior who loves them. Medical Missions works to assist indigenous pastors, churches, and missionaries who have evidenced, in practical matters, the commitment to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Medical Missions outreach can be conducted anywhere there is field support. As a general rule, Missionary Ventures does not intend to own, operate, or staff medical structures or organizations. While there are current variations to this rule, our highest priority is to empower national leaders with whom our missionaries have identified and work closely with.
Funding:
Contributors pay for all expenses related to medical missions, through Missionary Ventures, and/or through an international office. All teams are to be completely funded by the team members and their supporters. Strict accounting of donations is necessary for good stewardship and accountability.
Medical Missions Team:
The MMD Team can consist of both medical and non-medical individuals. We have found that by recruiting both medical and non-medical team members, a synergy of professional medical assistance and personal ministry is created.
Medical Personnel:
Anyone who renders care toward physical healing and is professionally trained and credentialed in a recognized medical profession can be identified as “medical personnel”.
Equipment and Supplies:
Due to the fact that every medical team is different in personnel and skills, each team must work with the Medical Missions Department to decide what medicines, equipment, and supplies are needed, as well as how to procure these supplies. The Medical Director, Team Trip staff, or a recognized Medical Missions Volunteer within the MVUSA office can help with these decisions.
Medical Director:
The Medical Missions Department is led by a “medical professional” whose medical experience and professional history has been validated by his or her peers and public record, coupled with a likeminded heart and vision for reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through medical missions.
Medical Mission Team Leader:
Each medical mission team will have a designated person approved or appointed by the MVUSA Office who will function as the decision-maker in liaison with the Medical Missions Department and the Field Coordinator. He or she may be either medical or non-medical personnel, and will be responsible to communicate all information from the Medical Mission Department/MVUSA Office to the team members. Any changes made while on the field during the mission trip experience will be made jointly with the Medical Team Leader and the Field Coordinator.
Field Coordinator:
The contact person on the mission field (usually the MV Field Coordinator in that area) is responsible for arranging transportation, housing, meals, etc., while hosting the mission team during their short-term mission experience. The Field Coordinator reports directly to the MVI Office and the Medical Director as it relates to Medical Mission Teams. They are the experts on the field who understand the needs and culture.
Team Trip Coordinator:
The coordinator is an MVUSA Office employee who is assigned to the team in order to schedule and arrange the mission team trip through MVUSA. Unless this person has made arrangements and has communicated them to both the Field Coordinator and the Medical Mission Team Leader don’t assume that they are made. All pre-travel arrangements, travelers insurance, funds, documents, contracts, passports, and air travel must be cleared and/or arranged by the Team Trip Coordinator in order to ensure that the mission trip experience is safe and successful to the best of our ability for all involved.