Podcast

God's Kingdom is one of paradox. He is famous for His heart for the poor and for His heart for the nations. However, most don't realize how intimately these two passions of His are intertwined. This has massive and unexpected implications for any disciple of Jesus. Paradoxically, global poverty will never end until every nation is reached with the Gospel.

There are over 50 million disabled people in Africa. 18-20% would likely improve with some surgical care. Africa has insufficient surgical expertise to provide for this need, and will likely not have sufficient sub specialists for 50-100 years. An alternate form of limited training is needed both for the surgical and the support needs of the disabled.
Care for the disabled opens spiritual doors for both the child and the parents. It may also open doors into traditionally "closed" countries.

This session will share answers on how to select a missions agency. Each person who attends will receive a 3 x 5 card when they enter the room. The moderator John McVay will group and select questions, direct them to appropriate panelists, and receive questions from the floor. Probable topics discussed from questions expected are: agency focus, doctrine, finances, services, leadership, locations, compatibility.

 

About the moderator: 

John McVay is a missions mobilizer who organizes and moderates a panel of doctors and nurses at GMHC. For prospective missionaries in the USA John launched the Ask A Missionary email newsletter (circulation 2,000) and website. He co-founded The Journey Deepens weekend retreats and served for nine years as a missions pastor. He, his wife Nicole and their children lived and served as missionaries in China for a semester and in France for a year. John now serves In His Image International as Chief Operating Officer for the Family Medicine Residency and missions outreaches. John has a M.S. in Electrical Engineering and a M.Div. in Theology and Missions.

Cross cultural health care service calls for a spectrum of specialized knowledge, skills and attitudes. How does a potential worker equipped him/herself to serve effectively and thrive in such a demanding role as medical missionaries?

We will focus on the key role of mentoring in cross cultural training, and discuss how to find mentors who can facilitate one's development. The selection of an organization with an ethos that supports mentoring will also be discussed.

This interactive session will be of particular relevance to those preparing to serve as cross cultural health care workers, while also being useful to those who are preparing such workers.
 

Burnout among healthcare workers is at record levels, and working in an underserved area is a significant risk factor. So how do we prevent missionary burnout? While there is increasing awareness of the problem, effective solutions have been elusive. The development of resilience is a key factor in the prevention and management of burnout. This session will help participants deepen their understanding of burnout and take steps to prevent it.

 

About the author: Dr. Steve Sartori (Director at CMDA - Center for Well-being)

Dr. Steve Sartori is Director of the Center for Well-being at CMDA. A physician well-being coach and consultant, he helps doctors and other healthcare professionals align with God, optimize well-being and maximize influence. He has served as CEO of a private group practice, chief of staff at two hospitals, faculty member for a family medicine residency program and chief medical officer for a community health center. He has served as a board member and treasurer of CMDA, and has participated in mission trips to Romania, Jamaica, Thailand, Kenya and Swaziland. He is married, with two adult children, and enjoys traveling and sports.