Primary Health Care from kingdom perspective

Often, development partners are working toward building the organization, while the targeted communities are not given priority for their success. Ensuring the technical and financial capacity of the organization does not guarantee successful community development programs. On the contrary, an organization can have relatively small budget with average technical capacity, but outstanding achievement in community development. This begs the question: how is it possible to make a meaningful difference amidst such vast and complex development issues we all face. Let us share some practical insight Life In Abundance International has learned while working in 10 Africa and Caribbean countries during the last 15 years. In particular, what made the program unique to its success in Ethiopia, where LIA’s work began? It was not the size of the budget and the wide coverage of the targeted community. Rather it is the vision, value, mission and strategy of focusing on empowering local churches that made the remarkable difference. The vision was quiet compelling and the mission was realistic enough to challenge the prevailing complex community and health problems. This workshop will highlight some practical insight of such a development program and address the following questions:• What are the vision, mission, value and culture of the organization?• What are the roles of the organization and the local church in transformational development?• Who is our staff comprised of?• How to select target community and direct beneficiaries• Who will identify the need in a target community? • How to approach and lead the project in a participatory fashion• How to sustain the program(s)• How to measure success in line with the vision and mission• What are practical success examples that have been registered so far in OVC and WASH Projects in Ethiopia?

Medical missions is constantly changing. The enterprise of medical missions has brought health and opened the doors for the gospel in countless countries. This rich history continues today. In Africa, forty to seventy percent of health services are still provided by church and mission facilities. How do we build on the achievements of yesteryears and achieve success in the years to come? How can you fit in? Before 1850, there were fewer that fifteen medical missionaries. The average life expectancy for missionaries in Africa in that day was eight years.  Oftentimes, medical missionaries started because missionaries were taught basic medical needs.  Around 1890's to early 1900's university campuses began to head overseas as missionaries. Many went to China. This is why you see so many Christians in China today.  By 1925 there were 1,157 medical missionaries.   Listen to the audio for more details on the past, present, and future of medical missions.    About the author: Dr. David Stevens is the Chief Executive Officer of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA), the nation’s largest faith-based organization of doctors. As spokesman for more than 16,000 doctors, Dr. Stevens has conducted hundreds of media interviews. Prior to his service with CMDA, he served as medical director of Samaritan’s Purse. From 1981 to 1992, Dr. Stevens served as executive officer and medical superintendent of Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, Kenya. He helped to transform Tenwek Hospital into one of the premier mission healthcare facilities in that country. Dr. Stevens’ experiences provide rich illustrations for inspirational and educational presentations at seminars, medical schools, conferences and churches. He is the author of "Jesus, MD", "Beyond Medicine: What Else You Need to Know to be a Medical Missionary", "Leadership Proverbs" and many chapters and magazine articles. Dr. Stevens holds degrees from Asbury University and the University of Louisville School of Medicine and is board certified in family practice. He earned a master’s degree in bioethics from Trinity International University in 2002.