Missions Launch

As with any missionary trip, if you’re considering going, you should search within yourself and pray for guidance to determine which missionary work is right for you. It also helps to read the Bible, be surrounded by Christ minded people, and to ask other nurses who have already gone on a missions trip about their experiences. It is also important for you to determine your strengths and weaknesses. Do you like the city or do you prefer a country setting? Are you able to pick up a foreign language easily or would you prefer an English speaking country? Is there a specific country you like? Could you handle the harsh reality of starving, sick, and dying children?

As a nurse, there are going to be special ways you need to prepare yourself for the trip once you decide to go. This includes getting to know the country once a particular place has been determined. Make sure that you are aware of common diseases of the country you will be going to. This will make you better prepared to help treat those problems. It is also vital that you are aware of your allowed scope of practice. Different countries have different limitations to what a nurse and nursing student can and cannot do. Also be aware of licensure requirements of medical professionals that also differ from country to country.

Be aware that your desire to become a missionary nurse, no matter the length of the trip, is a blessing, and the rewards are many, often being the kind of payments that wait in the afterlife. It is also important to understand that while you are on the trip you represent Jesus. Being there for a short time may not give you the opportunity to preach to and bring in crowds to the Faith, but your kindness and compassion will glorify God, giving those that see your actions of healing a true glimpse of who Jesus is as you reach out to them in a practical way.

Missionary work is available to both RNs and student nurses. Opportunities for student nurses include, but surely are not limited to, InterVarsity Global Projects and Global Urban Trek. Individual colleges and universities hosting the nursing programs may also have summer missionary work for student nurses. Opportunities for RNs include Global Health Outreach,Adventist Nursing Connection,Health Care Volunteer,Foundation for International Medical Relief for Children (FIMRF),Volunteers for Inter-American Development Assistance (VIDA),Hearts in Motion (H.I.M.), and many more. Another great resource to check out is the Nurses Christian Fellowship.

 Photo by cambodia4kidsorg

Missionaries go to unfamiliar patches of Earth and spend their time in service to others. There are different kinds of missions, but they all will include service.

Evangelistic trips have the main objective of sharing Christ cross-culturally. Common ways this message is shared are through sermons, tracts, or even drama. It is very important that people on evangelistic missions remember that they must be learners before teachers. Learn about the new environment and all you can about the people. God is already working in the culture and He will present opportunities to share.

Other trips are focused on service projects that help meet a specific need. Sometimes that need is building a home for a family, or constructing a church or school. Other needs are health-related, and medical missions supplies nurses, doctors and medicine to help meet the physical needs of the community.

Orphanage ministries are another common focus for missionaries. Orphanages in developing countries are often understaffed with the caregivers being far outnumbered by the children. Those who enjoy working with children will find their gifts greatly appreciated by kids who need daily love and attention.

If you have discovered the type of trip that fits your skills and interests, pray and research what country needs that mission work. On the other hand, if you feel confident about your destination, be sure to tailor the type of ministry that you will be involved in to that country’s need.  

“If God calls you to be a missionary, don’t stoop to be a king.” — Jordan Groom

At first we may not readily associate a king’s crown and throne as being trinkets of a lowly position, but the kingdom of God is different than any earthly reign. God became a man and chose not to be served, but to serve others.

Photo by soldiersmediacenter