CMDFA and Missions

CMDFA members have a proud heritage in being part of healthcare in mission settings in Australia and overseas.

Today with rapid global travel and the growing disparity in healthcare affordability and accessibility between rich and poor nations, Christian doctors and dentists can find many creative ways to use their gifts, skills, time and money in mission.

What is medical/dental mission?

In medical and dental mission we minister, in the context of healthcare, to physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people who have had the least opportunity to hear or understand the gospel so that people will understand more of God's compassion and more of the truth of His saving love for them:

• “Medical and dental” because we have a vocation that is in demand in relieving suffering all over the world, and presents many open doors of opportunities where others cannot go.
• “Mission” because we are Christ’s witnesses in the near and far corners of the earth, in order that people come to know Him.

Why should I get involved?

God has gifted each of us for the edification of His body and the extension of His kingdom.  It just so happens that you have been gifted with the gift to administer medical/dental care. As Christian health professionals, we are in an immensely privileged position. We have the skills and abilities to bring physical healing as well as spiritual healing.

To those who have been given much, much will be expected.

2000 years ago, Jesus set the example.  He didn’t just sit at home and wait for people to come to Him.  But he went out to the needy, healed their physical ailments and ministered to the bondage in their soul.  As His church, we are called to be His hands and feet to minister to the human suffering all around us.

Can’t I just do missions in Australia?

“Missions” does not necessarily have to be overseas in a faraway land.  It can be here, right at our door step – within each of our respective practices.

Mission has to start here in Australia.  We have all been placed in Australia for a purpose, to be a witness.

Acts 1:8: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”

When some people read this, they take it as a sequential command, meaning that ministry begins firstly within family, friends and loved ones, then moving on to community, and only then to the ends of the world.

I now look at that verse in a different light.  We should simultaneously do all 3 - be an excellent witness in your inner circle of relationships, in the community that God has placed us as well as to the ends of the earth.

What can it look like?

It can look like a lot of different things – reflecting the variety of doctors, dentists, and their God-given interests, abilities, gifts, experience and openings. . There is no “one way” of getting involved in medical mission. Here are some ideas:

• A short term trip of a few weeks or a few months.
• By yourself to support a mission hospital or with a team to a community in need
• A longer commitment of one, two or 10 years or more in a cross-cultural healthcare ministry to really have an impact.
• With your church or with a mission organisation as facilitators.
• In a hospital or in community location.
• With your family or as a single.
• As a specialist or as a general practitioner.
• In a training role or as a hands-on practitioner.
• In partnership  with national health-workers

What is essential?

• Cultural sensitivity – we go as learners into other places, showing Christ-like humility, especially in matters of culture
• Flexibility-as learners we will find our assumptions about “norms” prove unreliable, therefore the need to be flexible
• Sense of humour – An antidote to taking yourself too seriously in all of the above situations
• Friendliness, servant-heart, team-work, and courteousness
• Persistence,  perseverance and prayer through challenge Christian love and forgiveness
• Adapting what you know to the needs, not adapting the needs to what you know.

How do I get involved? An ABC of getting involved.

A - Ask God: "How should I get involved?"

Pray for God to show you what His plan is specifically for you.  There are many ways to get involved:

• Join Mission Prayer meetings
• Financial support of missionaries.
• Helping in administration of mission organisations
• Pray about timing of going yourself.

B - Be alert to opportunities.

Subscribe to Missions newsletters which often advertise specific upcoming trips and speak to people who have been on a mission trips already. They can give you practical information on how to get involved.

C - Come and taste for yourself.

Take that step of faith and join a short-term team.