As the world prepares to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas season, it is an opportune time to reflect on the profound connection between this joyous occasion and the work of medical missions. While the nativity story is often associated with themes of love, compassion, and the miracle of Christ’s birth, it also serves as a powerful reminder of the call to serve those in need, particularly through healthcare initiatives. In this blog post, we will explore how the birth of Jesus at Christmas relates to medical missions and why this connection is so vital in today’s world.
The Nativity Story: A Message of Hope and Healing
The story of Jesus’ birth, as recounted in the Bible, is one of humility and purpose. Mary and Joseph, simple and faithful individuals, journeyed to Bethlehem, where there was no room for them in the inn. Jesus was born in a humble stable and laid in a manger, a symbol of God’s presence in the midst of poverty and simplicity. This narrative holds a profound message for medical missions:
Embracing Humility and Compassion The humility of Jesus’ birth encourages those serving in medical missions to approach their work with a similar spirit of humility. It reminds them that true healing often begins with a humble heart, a willingness to meet people where they are, and a deep sense of compassion for the suffering. Just as Jesus came to the world in a lowly manger, missionaries must strive to reach the marginalized and underserved, offering hope and healing to those who need it most.
The Call to Serve The birth of Jesus is a reminder of the Biblical call to serve others. In the nativity story, the angels proclaimed “good news of great joy” to the shepherds, inviting them to witness the Savior’s birth. Medical missionaries also see their work as a calling to share the good news of hope, health, and salvation with those in need. The mission field becomes a sacred space where medical professionals express their faith through healing.
A Symbol of God’s Presence Just as the manger symbolized God’s presence in the midst of poverty, illness, and despair, medical missions volunteers see themselves as vehicles of God’s love and healing grace. They strive to be a tangible expression of God’s presence in the lives of patients, offering not only medical treatment but also spiritual support and comfort. In doing so, they bring light into the darkest corners of the world!
The Healing Ministry of Jesus
Jesus’ ministry on earth was characterized by compassion and healing. He touched the lives of countless individuals, restoring sight to the blind, enabling the lame to walk, and even raising the dead. His ministry serves as a model for medical missions organizations, like Mission Partners For Christ, in several significant ways:
Healing as a Sign of God’s Kingdom Jesus’ healing miracles were not just acts of compassion; they were signs that pointed to the arrival of God’s kingdom. Those serving in medical missions also view their work as a means of ushering in God’s kingdom by alleviating suffering and demonstrating His love. Healing becomes a tangible expression of the gospel message.
The Wholeness of Body and Soul Jesus’ ministry emphasized the holistic nature of healing. He not only addressed physical ailments but also ministered to the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals. Missionaries offering medical care follow this example by providing comprehensive care that addresses not only the physical symptoms but also the spiritual well-being of patients.
Serving the Vulnerable and Marginalized Jesus’ ministry was particularly focused on reaching out to those who were marginalized and oppressed. Like Jesus, missionary volunteers prioritize serving the most vulnerable populations, including the poor, the displaced, and those without access to adequate healthcare. They work tirelessly to ensure that no one is left behind in their pursuit of healing.
The Nativity Scene: A Symbol of Unity and Inclusivity
The traditional nativity scene often includes various characters, such as Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the Magi, and the animals, gathered around the infant Jesus. This diverse assembly of individuals from different backgrounds and social statuses reflects the inclusive nature of Christ’s message, which evangelical medical missionaries seek to emulate.
Breaking Down Barriers Just as the nativity scene brings together people from different walks of life, medical missions help to break down barriers and promote unity. Healthcare is a universal need that transcends cultural, ethnic, and religious boundaries. These missions create spaces where people of diverse backgrounds come together for a common purpose: healing and hope. And its in this common purpose that the gospel can be shared in word and in action.
A Message of Inclusivity The presence of the shepherds, who were considered lowly and marginalized in society, in the nativity story sends a powerful message of God’s inclusivity. Medical missionaries extend this message by providing care to those who are often overlooked and marginalized. They demonstrate that in the eyes of God, every life is valuable and worthy of healing.
The Role of the Magi The arrival of the Magi, who were foreigners and gentiles, at the nativity scene signifies that the message of Jesus is meant for all people, regardless of their background. Medical mission volunteers recognize their responsibility to reach out to those in need, sharing the love of Christ with people of all nations.
The birth of Jesus at Christmas serves as a profound reminder of the core values of evangelical medical missions. The nativity story embodies the principles of humility, compassion, calling, and inclusivity that are at the heart of these missions. By following the example of Jesus’ healing ministry and embracing the message of the nativity scene, medical missions continue to bring hope, healing, and the good news to the most vulnerable and marginalized populations around the world. This Christmas season, let us remember the deep connection between the birth of Jesus and the vital work of medical missions, and may it inspire us to support and participate in this life-changing ministry.
Did you know that the phrase, “Do not be afraid” is written (in one form or another) 365 times throughout the Bible. It’s almost as if God was trying to communicate something, isn’t it?
Something we hear a lot of from aspiring short-term missionaries is a theme of fear. People are afraid of the unknown. People are afraid of traveling to a place they’ve never been. People are afraid of how they might feel while on a trip.
There is a whole lot of anxiety wrapped up in the very idea of committing to a short-term medical missions trip. While that is very normal and understandable, we also want to encourage you to remember the overwhelming message found in the Bible: do not be afraid.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
When fear strikes our hearts, it is easy to become stuck. It’s easy to allow that fear to block us from moving forward. This is because there is a message that fear is communicating to us at that moment: “you will not be safe. You must protect yourself by getting out of this situation.”
Fear has a way of convincing would-be medical missionaries that they will be better off not submitting that application. Fear is telling them that they will be safer staying at home. Fear also has a way comforting us by telling us that it is okay if we do not go; someone else will go and do the work instead.
Imagine if everyone allowed fear to stop them?
No hospitals would be built.
No doctors would exist to heal.
No one would go when the call rings out.
And souls will be left struggling with no access to healthcare, health education, clean water, etc… Worse still: there’d be no one to deliver the good news of the Gospel.
When we can give ourselves permission to push past the fear, we allow ourselves to also trust in the promises of God.
He will be with us wherever He calls us. He will be our greatest Supporter and Friend in the midst of all circumstances. He will be the One holding our hands as we walk out in faith in answer to His call.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1
Fear can only exist in the dark; Fear occurs because we find ourselves caught in a moment of not-knowing. We can’t see what lies ahead for us. We don’t know, when we commit to a short term medical missions trip, if we will feel comfortable. We don’t know who we might meet or what opposition we might encounter to the gospel. There is a whole lot that we do not know.
But when we take a minute to breathe and really think through the root of our fear, we can also remember this beautiful promise found in Psalm 27: “The Lord is my light and salvation.”
Wherever we go, in obedience to God’s call, we are walking the light of God’s love and guidance. He is the one who holds tomorrow in the palm of His hand. We can trust that He will also guide us safely through the work He’s given us to do.
More than that, we know that God is preparing hearts who will be open to hearing the gospel and receiving the love of Christ that we offer through our health clinics. We may meet people who are not interested in the gospel, but we will also meet people who are longing to know that they are irrevocably loved by the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
Can you imagine how wonderful it will feel to get to be the one to deliver that message to people who are waiting to hear it?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
In the end, we all have a choice: will we allow fear to hold us back? Or will we be the ones who step out in faith and trust that where God may be calling us, He will also be our Most Holy Protector?
This is not to say that the choice is an easy one to make. Of course it isn’t. We are merely human, and fear is a human emotion. A compelling one at that.
But we are also children of God. As such, we have a beautiful promise from our Heavenly Father that we can find our peace and hope in Him.
The more we choose to focus on our God and His promises to be with us, keep us safe, and give us peace, the less power fear has over us. We have a hope in God that we cannot find elsewhere.
So today, I want to encourage you: if you hear the voice of the Holy Spirit prompting you to join us on a medical mission trip, please follow that leading. Fear will always tell you to stay safe and stay home, but God is the only One who can promise our safety. If He calls you to it, He will also bring you through it.
Applications are closing soon for our next medical mission trip to Burundi. We still need doctors, nurses, dentists to volunteer to join us. We also need those without experience in the medical field. Everyone is welcome.
Is God calling you to join us in Burundi? The deadline to apply is April 30. You can get all the details for that trip here.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. - Col 3:12
Humility is a characteristic that is absolutely essential for missionaries. There is a reason that humility is emphasized so strongly, in Scripture, as an admirable trait for believers to possess. Humility is what keeps us grounded and allows believer to work together as one body so that we may accomplish the work that the Lord has set before us.
What Is Humility?
Humility is a quality characterized by modesty, respectfulness, and a lack of arrogance or excessive pride. It involves recognizing one’s own limitations and limitations of one’s achievements, and viewing oneself as equal to others rather than superior.
Humility involves being open-minded, approachable, and willing to learn from others. It also involves being willing to serve and putting others before oneself. In short, humility is the opposite of conceit and self-aggrandizement, and is considered of high importance throughout Scripture.
Why Is Humility Important In Missions?
Humility is a crucial aspect of missionary work because it helps create an environment in which the message of the gospel can be effectively shared and received. When missionaries approach their work with humility, they are more able to build trust with those they serve, listen to their needs, and understand their perspectives. This can help facilitate meaningful relationships and effective communication, which is essential for making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Humility can also help missionaries better navigate the challenges that often accompany mission work, such as cultural differences, language barriers, and opposition to their message. By approaching these challenges with a humble and open-minded attitude, missionaries can more easily spot their weak areas and put more effort into learning whatever needs to be learned. Humility also allows the missionary to remain focused on their ultimate goal of serving others and sharing the gospel, rather than becoming bogged down by personal pride or frustration.
Humility can also lead to personal growth and spiritual maturity for the missionary, as it helps them to remain grounded in their faith and focused on serving others rather than seeking personal recognition or success. When one recognizes that they, themselves, are a fallible human being only then can they open the door to learning and growth.
Humility Creates Better Relationships
Humility is the backbone of healthy relationship, both within a missions team and in the field with those being served.
In a team setting, humility allows for:
Improved communication
Reduced conflict
Increased cooperation
Greater flexibility and
Better decision-making all around.
When humility is allowed to surface, one’s individual feelings or needs don’t take precedence over the groups. There is a general understanding that what meets the needs of the team will also cover the needs of the individuals, and that everyone’s feelings matter.
Humility can create opportunities for deeper, more meaningful connections and understanding. When individuals approach relationships with a willingness to learn from each other, they can gain new perspectives and insights that can enrich their own lives and the relationship as a whole.
In the context of mission work, cultivating humility can lead to better relationships with those being served, as it creates an environment of respect, trust, and understanding, and allows missionaries to effectively meet the needs of those they serve. By approaching their work with humility, missionaries can build meaningful relationships with those they serve, and make a lasting impact in their lives.
Some Obstacles To Humility And How To Overcome Them
Humility doesn’t always come easily, unfortunately. We are all human, which means that we are susceptible to the same pitfalls as everyone else when it comes to remaining humble.
Some examples of obstacles may be:
Pride One of the biggest obstacles to humility is pride, or an over-inflated sense of self-importance. This can make it difficult for individuals to recognize their limitations or mistakes, and can lead to a refusal to seek help or advice from others.
Ego Another obstacle to humility is an overly inflated ego, which can cause individuals to seek recognition, praise, or attention from others. This can lead to a desire to dominate conversations or prove oneself right, rather than seeking to understand or learn from others. Our egos can also prevent us from seeing our weaknesses or areas in which we need to grow by learning from those around us.
Fear of Rejection Fear of rejection is one that most of us don’t think about as an obstacle to humility. However, fear of rejection can be a powerful motivation for not allowing ourselves to be seen as uninformed or inadequate in some way. This fear can lead individuals to try to control the impression they make on others, rather than being open and vulnerable.
To overcome these obstacles, Christians can draw on the teachings and example of Jesus, who exemplified humility and service to others. They can also seek to develop a deeper understanding of the nature of God and their own relationship with Him, which can help cultivate a spirit of humility. Seeking out the support of their community through accountability partners, mentorship, and seeking wisdom from others can also be a great way to overcome struggles to maintain humility. Another choice that believers can make is to lean into spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and self-reflection. These spiritual tools can allow Christians to remain grounded in the Lord and focused on serving others rather than seeking recognition or success.
Without humility, it would be impossible to do the God-given work and responsibility of sharing the gospel with others. It would also be impossible to sit in community with other believers due to the isolating nature of self-centeredness. When you really think about it, humility is a gift from God that leads us to true connection with the people around us – and what a beautiful gift it is!
What are your thoughts on humility and the role that it plays in the lives of Christians today? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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