Health Care as Ministry, Part 2

Okay, let me continue with my post from last night. First of all, I was posting around 2333L...way late. I pretty much lost track of what I was really wanting to say. So, let me continue...

There are an aweful lot of missionaries who have taken their time, resources, and lives to bring the Gospel to the world. Far too many of them never feel like they are making a real difference. Contrast that with some of the reports that we hear concerning how many people have come to Christ because they have received much needed free health care that was hosted at a missionary outpost. The unbelieving world finds it hard to believe that Jesus Christ came to save their souls while their bodies are uncared for.

I'm not saying that the work that our missionaries are doing is worthless because they are not doctors. Quite the opposite. Rather, I feel that if our churches would get involved we could field missionary medical doctors in larger numbers. All we would need to do is set up a program where the student agrees to spend eight years on the mission field once they are board certified in exchange for a free education (post-bachelors degree). If there is a need for a certain specialty, the student (now doctor) would request a delay to reporting for missionary training until after that specialized training is finished. If the student who is accepted into the program drops out, he/she owes for the education that they have received. If the student refuses to go on the mission field, he/she owes for the education. With a proper contract we could make sure that the students understand their obligations. I know it isn't fool-proof...but it is doable.

The program could be expanded to cover other specialties, such as dentists, vets, teachers, etc. We, as the church, need to find ways to improve the lives, in a substantive way, in the communities that we want to establish missionary outposts. We need a reason for people to listen to us. With all of the blessings that God has poured out on our country, we need to start paying it back. Unfortunately, we seem bent on exporting our consumerism instead of Christ. Pathetic.

Cheers