A model for doing not only medical missions, but many forms of short-term projects (partnered with a long-term ministerial presence) looks a bit like a fish (or an ICHTHUS if you prefer). It is based somewhat on the model used for CPM (Church-Planting Multiplication). The same basic principle can be utilized. Visioning/Organizing Rapid Seed Sowing …
Continue reading The “Fish” Model of Project-based Outreaches
Article on Slideshare. Based on dissertation and my book.
Some things go away but don't stay away. For the most part, my wife and I stopped doing medical missions back in 2010. From 2005-2009, we were with a group called Dakilang Pag-Ibig Diadem Ministries. During that time, we served about 30,000 patients in about 70 different sites. Then, in the first couple of years …
I guess I have a temperament for being task-oriented. In missions, that shows itself in trying to squeeze the last bit of ministry out of the money, and being as efficient with ministry time as possible. In teaching, I like to pump out as much information as I can, and not do too much in …
I have never cared for the assumption that the foundation for Christian Missions is the Great Commission. There are reasons for this, some of which I have talked of elsewhere. However, let's take a fairly simple case as shown in two options: 1. Great Commission is given priority over the Great Commandment. Behavior is given …
Continue reading Which Comes First— Great Commission or Commandment
At the bottom of this post is an article about a new Philippine Law that is deemed to be anti-medical missions. I would recommend reading the article below to decide for yourself. I am NOT an expert on this law at all... nor do I plan to be, since I rarely do medical missions in …
Continue reading RA 8981. “Anti-Medical Mission” Law in the Philippines?
This is the last section on Medical Mission Events. This is based on my dissertation. The focus of the dissertation was the use of medical mission events in the Philippines for long-term impact in a community by a local church. As such, the traditional medical mission is inadequate. Traditional medical missions typically have little long-term …
Continue reading Research on Medical Mission Events (Philippines), Part V
Partnership is necessary, albeit unpleasant at times. Some churches often do not desire to work with local government because of mistrust. NGOs often feel the same way about churches. These feelings are, sadly, often justified. Creation of solid partnerships is done due to necessity, not because it is easy or enjoyable. Theoretical Proposition Two. In …
Continue reading Research on Medical Mission Events (Philippines), Part IV
This is some material from my dissertation, STRATEGIC USE OF MEDICAL MISSION EVENTS IN LONG-TERM LOCAL CHURCH OUTREACH: A CONSULTANT-STYLE FRAMEWORK FOR MEDICAL MISSION PRACTITIONERS IN THE ILOCOS REGION, PHILIPPINES. I will give a bit of a top-level look in this post, and some propositional work in Part IV. The characteristics of "REAL" Medical Missions: Right …
Continue reading Research on Medical Mission Events (Philippines), Part III
Why NOT to Do Medical Missions To fully go into all the reasons not to do medical missions would take too long. So here is a short version. NOTE: I think there are reasons why medical missions should be done, and can be done successfully... but one must honestly face problems. 1. Strategic Problems. Medical …
Continue reading Research on Medical Mission Events (Philippines), Part II