Real Missions is overseas... FALSE!!!
Real Missions is wherever you live out the gospel and make disciples. We always thought if we did not go to the 10/40 window, we weren't making the greatest impact for the Kingdom of God. But the reality is that the poor; both literal and spiritual, can be found everywhere.
When God called us to be missionaries in Appalachia, we were sure we heard wrong. "How is this true gospel work?", we thought. But after serving here for 13 years and counting, we know that there are people who are hungry and thirsty and still don't know where to find living water.
Primary Care in a FQHC has been our passport to people's hearts. A medical provider not only helps people physically, but is often seen as a mentor, pastor, and friend. Hopelessness abounds. Hearts are broken. Bodies suffer. And yet Christ tells us He is the Hope.
Poverty Medicine in America has its place in the mission field. Unfortunately, students who are looking to use their gifts in medicine to be the hands of Christ overlook what is in their own backyard.
Dayspring Family Health Center offers clinical rotations for medical students and resident so they "survey the land.' Students have come and seen that living out your faith isn't just handing out a tract to a patient. They get to see providers from different denominations unite under the Banner of Christ in order to serve the underserved. They see compassion dispensed with expert medical care. They see the difficulties of life for those who have little access to the "luxuries' of suburbia, including fresh produce, public transportation, and specialty clinics.
And why am I writing our story? Because as a young couple, my husband and I longed to obey Jesus to "GO, and make disciples of every nation." And yet we ignored the needs of our own nation, forgetting that God loves the impoverished everywhere. So when we discerned that a far and needy country was not in our plan, we mourned not raising our children overseas. We submitted to staying in the states. In the process, we have found joy and hope and perseverance. Life has not been easy, but we would never have grown in the ways He would have wanted if we left. We are still doing cross-cultural missions. Coming from NY and IL, East TN is a WHOLE different culture to us. Yet God has used us here in ways we never would have asked or imagined.
Prayer Requests:
* God would call more people to rural medicine.
* Students would be willing to get very difficult training to be able to serve well.
* Resources would become more available to the poor so they can get early, preventative care.
Real Missions is wherever you live out the gospel and make disciples. We always thought if we did not go to the 10/40 window, we weren't making the greatest impact for the Kingdom of God. But the reality is that the poor; both literal and spiritual, can be found everywhere.
When God called us to be missionaries in Appalachia, we were sure we heard wrong. "How is this true gospel work?", we thought. But after serving here for 13 years and counting, we know that there are people who are hungry and thirsty and still don't know where to find living water.
Primary Care in a FQHC has been our passport to people's hearts. A medical provider not only helps people physically, but is often seen as a mentor, pastor, and friend. Hopelessness abounds. Hearts are broken. Bodies suffer. And yet Christ tells us He is the Hope.
Poverty Medicine in America has its place in the mission field. Unfortunately, students who are looking to use their gifts in medicine to be the hands of Christ overlook what is in their own backyard.
Dayspring Family Health Center offers clinical rotations for medical students and resident so they "survey the land.' Students have come and seen that living out your faith isn't just handing out a tract to a patient. They get to see providers from different denominations unite under the Banner of Christ in order to serve the underserved. They see compassion dispensed with expert medical care. They see the difficulties of life for those who have little access to the "luxuries' of suburbia, including fresh produce, public transportation, and specialty clinics.
And why am I writing our story? Because as a young couple, my husband and I longed to obey Jesus to "GO, and make disciples of every nation." And yet we ignored the needs of our own nation, forgetting that God loves the impoverished everywhere. So when we discerned that a far and needy country was not in our plan, we mourned not raising our children overseas. We submitted to staying in the states. In the process, we have found joy and hope and perseverance. Life has not been easy, but we would never have grown in the ways He would have wanted if we left. We are still doing cross-cultural missions. Coming from NY and IL, East TN is a WHOLE different culture to us. Yet God has used us here in ways we never would have asked or imagined.
Prayer Requests:
* God would call more people to rural medicine.
* Students would be willing to get very difficult training to be able to serve well.
* Resources would become more available to the poor so they can get early, preventative care.
