Medical Missions: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!

by Bruce Steffes

This unique book is based on the premise that experiencing medical missions is not like other short-term or long term mission experiences. In addition to all of the usual stresses that all missionaries experience in a new environment, trying to practice medicine the way you have been taught in a world where you have so little is very difficult. You will often get blind-sided when you least expect it. You can minimize the pain you will feel and increase your effectiveness if you take the advice in this book. It is designed to make you think about the situation and your possible reaction before it happens. This book is full of the insights (spiritual, philosophical and practical) needed by you who are considering medical missions. Some of the material is revised from the popular preceding Handbook for Short-Term Medical Missionaries but in addition, there are 10 new stories from Bruce's personal experiences in medical missions. The stories are sometimes humorous, sometimes sad and on occasion, embarrassing. They all demonstrate what God is able to teach you and how He can work with and through you. If you are interested in what God might have to say to you about becoming a medical missionary, this is just the book. It is also a great way for you non-medical folks to understand the particular stresses that medical missionaries face every day. If you are a short-term missionary, it is the perfect-sized book to slip into your pocket and take with you to the mission field.

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Alexandria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worth the read solely for the chapter on challenges of short-term trips. Emphasized the importance of deferring to long-termers and locals even if you disagree because they better understand the complexities of the situations.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are going on a medical mission trip, this covers everything and then some. Highly recommend to finish before you go. Incredibly helpful and insightful!