Global Health | Christian Health Service Corps

Hydroxychloroquine for COVID19 in resource poor regions

The research does not suggest it is time to abandon chloroquine as a viable therapy for COVID-19, especially in developing countries. It may also be a viable option for prophylaxis to prevent infections of healthcare workers.

Feasting CRISIS

We sense peace and stability when food in the house suffices to feed the family. Birds sense the same, too! Similarly, pandemic experiences drive home to Ivorians that churches using Community Health Evangelism (CHE) and Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) disseminate truth in culture more effectively. The peace and stability of Shalom reign in real life.

Seize the Day

Although we do not usually quote pagan poets, Horace’s frequently coined phrase “carpe diem” (seize the day) seems relevant for redemption in our day. Social media venues are replete with people stressed by the quarantine. While schedules and plans may be in shambles, . . .

Phone a Friend

Several trainers in our home town continue meeting in small groups. They follow government guidelines for social distancing, wearing masks, and cancel or divide gatherings of more than ten people. A regional pastor informed us that his whole church has begun using DBS all over their village. It is their means to continue meeting for prayer and study these days.

Leadership LEAP

Recent lifestyle adjustments due to COVID-19 remind us of two things: change is a constant, and, never let a crisis go to waste without thinking of how to improve the future. Such thinking may seem audacious to some, but . . . Audacity is a leadership quality summarized in the LEAP acronym (i.e. love, edge, audacity, and proofs).

The Two-Way Street

Ministry is a two-way street. Sometimes the road is not well-traveled, and even a bit narrow, but it is still bi-directional. Jesus walks it with us. Sometimes, we walk it with Jesus. The latter tends to go better. Two Discovery Bible Study groups have started. Two more are on tap, and maybe a fifth. Some friends on the Way are getting a little happier and because of their closer walk with Jesus.

Leading Change in Medical Missions

Community mobilization or facilitation is the highest form of leadership, and one of the most important skill sets for anyone working in global health and medical missions. It means we have learned to inspire communities to recognize, and own their problems, and then create their own lasting solutions.

Duty or Delight?

Sabbath rests allow for the percolation of ideas that prove invaluable for the future of all. The Creator wove our need for Sabbath into human DNA. The times of reflection let us adapt through life-giving, truth-spreading worship (John 4). Our supposed “fixes” by working harder, physically resting longer, or growing in social influence do not match the enduring remedy of God.

Hallmark

A vision which establishes good goals yields results and witnesses which endure. The good goal of the Scientific Congress was…

Choosing Where to Serve as a Medical Missionary: Finding the Right Fit

I have seen countless medical missionaries fail from different organizations because they landed a place that’s not a good fit. They land at a mission station where all attempts to thrive individually and/or as a family fail. They then revert to survival mode where it becomes difficult to sustain the joy in life or the joy in serving. It may take only a few months or sometimes a full three year term, but serving in a place that is not a good fit will inevitably wear people down and bring them home.