The team --in partnership with the Upstate chapter of Christian Medical & Dental Associations--will work in conjunction with Global Health Outreach (GHO) and alongside national pastors and medical professionals to share the Gospel, support established ministries in our host country, and treat physical infirmities of the local people. An additional component of the trip will be for believing doctors to model compassionate, Christ-centered care to medical students and to develop Christian community among Upstate health professionals.
Doctors would spend one week on mission, and students and support staff would serve for two weeks in one to two rural villages. The exact locations of the clinics are based on need and are determined 2-3 months prior to the trip. The sites are generally a 2 to 6-hour drive from Managua, the capital city. Many physician mentors are needed to support this medical mission model.
Nicaragua is a Central American country that has lived with democracy since 1990; however, previous dictatorships, civil war and natural disasters have left the country with grave spiritual, economic and health challenges. Many are desperately poor and in need of medical assistance and spiritual encouragement.
The Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA) is made up of the Christian Medical Association (CMA) and the Christian Dental Association (CDA). CMDA provides resources, networking opportunities, education and a public voice for Christian healthcare professionals and students.
Founded in 1931, CMDA provides programs and services supporting its mission to "change hearts in healthcare" with a current membership of nearly 18,000. CMDA promotes positions and addresses policies on healthcare issues; conducts overseas medical evangelism projects; coordinates a network of Christian healthcare professionals for fellowship and professional growth; sponsors student ministries in medical and dental schools; distributes educational and inspirational resources; hosts marriage and family conferences; provides Third World missionary healthcare professionals with continuing education resources; and conducts academic exchange programs overseas. By being the "hands of Jesus" to needy people, CMDA seeks to fulfill His Great Commandment (Matthew 22:39; 25:36) and His Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).
The cost of this trip is $2,755, which includes airfare, domestic transportation, project costs, and a $150 deposit that is due upon registration.