Spiritual Survival Tips For Short Term Medical Mission Team Part-2 Wagdy W. Wahba, Ph.D. Gregory School of Pharmacy Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach, Florida

Spiritual Survival Tips How to Equip Team Members Spiritually? While Serving in the Field  Remember that you are called to serve; Ephesians 2: 10  Remember that you are Christ’s ambassador 2 Corinthians 5:20  Be sensitive to God’s voice when He calls you to do something (this comes from AM preparation) e.g. saying a word of encouragement to someone, assuring somebody of God’s love, a gentle touch on the shoulder or the back, connecting with the locals  Be flexible; there may be surprises, change in plans  Be gracious to all (What is grace?)

Spiritual Survival Tips How to Equip Team Members Spiritually? While Serving in the Field  Serve with a joyful attitude  Remember:Commitment Psalm 37: 3-5 attitude Philippians 2: 5 motive Proverbs 16: 2 conduct Proverbs 20: 11  Remember:your are building memories, relationships you can make a difference in somebody’s life  Enjoy all what you are doing together

Spiritual Survival Tips How to Equip Team Members Spiritually? End of the Day Reflections  Evening devotions and prayers (Take turns)  Reflections on the day’s activities including the spiritual  Any challenges encountered?  What can we improve?  Help the host/hostess in preparing/setting up for dinner (make a schedule, take turns)  Help with cleaning up / washing the dishes  Keep in mind that you are guests-Be gracious  Share the answers to the AM questions  Have fun; games, conversation, rest & relax  Prepare for the next day

Spiritual Survival Tips How to Equip Team Members Spiritually? Reflections when You return Home  Give God the glory and the credit for what he has done “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” Matthew 5: 16  Always remember, We plant the seed; we water the seed But God is the one who makes it grow. It is God’s work; we are just workers in His field, His servants and ambassadors and it is a privilege to be in His plan of reaching out to others 1 Corinth 3, Ephesians 2:10

Spiritual Survival Tips How to Equip Team Members Spiritually? Reflections when You return Home  Share your experience with students, faculty, staff, family ……etc  Stay in touch with the rest of the group  Tell others about: The impact of the mission trip on you, on the team, and on the people you served Your personal and spiritual growth  You are now more knowledgeable than anybody who did not have the same experience  Be a witness to God’s marvelous power revealed during the trip (use specific examples)

Spiritual Survival Tips Reflections when You return Home  Stay in touch with the rest of the group  Tell others about the impact of the mission trip on you, on the team, and on the people you served  Tell others about your personal and spiritual growth  Remember to give God the credit for all the achievements  Share your knowledge with those who are interested in missions

Spiritual Survival Tips Reflections when You return Home  Individually: By walking with God (Genesis 5: 24) By being in His will (Romans 12: 1, 2) By using your gifts to build up the team (1 Peter 4: 10)  As a team: Team work achieves miracles Team work + God = doing the impossible (Luke 18: 27) When a team prays together in unity, Christ shows up !!! (Matthew 18: 20)  You can make a difference; God is Counting on You

Spiritual Survival Tips Practical Approaches Ask Questions Is this your first mission trip? Why are we here? What do you think you will get out of this experience? What is your expectation of the trip, i.e. personal or otherwise? What do you think we should pray for regarding the mission trip? Your impression regarding visit to the clinic today. Write one new thing you experienced during the trip?

Spiritual Survival Tips Practical Approaches Ask Questions Share something funny you experienced during the trip? Is there something you want to do before the end of this trip? How do you feel? What is your favorite Bible verse (s) and why? What is the best thing you enjoyed so far? Express your emotions regarding the trip. What is your preferred part of prayer? Write one thing we can work on as a group?

Spiritual Survival Tips Practical Approaches Ask Questions  What growth have you experienced so far?  What your impression of yesterday/today?  Share something you are thankful for on this trip  How did this trip strengthen you relationship with God?  Express your emotions regarding this trip

Spiritual Survival Tips Practical Approaches Philippians 1:27 (NIV) ”Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel”

Let your light shine Bring glory to God.