FORT MILL, S.C., November 27, 2006—Thousands of medical, dental, and nursing students, as well as residents and physicians in practice were on hand for Southeast Christian Church’s 11th annual Global Missions Health Conference in Louisville, Keytucky, November 8-11. The conference featured dozens of seminars and breakout sessions on various topics, as well as a special pre-conference session by veteran medical missionary Dr. Dan Fountain and others.

God is still seeking and calling those who will give their all ‘unto death.' Plenary speakers included Dr. Florence Muindi, a Kenyan medical doctor currently serving in Ethiopia, who emphasized the vital role of local professionals in mission. Dr. Joshua Bogunjoko, SIM’s Deputy International Director for Europe and West Africa, said, “Dr. Muindi gave one of the most memorable messages for me from this conference. She said: ‘Christ did not come just to give service; He came to give His life,’ and we are not called just to give service, we are called to give our lives. I think that sums up what our attitude should be to those whom we are called to serve.”

He added, “I was also reminded that there are no easy answers to the challenges that we face in missions today, but God is still seeking and calling those who will give their all ‘unto death,’ to answer the call and bring Jesus Christ to a world that desperately needs Him.”

SIM’s Ray Hutchinson manned an exhibit with Dr. Frank Young and Dr. Louis and Ann Carter. Also participating in meetings on HIV and AIDS were SIM’s John and Faith Barnshaw and Bob Blees. Gracia Blees and Dr. Paul Hudson participated in presentations. Dr. Bob and Hope Carter represented Zambia’s Mukinge Hospital.

Reflecting on one session during which men and women came forward to present themselves to God for missions, Hudson said, “The tears of many, kneeling before the Lord, will be an image that will stay with me for a long time. We had the privilege of participating with, counseling with, and helping many to find their place in medical mission.”

Hudson added, “I found that the emphasis on health as shalom—harmonious relationships that honor God—to be helpful. It was not just taught, but modeled in many relationships. And this is significant, because there were several thousand people there! In my own ministry in HIV and AIDS, I have been impressed more deeply recently about the need for shalom. Young people in China, for instance, know they need changes, but they don’t know what those changes might be! I appreciated the conference for its depth, its emphasis on developing local leadership for health and medicine, and for shalom.”

Bob Blees and John Barnshaw will be among those representing SIM at the 2006 Global Summit on AIDS and the Church at Saddleback Church in California, November 30-December 1. December 1st is World AIDS Day.

Check out opportunities to serve with SIM in the fields of health and HIV/AIDS.