In our 22 years as medical missionaries we have experienced that patients and their relatives notice that Christ through his servants is caring for them. We also have opportunity for personal counseling and can spread the word in Bible studies and preaching. Today only very few can expect to enter mission service as young men or women and continue for their whole professional lives. Sooner or later our positions should be filled by nationals. One of our most important tasks is to prepare nationals for the jobs we are doing now.
Young missionaries have to be prepared to return home.
Considering the difficulties for a professional to be accepted back after long service overseas, four years is about the limit for a smooth reentry. But the time spent in a developing country can be a very rewarding experience spiritually and professionally. Senior professionals who do not intend to resume practice in their home country may decide to spend more years using their wealth of experience serving those who need them. The task of medical missionaries has changed significantly, but they are still needed to fulfill an important service in healing, teaching and proclaiming through our work the kingdom of God and the fellowship with all mankind that we have received through Jesus Christ. It is bordered by Mali, Mauritania, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.