Lights are flashing, sirens blaring. When you see an ambulance racing by, do you wonder who is hurting, what family is fearing the worst? Crises happen in our world. Most we never know anything about. But since 2006, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has sent medical teams to areas of the world where a crisis may not be answered by a hasty professional response, where medical care is needed and often unavailable.

Mercy Medical Teams (MMT) give opportunities for Christians with special skills and abilities ways to share with those who are in underserved countries and have limited means of medical support. These short-term volunteers gain experience using their gifts to help others while also learning how their vocation can serve our Lord both here in the United States and throughout the world. At times, they may be able to speak with patients about Jesus or just pray with them.

This grant will provide funds for student nurses wishing to volunteer for a MMT trip. Working with the Nursing Departments of the Concordia University System (CUI) and LCMS Health Ministry, the Director of Nursing for Concordia University Campus will send ten student nurses overseas for ten days to partner with the Lutheran Hospital in Antsirabe, Madagascar, to work with patients along with the Malgasy staff.

They will learn about cross-cultural expectations and nursing care prior to their trip. While in Madagascar, they will work with the health care providers, learn what mobile clinics provide and help educate communities about women’s health issues and hygiene. Most importantly, they will learn about the global body of Christ. After returning to their classes, they will be debriefed and share their stories with others. Nursing students often find they have received far more than they have given. LCMS mission trips are remembered long after returning home. One participant of a MMT commented, “You begin to realize that God knows each and every one … and suddenly you no longer consider [them] patients, but children of God, just like yourself.”

Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) is the official women’s auxiliary of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Since 1942, the LWML has focused on affirming each woman’s relationship with Christ, encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries and by supporting global missions. For more information on each month’s mission focus, visit LWML.org. Saint John’s Mission Guild (LWML) meets the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM in Room 301. All ladies of the congregation are invited to attend.