Q: I want to be a healthcare missionary who does more than just medical or nursing care. How do I deal with the time constraints of a busy profession and still have a personal witness and assist in church planting?

Major on community-based health care rather than working out of a hospital setting. That way you'll get involved with local churches.

Also look at Mercy Ships, http://www.MercyShips.org.
They see their healing ministry as a tool to aid in evangelism, not an end in itself.

Almost anywhere in the developing world, medical skills are in short supply and offer one of the best avenues for gaining access to otherwise unapproachable lost souls. By working with local churches you can give them the opportunity to share Jesus. It isn't necessary to do other things, since your primary skill (medicine) is the greatest tool to draw them.

If one is called to a career in medical missions, be aware of the availability of Project MedSend, these educational loan repayment grants are for qualified applicants who have borrowed carefully, lived a restrained lifestyle and begun to repay at the first opportunity. Project MedSend provides financial counsel and has resources available that will help health professionals-in-training or pre-health students learn more about Christian financial management.

Look at your work environment as ministry. As a doctor you are involved in patients lives. Also think of all those you meet: co-workers, taxi drivers, neighbors, colleagues, shop keepers and the list goes one. Natural contact leads to invitations to your home. We used this "method" in our tentmaking years in Asia. Our home became mission central where many found the way to the Lord. For articles on this and much more, please visit our website Global Opportunities.