We need your input
You will be aware of the restructuring process going on within CMF Office as we try to become more effective in serving the needs of our members. In the overseas section, we would like to hear from members with comments or suggestions about the services we are, and should be, offering. One component of our work is to encourage and support members working overseas (including re-entry issues), to assist those taking steps to do so and to challenge others to consider doing so. We also seek to advise and assist students in their preparations for an elective.
There is room for improvement in both these areas and no doubt there are other areas we should be exploring and developing strategies for the future. Please get back to me with your ideas. We need to know that we are scratching where you itch if we are to offer an effective remedy.
Developing Health Course (DHC) UK 1–13 July 2007
Details are available online at www.healthserve.org
Plans are in hand for CMDA Malawi to hold a similar course in the autumn of 2007. CMDA Kenya are considering a similar event for healthcare workers in East Africa. Please pray for them and us in our preparations – that these events will go ahead and be a blessing and encouragement to those working overseas.
Have I got what it takes to work as a healthcare professional overseas?
This is the theme of the CMF HealthServe Day on Saturday 7 July 2007 at Oak Hill College, London. This event will take place in the midst of the DHC. It is aimed at all healthcare professionals who are thinking of working overseas – especially in a resource poor setting.
Marjory Foyle, whose book Can it be me? (see page 5) has just been published, will be examining the topic in a keynote lecture and considering the causes of missionary attrition and what steps can be take to avoid them. Marion Knell, author of Families on the Move, will be looking at the joys and sorrows facing those raising a family in a foreign culture. There will be a choice of several seminars. Several mission agencies will have stalls and present opportunities for service. It is hoped many missionaries and overseas nationals who are participating in the DHC will also attend.
It should be a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the challenges of working overseas; meet overseas nationals and those who are already involved and network with others of like mind.
Publications
The new edition of Re-tyred – not retired is complete and awaiting publication. It should be available soon. A useful resource for retirees who are thinking about using their new found freedom, accumulated wisdom and skills, to work abroad.
A new edition of Preparing for your Elective has been completed and should soon be available. Work is in hand on a new version of our Mission Handbook bringing a broader approach and simply entitled Working Abroad.
Work on the 2006 Developing Health CD Rom continues apace, though work pressures and various technical hitches in making it a web-based exercise (which should speed up the editing process in future years) have slowed matters down. A draft copy, at least, should be available early this year.
Please make all these issues a matter of prayer – that these resources won't be unnecessarily delayed and that they will be a blessing to those who use them.
Short Term Opportunities
Both BMS and SIM will be offering a number of short term trips in the coming year.
Contact www.bmsworldmission.org or Peter Jackson at www.sim.co.uk. MSI are offering a number of short term opportunities in China for both healthcare professionals and English teachers. Contact Andy Stevens at msiuk@hotmail.com
Prohealth International have places on short term outreaches within Nigeria in the coming year. They can be contacted at prohealthinternational@yahoo.com
Visit the opportunities section of our overseas website for more ideas. www.healthserve.org
