Global Health: A New Look
Volume 21, Number 1 Winter 2004

Article Summaries

Stirring Up Trouble by Judith Allen Shelly
Shelly’s editorial reminds readers that a Christian’s “agenda must be set by God’s standards, not by the world’s expectations.” Nurses are to offer quality health care in the name of Jesus—even if it gets them in trouble. (Discussion Questions)

Missionary Nursing: Dispelling the Myths by Ann Graber Hershberger
Hershberger discusses and dispels myths surrounding missionary nursing. Reliance on Western medicine must be the first myth to go. Second, white, North Americans must recognize the privilege and power associated with skin color. Hershberger outlines the positive and negative effects of short-term mission trips. In addition, the context for international nursing should consider economic transition, political transition and health transition. Finally, authentic approaches and authentic service are crucial in producing life-change.

The Least of These by Kristene Diggins
Diggins relates her humiliating experience when she overheard her dentist say, “She’s a missionary nurse, and she probably can’t afford it.” This comment causes Diggins to consider her attitude toward the patients she cares for daily.

Health Mission Today: A Closer Look by Daniel E. Fountain
Fountain asks readers, “Has the era of medical mission indeed ended?” Then he explains that while the old paradigm is over, new challenges and opportunities grow. Shifting the emphasis from medical to health is key. Other needs include high quality-curative care, training paramedical health personnel, community health, primary health care, and caring for the whole person. All this must be developed with innovative approaches.

Compassion by Kristene Diggins
In this short side bar, Diggins ponders the meaning of whole person care.

The Global HIV/AIDS Crisis: Does the Church Really Care? by Deborah A. Dortzbach
Dortzbach is the international director of the World Relief HIV/AIDS program. She reports, “AIDS claims more lives every day in Africa than died in one day in the terrorist attacks in New York.” The article identifies the behaviors and beliefs behind the AIDS crisis, and challenges readers to face the obstacles and move to action.

Educating for Change: HIV/AIDS & the Zambian Church by Arlene B. Miller
Cultural issues cause Zambian church leaders to hesitate teaching about sex, AIDS and health instruction. Complex factors make biblical sexual education difficult, yet “Christian fidelity is the ultimate answer to the AIDS crisis,” says Miller.

What Would Jesus Do Now? How to Prepare for Missionary Nursing by Grace Tazelaar
A former missionary to Uganda, Tazelaar provides practical and biblical tips in preparing for cross-cultural mission based on Jesus’ example.

Spiritual Care: What’s Worldview Got to Do with It? by Kamalini Kumar
Worldview shapes our perceptions of the physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions of our lives. Kumar outlines ways to care across cultures when worldview are similar, when they have some things in common and when they are disparate. The side bar provides a biblical perspective on health and suffering. (Discussion Questions)

Spirituality in Korea: A Fog of Religion and Culture by Lee Mira
Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, shamanism, and inner energy are discussed from a Korean viewpoint. Lee Mira states, “Recognizing the attributes and outcomes of spirituality will enable [nurses] to provide spiritual care more effectively.”

Short-term Mission: A Family Affair! by Linda S. Johanson
A family of four decides to forego a family vacation to embark on a short-term mission trip. Each member contributes to the team, learns how to work together and develops a love for people a world away.

Staying Healthy Overseas: What You Need to Know by Christopher T. Bajkiewicz
Using the acronym SEEK WISDOM, this is a must read article for anyone considering going overseas. Bajkiewicz fills the article with practical tips, resources, do’s and don’t’s when preparing to travel and traveling overseas.

When Mission Hits Home by LeAnn Thieman
Thieman, takes readers on an airlift—1975, Vietnam style. As a nurse, mom, an ordinary person, she finds herself thrust into an extraordinary event—airlifting 100 babies to safety. One of those babies would become her son.

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