5. Is there something I should be doing while I'm considering becoming a missionary nurse?

Yes. You may want to

• Read about missions, missionaries, cross-cultural ministry, and the area of missions that God is leading you to. For an introduction check out the books listed on the reference page.

• Prepare yourself professionally for the work you will be doing - there may be tropical diseases with which you are unfamiliar; equipment, procedures, and medications that are different; and skills that you may need to acquire, e.g. midwifery in order to be licensed in the country to which you are going.

• Enroll in a formal course to study the Bible, Theology and/or Missions. Many sending mission agencies require formal Bible study as part of their requirements.

• Establish cross-cultural friendships with non-Christians - be a host family for a refugee or an international student, practice nursing in a cross-cultural ministry setting in the United States, or volunteer at a free clinic.

• Attend a conference on missionary nursing. For information on a November conference go to Medical Missions Conference.