Summer Medical Institute

Have you ever run with all your might through an airport to catch your flight as the gate is closing? We have! Despite an accident that transformed I-95 into a very large parking lot, God provided grace through kind-hearted Southwest employees to help us make our flight. Once we arrived in Louisville, KY, we found ourselves in the hands of a generous host. At the conference we were in the midst of over two thousand Christians, gathered to hear what God was doing around the world through medicine. We highly recommend the conference, and being early to airports.

Learning About Medical Missions

At the conference doctors from the missions field testified that the God we serve is magnificent. To step out of our daily routine as students or doctors and hear these witnesses was inspiring. We also participated in corporate worship, and attended various workshops in smaller break-out sessions. We chose from a wide variety of topics, such as raising a family abroad to community health programs to discerning calling and more.

True Christian Hospitality

All 26 members of our group stayed with a most generous Southeast Church member. It was one of the busiest weeks of his life, and in addition to his work and busy ministries, he provided towels, air mattresses, rides, and food for us all. We traveled in style again this year using his RV. We pray God will use his gifts of hospitality and giving to encourage many more in the name of the Lord. Thank you for everything Javon!

Challenging Speakers

Plenary speakers John Patrick, Clydette Powell, Steve Saint, and Dave Thompson challenged us in many ways. From intellectual laziness to surrendering our future plans, they addressed areas in our lives where we should live out the Gospel fully. If our life is indeed not our own, as the Bible states and as we claim with our words, then what should our lives look like?

Fellowship

Traveling with new friends and old, we were able to enjoy some great conversations. Among our group was Scott Boyles, the Christian Medical and Dental Association's Northeast Director. Many in our group are considering missions work in the future, short term or long term, and they were encouraged to be with like-minded Christians in medicine. We pray the seeds planted at the conference will bear much fruit in our lives.

Making New Friends

The entire trip was a great opportunity to meet other Christians in the medical field. SMI alumni caught up with friends from Valley Baptist Practice Residency at their exhibit (below). With two large rooms filled with different Christian organizations, we saw how we can practically be involved in work abroad. To the left Melissa meets Cornel Sanders, who's KCF business began in Louisville when he was sixty.

The Philly Group 2006