The Ripple Effect. Can we make a difference?

 From Chuck Ausherman:

The Ripple Effect. Can we make a difference? (Missions 101)

Back in the 1800’s churches sent out missionaries to “foreign” lands to spread the Gospel. This was before there were inoculations to prevent tropical diseases. As a result, scores of these well intentioned bearers of the Word fell sick and many died of preventable illnesses early in their ministry.

In order to address this tragic loss medical teams were sent out to care for church workers and their families living overseas. These doctors and nurses sent to serve mission personnel soon discovered that local indigenous people would also benefit from their care. Thus, medical missions was born. Hundreds of hospitals and clinics sprang up all over the developing world.

The Christian health system has grown to be the 2^nd largest in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. In some countries it is larger or more influential than government networks. And it is still growing. Government systems, though often larger, have been impacted by the example of advanced technology and care found in the religious institutions.

In the middle of the last century a Scottish layman, James McGilvary, traveled to many of these countries and organized nation-wide interdenominational Christian Health Association Networks (CHAN). CHAN’s contribute to the efficiency of these widespread efforts. CHAN’s enable coordination and cooperation and includes working with government national Ministries of Health (MOH).

Pennies collected in Sunday Schools multiplied to support a vast outreach improving the lives of millions world-wide.

The United Nations, The World Health Organization (WHO), foundations and other foreign aid programs including NGOs (non government organizations) CARE for example, which was founded by Christians, followed these pioneer efforts. They continue to be influenced by the dedication of the religious health networks.

The example of Jesus depicted in the Bible as caring for and healing those suffering from a variety of illnesses is where it all began.

Question: Will what you give to Bath Church missions make a difference?

Church history demonstrates that it can and does. Some call it the ripple effect. (Think loaves and fishes.) Can we make a difference as our witness to God’s love? The historical record proves we can.

References documenting Christian medical/ health ministry can be obtained from the Bath Mission chair who has worked with many CHAN’s.