Healthcare and the Mission of God - by Paul J Hudson (Paperback)

About the Book

A mechanistic view of humankind divorces body and soul and undermines Christians in healthcare ministry. A gospel-centered view of ministry aligns healthcare with the purposes of God, providing a solid foundation for mission.

Book Synopsis

Jesus went about healing people and preaching the Kingdom of God. Healthcare professionals who want to serve Christ can find it challenging to integrate faith and practice, especially in a cross-cultural mission setting. Questions arise that are difficult to answer. How do I share my faith appropriately? Is compassionate care enough? How does my healthcare ministry advance Jesus' Great Commission to disciple the nations? Healthcare and gospel ministry can be driven by separate agendas.

Healthcare and the Mission of God shows Christians can recover an integrated picture of healthcare ministry. Healing and faith fit together in a larger framework, the whole story of the Bible. From creation to redemption, a clear picture of God's purposes for humanity features compassionate care for others. The author illustrates this through stories of God's grace as Christian medical professionals face the challenges of global missions.

Jesus invites us as healthcare workers to be transformed for His glory even as He works through us to heal those broken and suffering. The challenges of cross-cultural missions become His invitation to joy.

Review Quotes

"Dr. Paul Hudson is a healer. I mean that in every sense of the word. He's

a doctor, concerned not only with healing the diseased and also promoting

health in people and communities. In his long career, he's also

been an effective mission leader, concerned with healing hearts and lives

broken by sin while promoting gospel flourishing in people and communities.

In this book, beautifully written and well-researched, he offers a

prescription for an unfortunate wound: the sad fracture of Word-based

evangelism from deed-based medical care. Paul argues convincingly for

a holistic gospel proclaiming healing/salvation for whole persons and the

whole cosmos. Only such a Word and Deed approach to redemption will

reflect the gospel of a Messiah who came both preaching and healing the

sick, the lame and the blind. Take up this book; engage its heart-gripping

stories, and wrestle with his argument. It's a healing balm for your soul!"

John R. Sittema, pastor, author of Meeting Jesus at the Feast

"This profound and practical book will be transformative to those planning

to be medical missionaries or those already serving overseas. It

shares the best antidote to burnout. It contains a prescription that will

give you strength and joy as you face overwhelming needs. It provides a

vaccine against disillusionment and much more. It is a must read!"

David Stevens, MD, MA (Ethics); CEO Emeritus of the Christian

Medical & Dental Associations (USA)

"This book by Dr. Paul Hudson speaks deeply to the mind, body, and soul.

With thirty years of medical missionary experience in three countries,

Paul speaks candidly as one wounded but healed and who is committed

to ministering to the whole person. Through moving personal stories,

Paul explains how Christian healthcare ministry is motivated by the

Bible's whole story and God's whole work in restoring our broken world.

The gospel is both spoken and seen, as demonstrated in healthcare ministry,

which integrates the cultural and evangelistic mandates. We are

called both to be disciples of Christ and to make disciples of Christ,

locally and cross-culturally. This book answers the question, 'Where does

my little life fit into the grand story of God's mission?'"

Dr. Patrick Fong, Global Ambassador, OMF International

"Dr. Paul Hudson has written a crucial book for cross-cultural medical

workers based on his decades of service on 3 continents, from bedside

doctor to mentor of physicians. He has been a profound encouragement

in my journey. I would strongly encourage prospective and experienced

cross cultural medical workers to read this book in order to understand

better their purpose in building Jesus Christ's kingdom and to avoid

making the mistakes of many previous generations."

Niles Batdorf, MD, missionary surgeon

"For 40 years, I have had the privilege of listening to, crying with, struggling

alongside, and counseling healthcare missionaries. I have not found

a book that addresses the person God calls to serve Him in healthcare

mission so comprehensively and holistically. Dr. Hudson explores where

and how we can find boundaries and balance to help us persevere joyfully

in hard places through tough times. He describes how to achieve a sustainable

ministry of personal faith, discipleship with others, and healthy

perseverance. I will certainly be using this as a resource and recommending

it to anyone engaging in God's mission with healthcare."

Jarrett W. Richardson III, MD, Psychiatrist, Rochester, MN

Former Chair Christian Medical and Dental Associations

CMDE Comm