HealthCare Ministries is the worldwide medical missions outreach of Assemblies of God World Missions and is subject to the authority of that governing body. Click here for more specific information about what HCM does.


What is the purpose of HCM?
The purpose of HCM is to demonstrate God's love and compassion in all aspects of our ministry and to give people an opportunity to know and accept Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives.


How does HCM carry out its purpose?

As requested by the Assemblies of God foreign fields and missionaries, HealthCare Ministries endeavors to fulfill this purpose through short-term medical evangelism teams, health education and working with national and U.S. professionals in long-term efforts overseas. The ministry also carries out disaster relief efforts when asked to do so. 

What are some of the places HCM has been?

HealthCare Ministries over the past sixteen years has had the privilege of holding almost 300 clinics in 65 countries, treating almost 300,000 patients and seeing approximately 70,000 of the unsaved accept Jesus as their Savior in a one-on-one witness situation. (Statistics as of 11/1/03) 

What is the staffing of HCM?

The home office, which is located in Springfield, Missouri, is staffed by appointed AGWM (Assemblies of God World Missions ) missionaries, AGWM missionary associates, General Council of the Assemblies of God employees and volunteers.

How is HCM funded?

Healthcare Ministries is funded by donations from interested people. Our fiscal responsibility is monitored by Assemblies of God World Missions. All official tax-deductible donations are receipted by our parent organization, the General Council of the Assemblies of God. See HCM Trips Information concerning expenses for team members.

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Questions about HCM trips

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Does HCM build hospitals and clinics?

HCM's emphasis is not on constructing permanent buildings such as hospitals or clinics. HCM focuses on short-term medical evangelism trips, health education, Community Health Evangelism (CHE) trainings and professional consultations in existing medical facilities as requested by AG missionaries or AG national leaders.

How long are the short-term clinics and how are short-term medical teams selected?

The medical teams go where invited by AGWM missionaries and the clinics are one to two weeks in duration. The teams are composed of volunteers who have made application to HCM. After each application is processed and approved, the volunteer is notified that he/she has been approved as an HCM team member. The volunteer requests to participate in a particular trip. Every effort is made to honor the volunteer's preference; however each team is filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. A $200 administrative fee is required to hold a place on a trip and the money is applied toward the team member's total expense for the trip. See our Future Trips page for more information, an application and other required forms.

Are non-medical volunteers accepted on short-term teams?

There is limited space on the teams for non-medical support people. The size of the team requested by the AG missionary and the medical professionals needed to provide direct services directly affects the number of non-medical volunteers. Often the support positions are filled by spouses of the medical professionals. However, non-medical volunteers are encouraged to contact HCM concerning specific trips.

Is HCM involved in long-term medical clinics?

HealthCare Ministries is primarily engaged in short-term clinics but is also involved in facilitating longer-term assignments.

Do you have to be affiliated with an Assembly of God church?

No. In the application process the applicant has to write a statement concerning his/her Christian beliefs and testimony. A reference letter from the pastor is also required.

 

Does HCM provide services at the request of national organizations?

No. HCM must be invited by an AGWM missionary and the trip approved by the Assembly of God leaders for the specific region of the world.

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Questions about Prospects and Team Members

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Are medical professionals other than those listed under Future Trips
utilized on HCM trips?  (Such as: Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, EMT's , etc.)

Yes.  Contact should be made to the HCM Logistics Department to discuss opportunities for specialists.

Are non-medical professionals utilized on HCM Trips? (Such as:  Speech and Language Pathologists, Counselors, Massage Therapists, etc)

Yes. Contact should be made to the HCM Logistics Department to discuss opportunities for specialists.

What is the approximate budget of an HCM Trip? 

Trips vary from $1600 to $4000, depending on airfare, in-country expenses, visas, etc. A final budget is usually available around 4 months before trip departure.

 

What is the process for joining a medical mission trip? 

(1)    Download from website application and checklist of items required to accompany the application. Complete, and send to HCM.

(2)    If you want to join a specific trip listed under Future Trips, please check under "professionals needed" for any positions still open.

(3)    Check with HCM before sending in $200 administrative fee to make sure there is an opening for you on your trip of particular interest (unless you are open to any future trip).

How can I raise funds for my trip? 

Funds can be raised by through friends, family, home church, etc...See sample fundraiser letter. All funds are "tax deductible donations" and a receipt will be sent to every donor.
 

When is the money due for a trip?

Payment number one is due 120 days before trip (dependent on ticketing for flights).  Payment number two is due 60 days before trip

Will I need a passport and visa?

You will need to obtain a passport if you do not already have one. Get your passport early,  as you may need to send it away to get a visa stamped in it. Many foreign countries require a visa approval (stamp) into your passport. Regardless of whether a visa is required, you are required to display your passport when entering or leaving any country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months (preferably one year) beyond your scheduled return date.

 

Do I make my own travel arrangements, or does HCM? 

HCM will direct you in making travel arrangements after you have been approved for the trip.

 

How does a HCM medical evangelism team function on the field?

The medical evangelism team composition and function on the mission field is based on the missionary's goal for the outreach. This can be a full medical team with medical, optical, dental and pharmacy to a health education team, disabilities outreach team, etc.

How are nurses utilized on teams?

The role of a nurse on the team ranges from RN evaluator (assessment and triage), pharmacy, laboratory and treatments to health educator. 

 
How are support volunteers utilized on teams?

Support volunteers are valuable members of the team and are utilized in all area of the clinic as the needs arise. Flexibility and a servant's heart are needed.

Are team members able to witness? 

This depends on the sensitivity of the country. The AG missionary will direct the team members on how to handle spiritual witnessing. Every team member must follow the instructions of the AG missionary. 

Does HCM assist and/or accommodate church groups that want to participate on medical mission trips?

HCM has a This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it that coordinates all requests for assistance.

An annual Medical Evangelism Forum is held to assist churches who are taking medical teams or want to take medical teams. 

Are team members covered by insurance?

Yes. Special international travel insurance is provided for all team members.

Can medical students participate on a team?

Yes. Medical students are welcome to join a short-term medical team. Also, HCM can assist in securing a longer assignment for individual medical students as requested.

 
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Questions about donations

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How can I become involved with HCM?

There are many ways you can help! Please see our Support HCM page for specific information and how to contact us. Thank you!

What kinds of items will you accept for donation, and how do I donate them?

Visit our Supply List for detailed information regarding donations and where to send them.

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