I have always been fascinated with "remote" regions of the world and with communications in general. For over 33 years I've been prowling the ham radio bands, vicariously visiting nearly every country on earth and getting to know some of the people who live and work in them. As a physician, via short term medical missions, I've had the pleasure and privilege of actually visiting some of these remote regions. In 1981, our whole family spent the summer in northern Thailand. I worked in a refugee camp with World Vision International, our older daughter went to a Thai school, and my wife Charlotte shopped in the local markets, related to our village neighbors, and learned to cook the best oriental food you ever tasted. It was tough being away from my practice for so long, but we all agree that it was an experience of a lifetime and well worth it.

Now days, I prefer to journey out on the mission field once or twice a year for a week or two at a time. These short-term excursions are very invigorating and rewarding. It may surprise you to know that there is a great need on such trips for people who are not actually medical professionals. Working in the pharmacy, comforting patients and praying with them after surgery, and ministering in local churches are just a few examples of important needs that lay people can and do fill with great effectiveness. With proper advance planning, amateur radio operators can fill almost every communications requirement on such a trip.

My primary motive for being involved in medical missions is the Lord's Great Commission. It is a most wonderful thing to be able to share the Good News of Christ while ministering to the physical needs of folks who have never had the benefit of any medications or scientific medical care. I have known several people, not themselves Christian, who were simply curious about God and what Christian doctors might do on such a trip. Needless to say, joining a short-term missions team was life-changing for some of them.

You might not be a doctor, nurse, ham radio operator or minister, but you are still needed on the medical mission field. This website-especially the missions page -contains some valuable links to your personal involvement. Hope you can join me on the field soon.

----Bill Reid