Each year on April 7th, World Health Day invites us to consider the most pressing health issues around the globe. For Christians and the Church, this day can be more than just a moment of awareness. It can be a call to action rooted in God’s mission and the heart of the gospel!

Throughout Scripture, Jesus heals the sick, restores what is broken, and is in community with those on the margins of society. Caring for the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of others is central to our faith.

International Ministries (IM) is committed to this holistic mission, and global servants bring it to life. They embody Christ’s compassion as they address health and wellness needs worldwide. Global servants treat illness, build relationships, empower communities, and proclaim the Good News of Jesus, the ultimate source of healing.

In many parts of the world, access to basic healthcare is limited. Preventable diseases, malnutrition, and lack of health education affect millions. Yet, there is hope. The dedicated work of global servants and international partners is breaking barriers, giving tangible care to those in need.

Many IM global servants are medical professionals and provide hands-on training for local healthcare workers. As family doctors, Anita and Rick Gutierrez understand the value of teaching basic care. This education helps prevent lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease. They train “health builders” in South Africa to provide care out in their own rural communities. Similarly, David Parajón partners with AMOS Health and Hope in Nicaragua. AMOS works to reduce preventable diseases in rural areas. David supports this ministry by offering medical and public health training.

Kristy Engel uses her experience to serve as a global consultant. She leads health teams during crises like natural disasters, wars, and health outbreaks. In each situation, Kristy establishes vital systems that ensure care continues even after she leaves.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), global servants work with hospitals and international partners to provide compassionate care to underserved populations. Kathy and Tim Rice work with Vanga Evangelical Hospital. They train Congolese doctors, nurses, and administrators in whole-person care. This empowers them to make the most of their limited resources in the DRC. Katherine and Wayne Niles also address health concerns with training. Through partnerships, the Niles provide essential equipment and implement sustainable environmental solutions related to healthcare.

Ann and Bill Clemmer are regional consultants serving in partnership with HEAL Africa and IMA World Health. In Goma, Bill supports healthcare workers in hospitals and clinics, and Ann coordinates programs that provide education and care for orphans and widows. 

On the island of Hispaniola, Kihomi Ngwemi and Nzunga Mabudiga work to increase the health and well-being of Dominicans and Haitians. Nzunga supervises the Cap-Hatian Eye Clinic, and Kihomi works holistically with women and families.

Just as physical health is vital to a person’s well-being, emotional health plays an equally important part. Helping others work through trauma is key in the ministries of both Mylinda Baits and Kit Ripley. Kit offers clinical mental health counseling and art therapy for survivors of trauma in Thailand. Mylinda also uses art therapy. She provides opportunities of renewal and healing for leaders and also trains others in restorative arts and creative expression. This extends emotional well-being to communities that may not have access to it otherwise.

IM has many other global servants whose ministries focus on health and well-being. As a way to recognize World Health Day, would you take time to learn what God is doing through them?

• Deliris and Moise Carrión-Joseph serve in Mexico. They work with migrants and survivors of domestic abuse. 
• Christy Lafferty is in Nicaragua, serving with AMOS Health and Hope. She facilitates short-term mission teams and collaborates with churches to build long-term partnerships.
• Brian and Lynette Smith are forming strong connections with people across the Dominican Republic. As a doula, Lynette supports women and families, and Brian uses his business skills to empower others.
• Global Consultants Jeanine and Walt White train partners who work with historically underserved religious groups. They especially encourage development work that focuses on the empowerment of women.

International Ministries knows that the work of global servants is best done when they are healthy in mind, body, and spirit. Global Coordinators Rhonda Reed, Debby Witmer, and David and Joyce Reed support the well-being of global servants, missionary kids, and home office staff. Each role helps create a healthy culture for IM and allows each person to thrive personally and serve effectively in ministry.

World Health Day is an opportunity to learn about the ministries of global servants. But it’s also an opportunity to step into God’s mission in practical ways. 

1. We are called to pray. Pray for health workers locally and globally. Pray for their strength and wisdom. Pray for global servants and the communities they serve. Pray that healing would come physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
2. We can advocate and educate. Teach others about healthy lifestyle choices, including nutrition, exercise, and mental health support. This could be as simple as creating videos on nutritious meal prep for families or as technical as holding a workshop or health fair. Talk to others about the limited health resources facing millions around the world. But also share with them the hope that global servants bring through their work.
3. We can partner together. Financial support allows the ministries of IM global servants to not only continue, but grow! As a family, choose to help fund an IM project that provides medical supplies or training. Or, if a specific health concern or community is important to you, give financial support to a global servant working in that area. No matter what, every gift can help with health issues and improve someone’s well-being.
4. We can take action. Donate blood. Donate healthy food to a community pantry. Volunteer in a health-related ministry. Explore short-term missions with IM to serve alongside global servants focused on the health of others.

Not everyone is called to be a doctor or nurse.  But everyone has a role to play in God’s mission of restoration. Together, as the Church, we can be a powerful example of healing in a hurting world as we comfort, proclaim freedom, rebuild, and repair (Isaiah 61).

This World Health Day, let’s join God in mission to bring healing, hope, and wholeness to all!