Years ago when God gave Yang Chen, MD, a vision for the Medical Strategic Network (MSN), students were at the heart of the mission. "I realized that one of the most effective ways to mobilize health professionals for the gospel was by equipping them from the earliest days of their professional training," he says.

Since that initial dream, MSN has had an ongoing emphasis on students. "Our distinctive in working with students is that we seek to impact one life at a time," Dr.Chen adds.

Out of this distinctive comes MSN's newest min istry opportunity,the Health Student Summer Mission Project, June 17 –July 17, 2001, in Southern California.

Bob Mason, National Field Coordinator for MSN, notes, "We want to raise a new generation of health students who are prepared to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of their patients.This is a Mission Project where students will receive quality biblical teaching, hands-on training, spiritual mentoring, and leadership development. By God's grace, this will be a catalyst to fulfilling that dream for a new generation of health professionals."

The Project will be open to medical, dental, and nursing students. Only a limited number of students will be accepted.

Hands-On Experience

Each day, Mission Project students will get hands-on experience in providing medical care and offering the hope of Christ. By serving in an inner-city Christian health clinic,the students will care for an array of medical needs among underprivileged children and adults. And because it is a Christian clinic, the environment will be conducive for ethically and sensitively addressing spiritual needs among patients.

"Naturally, the students will need training to do this," notes Stan Shu, MD, Project faculty member. "Upon their arrival, we'll host a full Medical Evangelism Training & Strategies Conference (METS) at beautiful Lake Arrowhead Resort in the Southern California mountains." Before students see their first patient, they'll get the needed instruction to care for the whole person -body, mind, and soul -in a caring, sensitive, and non-coercive manner."

Of course, not every student will spend his or her career working in a Christian clinic. That's why the Project will also include exposure to the practices of various Christian providers.

"We'll have up to 40 Christian preceptors modeling whole-person care to these students," says Harvey Elder, MD, another Project faculty member. "Whether it's family practice, nursing, surgery, dentistry, pediatrics, oncology, or caring for patients with AIDS, students will shadow many providers who are sharing Christ with their patients. Plus,these providers work in a variety of settings -clinics,private hospitals, teaching hospitals, public hospitals, managed care, and private practice. Students will see first-hand that whole-person care is possible in almost any setting or specialty."

Growing Deeper

While students are giving to others, they'll be challenged to grow deeper in their own walks with God.

Evenings will be set aside for Bible study and personal discipleship. Each student will have a spiritual mentor who will walk with them throughout the Project. And there will be time to be alone with God for personal reflection and to develop a personal mission statement.

"Effective ministry is simply an overflow of one's own relationship with God," says Mason, who also serves as Project Director. "So it's critical that we provide ample opportunity to deepen that relationship."

Project students will also be able to build authentic relationships with each other. By living in community, working side-by-side,and studying God's Word, lifelong friendships will develop. And with Southern California serving as the backdrop, students will have an opportunity to enjoy social outings to nearby beaches,mountains, deserts, major theme parks, professional athletics, world class shopping, museums,and restaurants.

Beyond Summer 2001

While the project will only last four short weeks in Southern California, the faculty team prays its impact will be long and far.

"Many of the students who will attend are spiritual leaders on their campuses," comments MSN President Yang Chen, MD. "Our hope is that they return more ready and better equipped to give spiritual leadership within their spheres of influence."

Therefore, the conference training will include an emphasis on developing the knowledge and skills critical to winning and discipling others.

Mason adds, "Our faculty team will include people who have years of experience in ministries of evangelism and discipleship. They'll help the students formulate a personalized plan of how they can build spiritually into the lives of their friends and colleagues. Raising a new generation of health professionals,one person at a time. That's what it's all about."

To get more information or to apply for the Project:

visit www.GoMETS.org/summerproject.html, call (909)881-2844, or write medproject@GoMETS.org.