Medical Missions in the Philippines

The main goal of Christian missionaries is to spread the gospel. Although this is the main need of the people, many missionaries also perform other services for the people to whom they minister. Sometimes the country where the missionary will serve is hostile to the idea of Christians going around and promulgating their beliefs.

This distrust of the Christian message may be rooted in several concerns. For example, in a country like China, the government is not particularly opposed to Christianity per se, but wants to retain control over it. People are allowed to have their beliefs in God as long as their beliefs in the state come first. Also, there is the concern that American missionaries will not simply spread the gospel but also preach American style politics. Other nations, such as Saudi Arabia, have a policy that strictly regulates which religions may be followed.

If a missionary is unable to enter a country for the express purpose of sharing the gospel, going to provide medical services may be effective. Another reason to provide medical care for the people is that it builds trust and love. Medical missions in the Philippines have been a significant way to reach people who might not otherwise be interested. Although the Philippines is open and easy to enter, the people there are often very poor. Much of the country still lives in a third world environment. Medical missions in the Philippines are a great way to demonstrate God's love to the unfortunate. Jesus said that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for him.