Leading a STM Medical Team
Things To Do During The Trip
Your arrival at the airport will most likely be your initial face-to-face meeting with the national host with whom
you have been working. After the greetings and introductions are completed,
move forward with confirming the initial logistics of transportation from the airport, your initial housing, and
getting food and/or water for the team. Subsequent conversations can confirm the remainder of the itinerary and the associated
arrangements for the next few days.
At this point you should "pass the baton" to the various other leaders among your team members - the medical, nursing, and other
leaders - and introduce them to the national host. They then can be in charge of their respective areas of expertise.
As the trip begins to unfold, you should look for opportunities to "show Jesus" to the team by serving the host, the national patients,
and the team members. You should be willing to empty garbage bags, carry water, bring medicines to or from the pharmacy, play with kids,
help with the VBS program, encourage team members to take breaks, etc. These activities - demonstrating a servant's heart and attitude
in all you do - will demonstrate Jesus to the team and those we minister with and to. As Henri Nouwen said, "Constantly teach about Jesus. When
necessary, use words."
As each day moves forward, keep thinking about 1) things going on today, and 2) things needed for tomorrow. Keep the schedule, the logistics,
the people, and the resources in mind. Have an awareness of the next activity and what will be needed in order for it to happen: Is a bus needed
for transportation? Is someone getting the water that the team needs? Is the next meal handled? Does the person giving tomorrow's
devotion have what they will need? Do we have functional toilet facilities for now? For this afternoon?
As the days pass, you as leader must be aware of the "pulse" of the team. Check in with
people through the day, asking, "How are you doing?" Listen to the voice, look at the eyes, and be aware of the body language. Pay attention to those on the team
who might be more vulnerable to fatigue: the older team member, the overweight, the very young. Don't be shy about suggesting that someone take
a break. Most people will not volunteer that for themselves and will work even to the point of exhaustion.
Be prepared to confront conflict between team members early and quickly. Gather facts and then bring the individuals together to
discuss the situation. Allow them to work it out themselves, if possible. Separate them if needed. Pray!
Establishing a daily routine that includes a morning devotion will give the team the "spiritual armor" that is required for
ministry in a secular setting. Asking team members to help with this activity is a wonderful way to empower the team and continue
the sense of team that you began building during the team meetings.
Similarly, an evening debrief can be a way to give people a forum for sharing emotional stories from a day in the field. It can be an
effective place for ministry between team members to occur. Usually these debrief meetings are short, taking place at the end of the evening
meal. We ask, "How was God glorified today?" or "Any reflections on the day that you'd like to share?" Following this, the evening then
becomes free time. It can be used for journaling, talking with others on the team, reading, or resting. Avoid the temptation to fill
every minute with "activity."
Around the mid-point of the trip, schedule a 20 minute "walk-around" with each team member. Tell them that you want their feedback on
how the trip is going for them, how is God speaking to them, and whether there is anything going on that you (as leader) should know
about. Keep the questions open-ended and give plenty of time for the person to talk. Ask how you can pray for them as the trip proceeds.
Have fun! Keep it about the Kingdom, not about the numbers! Remember that God is at work in you, each team member, the host, and every national
with whom you come in contact.
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