‘Building Healthy Communities for Christ’

New Mission Resource Available

Presbyterians have been at the forefront of health missions around the world for more than 100 years. A 10-minute program now on DVD illustrates how International Health Ministries carries on that tradition today, engaging U.S. Presbyterians in health-related missions and supporting the health and community development initiatives of PC(USA)'s global church partners.

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"International Health Ministries — Building Healthy Communities for Christ" is also available at no cost through the Presbyterian Distribution Service.
Free

Malawi villagers celebrate the completion of a new well that brings them clean water. Photo by Jimmy Hite

Water Consultation To Explore Essential Resource

A Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Mission Consultation on Water will be held Nov. 13–15 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sacramento, Calif.

The consultation will explore the complex political, technical, cultural and financial aspects of water. Representatives of groups involved in water projects around the world will share information and compare approaches and best practices. [Learn more]

Focus on Mission: MALAWI

Focus on Mission is a changing feature that introduces the health work of some of PC(USA)'s global partners: their history, their accomplishments and their needs.

Malawians live amid stunning natural beauty, but severe poverty threatens the health of many. Photo by Dr. Sue Makin

Malawi, a small land-locked country located in central east Africa, was recently classified the poorest nation on earth. But Malawi has a strong and historic network of health missions that founded five hospitals, fostered extensive community health programs and now works to address the cause and effect links of poverty and illness. Health and community development activities are facilitated through PC(USA)'s partner, the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, (CCAP) whose membership now exceeds that of PC(USA.)  Read more about Malawi.

Extra Commitment Opportunity Accounts: Giving a Helping Hand

Projects that empower women to care for themselves and their families, like this one in Ethiopia, are an important part of International Health Ministries' mission to help build healthy communities. Photo by Gail Bingham.

Extra Commitment Opportunity accounts ("ECOs") are a means for Presbyterians to channel their mission giving through a secure, reliable system that ensures the use of your gifts as you intended. Because our denomination has a history of support for health missions that is both long and broadly diverse, there are ECO accounts that direct financial support to scores of health and development ministries. To help you discern how to direct your mission support, International Health Ministries has identified ECO accounts that represent projects that respond to critical current needs of our overseas partners. This month projects in Malawi are highlighted.

Others, including several projects related to the International Health Ministries' commitment to address the Diseases of Poverty (AIDS, Malaria and TB) are also listed below for special consideration. Download a list of health and development projects that are current priorities for IHM and its partners.

Ethiopia – 862141: Community Health Program, Ethiopian Evangelical Church


International – 862701: International Health Ministries

Democratic Republic of Congo – 052050: Empowering Congolese Women

Sudan – 862759:  Health Work in Sudan

Internationial – 862703:  Water for All

Giving opportunities in Malawi

862147: Synod of Livingstonia Community Health Training


862726: Mulanje Mission Hospital


852733: Ekwendeni Mission Hospital


048013: NetWorkers Malaria Prevention Program

862706: AIDS Crisis Overseas

051674: AIDS Orphans and Vulnerable Children

051771: Ministry of Hope

051772: Nkhoma Hospital

862149: Embangweni Hospital

IHM Strategic Plan: "Building Healthy Communities"

In response to the changing needs of the world and its own diminishing resources, the International Health Ministries has drafted a strategic plan to makes its work on behalf of our partner churches both more intentional and more effective. "Building Healthy Communities" will be the theme underlying IHM's activities, as the office lives out its mandate to help partner churches respond to the health needs of the poorest of God's people. [Read more]

It’s A Matter of Faith

As Presbyterians, our faith calls us to action in response to the crisis of AIDS.  PCUSA works in partnership with church leaders, mission personnel and health institutions in over 30 countries to support varied HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs.   Assisting our partners in Africa, where AIDS is destroying families and undermining entire communities, is the focus of PCUSA’s “It’s A Matter of Faith” ministry.   Resources are available to help your congregation engage in this vital effort. [Read more]

Are you ready for the challenge?

Explore the numerous possibilities for mission service, in the United States and internationally. As you review the program information, you can consider which path of service is most right for you.

If you feel called to the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the challenges of new cultures, new people, different languages, and demanding roles excite your sense of adventure, we look forward to hearing from you.

Go to the position search!

Find out more about mission opportunities.

Medical Benevolence Foundation

Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF) exists to proclaim and demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ through a healing ministry.

Who we are

The International Health Ministries (IHM) coordinates the ministries of the PC(USA) in international health and development. The IHMO works in partnership with overseas churches and institutions to facilitate health programs that place priority on the most vulnerable and poorest segments of the population. These programs, operating in over 30 countries worldwide, emphasize ways to alleviate the causes of ill health and promote true health and wholeness.