Missionaries often live in areas where health risks are higher than in their homeland. Getting adequate health care in a global setting can also be a challenge. Even when proper care is available, the cost may be exorbitant. And in some world areas, missionaries incur high travel costs in getting to where they receive needed medical attention.
     The Medical Plan helps provide for active and retired Nazarene missionaries and their families when medical needs and emergencies arise.

Nazarene Missionary Medical Plan pays for:

• Diagnosis of physical conditions and diseases
• Dental, optical, and auditory health care
• Evacuation by air and ground ambulance when needed
• Physical exams for Nazarene missionary families
• Treatment of childhood diseases and injuries for MKs
• Health insurance for missionaries and their children

Medical Plan Funds are provided through Memorial Roll, Distinguished Service Awards, Medical Plan freewill plate offerings and the new "Gifts from the Heart" promotion.

Memorial Roll

• In memory of a deceased friend or family member
• Presented by a local church, a group, or an individual
• Goal: one per church per year (no limit)
• Cost: $50 each (duplicate certificates for the same person are $25 each)

Early in January 1999, our family happened to be in Los Angeles, California, on deputation. While there, Leah, 9, tripped over a suitcase and fell, breaking the upper portion of her arm. At the emergency room, we learned there was a large growth on that bone.
     We were at peace with the financial aspect of all this is because we knew that the Church of the Nazarene provides us with one of the best medical plans available. There was no doubt that we were taken care of. From the moment Leah entered the ER the first night of the break until 14 days later, following X-rays, MRIs, bone scans, and a biopsy, we were in God's hands. Thankfully, the tests revealed the growth was a benign cyst.
     Thanks to all who are so faithful in giving and support of the Medical Plan through Distinguished Service Awards and Memorial Rolls. Without this, payment for circumstances like ours would have been impossible for us to bear alone.
   --David and Glynda Wesley, South America

     On March 9, just 24 hours after surgery, Daryll was discharged from the hospital and began a successful recovery. Unfortunately, that same week, Rachel began feeling ill. At first, the doctor thought it was a mild kidney infection or even tonsillitis. By the end of the week and after two more trips to the doctor, it was determined that Rachel had typhus, which required a different course of antibiotics.
     We send our thanks to all those who have contributed to the Medical Plan, making it possible for us to keep our focus on our Lord's work, rather than having to shift our attention to searching for additional funds to cover the unexpected expenses.
   -- Daryll and Verna Stanton, Kenya

Distinguished Service Award - DSA

• In honor of those people in the church who are living for a particular area of service (example: an usher, Sunday School worker, staff member)
• Presented by a church or a department of the church, not by an individual
• Cost: $100 each

Medical Plan plate offerings

     Through freewill offerings (often taken in May), the entire congregation can lend a hand for the medical needs of our missionaries.
     All money given to the Medical Plan is used directly for Nazarene missionaries' health care and may count as 10 percent credit for your church. None of the money is used for administrative costs. Unfortunately, not enough money is currently being raised by Missionary Medical Plan giving to pay for all of the health care costs of Nazarene missionaries. So, World Evangelism Fund monies are used to pick up that slack.

Making sure our missionaries have good insurance allows them to concentrate on God's call on their lives without worrying about what would happen if they were seriously hurt. 

     While Irene and I were teaching English in a Creative Access country, the crown on one of Irene's teeth came loose. It was not able to be redone in the country where we were ministering. Then, during the spring break, our director recommended a very competent dentist in Hong Kong, and Irene was able to have a new crown put on. Under our salary, we would never be able to afford good dental service. We are extremely appreciative of the help from Medical Plan. Thank you very, very much.
   -- Steve Rieder, CARE Ministries

     I was wheeled into the operating room of a Manila hospital for what was expected to be a simple orthoscopic procedure on my right knee.
     X rays had revealed a small bone chip "floating" in the knee joint. During the procedure, however, the doctor discovered some badly torn ligaments. Five hours later, I awoke with a full leg cast and mounting medical bills, facing four months of physical therapy.
     It would have been very difficult to pay the expenses if we had not had excellent insurance coverage. How thankful we were for this Medical Plan available to us through the efforts of the NMI. Thanks for being there when I "kneeded" you!
David Hane
Missionary, Philippines