MEDIC is implementing a new cutting edge enterprise development program. The approach involves two tiers of  enterprise development in developing nations. The 1st Tier Loan Funds involve training and equipping of micro business entrepreneurs with capital, skills, ethics training, and equipment, effectively leading to sustainable incomes and management of their finances. The average loans range from $50-$300. The values of  Community,  Entrepreneurship, Trust, and Discipleship are regularly instilled as each micro business person launches out to start or expand their business, working together and regularly meeting with their micro business counterparts. We are utilizing the Opportunity International Trust Bank Model in Benin and have been implementing our own model in Sri Lanka and India.

The 2nd Tier Loan Fund involves identifying successful micro entrepreneurs who have a sound business plan, with the passion, character, and capacity to expand their businesses to the next level.  A stage where they will need to hire employees, and agree to conduct their business and employee relationship practices in ways that conform to Trust Bank principles of honesty, integrity, education, and giving back to their communities. MEDIC will serve as the their link to higher level alternative financing with loans averaging $10,000 - $25,000 that will also be managed by MEDIC Affiliate staff members. 2nd Tier financing may also be leveraged with other conventional financing where larger projects, creating more jobs, opportunities, and efficiencies can become a reality. 

We believe in partnerships with others ministries and short term missionaries to minister physical health and healing to under served individuals as a vital aspect of our community development approach. We have partnered with organizations such as Mercy International Mission Outreach (MIMO) as a medical supplies donation link. Donated medical supplies have been sent by MEDIC to Honduras and Benin through Mercy Ships International www.mercyships.org  , and will be utilized in outreaches to Honduras in 2005 through Central American Medical Outreach (CAMO) www.camo.org . Through Mercy Economic Development South Africa (MEDSA), a MEDIC Affiliate in the Amanzimtoti region of South Africa, we are ministering to those affected by the AIDS crisis, providing food, small medical clinics, and hospice care. 

We have recognized that good works apart from evangelism is futile Christianity. The most cost effective means of evangelism is typically through training of native Christian Pastors and Evangelists.  In developing nations often one can see a thirst and hunger in native Christian leaders to be involved in systematic, spirit led, biblical studies, leading to formal recognition of their accomplishments through legitimate diploma, and degree programs.  MEDIC is working to establish a pilot education program in India and then Benin. A program for lay persons, and  for those called to full  time ministry is under development. We are reviewing courses of study offered by Christian Leadership University, as well as others.  The expectation is that a coordinator will need to be trained in each nation on-site by an International Director of Education. The MEDIC School for Holistic Development shall be funded through general donations to MEDIC, grants, and scholarship sponsorships and endowments. A position of International Director of Education is being sought.

A large vision we know, yet with God all things are possible! At the very inception of MEDIC the Trustees envisioned use of a support vessel in order to accomplish our mission purpose of education, skills training, and provision of medical wellness and relief. As a spiritual collegiate community at sea, without land-based distractions, students are able to study and interact in a way that is fixed, focused, and enhances the building of quality relationships with each other and God. Each voyage at sea would be multi-purpose and will include transportation of materials and equipment essential to and in support of a Missions oriented Community Development or Relief Outreach Partner Project. There is nothing quite like an experience at Sea. A ship experience encourages all who come aboard to expand their horizons and embark on a journey of revelation and discovery.

Therefore we are committed to the education, training, sending out, and supporting of native pastors and community developers, especially those that will graduate from our education programs and have a desire to permanently serve in the capacity for which they have been trained. It is not uncommon for a native pastor working in the 10/40 Window to lead 2,000 - 3,000 persons to faith in Christ each year. Pastors and Evangelists are waiting to be supported.

National Missionaries as citizens typically have more freedom to reach unchurched people groups within the nations they reside and are far more cost-effective. A National missionary can be trained, sent out and supported for five percent of the cost of an international missionary from the west. You can help take part. For $150 per month in most developing nations a national pastor or community developer can be adequately supported and equipped to go forth with the gospel.

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