Twelve years on the mission field changes how you understand calling. For Melissa Sandberg, it revealed something essential: medical missionary longevity depends on intentional support, not endurance alone.
A Demanding Calling, Lived Daily
Melissa served at Mukinge Hospital in Zambia, caring for patients in the pediatric and female surgical wards. Her days were filled with critically ill patients, long hours, and cultural complexity. With multiple languages spoken on the ward each day, direct gospel conversations were not always possible, so she partnered closely with a chaplain to ensure patients received both physical and spiritual care.
She also played a key role in training national nurses. Mukinge Hospital’s nursing school prepares students in nursing, midwifery, public health, and HIV care. As students rotated through the wards, Melissa taught hands-on, case by case—investing in sustainable local healthcare.
Why Longevity Requires Support
Over time, the challenges compound.
“Each time I go back, it actually seems like things get a little harder.”
This is where MedSend’s Longevity Project comes in. Through retreats like MedRefresh, healthcare professionals receive tools, space, and community to process stress, isolation, and the realities of long-term service.
“Being with people who understand… is just reassuring that you aren’t alone.”
Watch Melissa Share Her Story
In the video below, Melissa reflects in her own words on life on the field and why support matters for staying.
Removing Barriers to Serve Longer
Melissa was able to go directly to the field after residency and fellowship because MedSend helped address the burden of educational debt. Without that support, years of service would have been delayed—or lost entirely.
Now, as Melissa discerns her next field of service, her story highlights why medical missionary well-being and longevity must be resourced intentionally.
Longevity does not happen by accident. Give today to MedSend’s Longevity Project and help healthcare professionals serve well, stay longer, and thrive.
