The Mobilizing Medicine and Missions (M3) Conference is a two-day global health and missions conference designed to bring together doctors, nurses, dentists, other healthcare professionals and medical students, as well as non-medical professionals and students, who have a desire to use their skills to meet pressing global health and related community needs.
The vision of M3 is to help people connect with others, be inspired, and find their mission. At the 2025 M3 Conference, you can connect with others in networking sessions, be inspired by dozens of speakers, and find your mission in the Exhibit Hall filled with over 70 organizations providing opportunities to serve both locally and abroad.
The M3 Conference reaches around the world to touch the hearts and lives of people in need. Don't miss this great opportunity to be a part of a movement that is changing this world for the better, and mark your calendar and register to join us on February 21-22, 2025, in Houston, Texas, to celebrate M3's 10th anniversary with us!
2025 M3 Conference Hosts
2025 M3 Conference Speakers
Sam Fabiano, MD, FCS(ECSA)
Co-Program Director PAACS General Surgery Program, Evangelical Medical Center of Lubango, Angola
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Mollie Gordon, MA, MD
Associate Professor, Menninger Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine
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Shannon Hamilton, MS, PA-C, DIMPH
Global Health Technical Specialist, Samaritan's Purse
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Diane Petrie, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Infectious Diseases Nurse Practitioner, Children’s Mercy Kansas City
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Allan T. Sawyer, MD, MS, MATS
Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART)
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James Tour, PhD
T. T. and W. F. Chao Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Computer Science, Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University
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Advanced Pricing
Main conference registration includes access to the Exhibit Hall, access to Plenary and Breakout speaker sessions, dessert on Friday, and breakfast and boxed lunch on Saturday. Up to 3 CME credits are available during the main conference Breakout Sessions for an additional fee (see pricing chart below); CLICK HERE to learn more about this CME option.
(A Pre-Conference Workshop is also available for an additional fee with an option to earn up to 7 CME credits; CLICK HERE for more information about the Pre-Conference Workshop.)
NOTE: The prices below are available online through Thursday, February 20. Starting Friday, February 21, registration will be available onsite and different pricing will apply.
| Attendee Registrant Type | *Early Bird rates end December 31, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Physician/Dentist | $75 / $95 |
| Nurse | $55 / $75 |
| Other Medical Professional Allied Health, Admin., etc. | $55 / $75 |
| Non Medical Professional Outside the medical industry | $55 / $75 |
| Missionary Currently active in missions or retired missionary | $55 / $65 |
| Medical Resident-in-Training | $55 / $65 |
| Student High school, college, medical | $55 / $65 |
| Add up to 3 CME Credits during Main Conference Breakout Sessions | $50 / $50 (this fee is in addition to the registration fees listed above) |
| Add a Pre-Conference Workshop | $80 without CME / $120 with up to 7 CME Credits |
*Early Bird rates end December 31, 2024
EVENT REGISTRATION CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY:
- No refunds will be issued for cancelled registrations or no shows.
- Please note that in the event of circumstances beyond its control, Lakewood Church reserves the right to cancel any event. In the event of a cancellation, event registrations will be refunded; however, Lakewood Church is not liable for any expenses (i.e. travel, etc.) incurred by participants as a result of such cancellation.
M3 Conference Schedule
February 21-22, 2025
Lakewood Church | Houston, TX
Friday, February 21
8:00am
Pre-Conference Workshop (Ends at 4 p.m.) (The Loft, 4th Floor)
4:00 p.m.
Dinner on own
6:00 p.m.
Main Conference Registration/Check-In
Exhibit Hall (2nd Floor)
Lakewood Church Bookstore opens (Closes at 10:30 p.m.) (2nd Floor)
7:00 p.m.
Here I Am. Send Them
Speaker: Bill Rhodes, MD
Room: Main Sanctuary
Description:
God must come down before we can ascend. Dr. Bill Rhodes will delve into Isaiah 6 and Exodus 3 and 4, examining the stairway from heaven. He will also reflect on the Rhodes family's journey to and in Kapsowar, highlighting that the solution to pollution is dilution, with God's answer to chaos and disparity being more hands and feet.
The Future of Mission Training Hospitals
Speaker: Rick Allen
Room: Main Sanctuary
Description:
The opportunity exists to significantly increase the number of national physicians trained in Christ centered residency programs in Africa and Asia. In order for this to occur we need to consider new models for revitalizing and upgrading the hospitals. We will walk through a bold, new, “360 degree” plan for increasing the capacity of existing and new residency programs in order to assure success, for today, and into the future.
Kingdom Metrics in Missions
Speaker: Jason Fader, MD
Room: Main Sanctuary
Description:
How should we measure success in the world of missions? Over the past decade, Dr. Jason Fader has been a part of a team of doctors who have seen significant growth in a rural mission hospital in Burundi. Thousands of operations are now being done each year, hundreds are coming to know Christ, and dozens of doctors are being trained. We will explore whether this should actually be considered “successful” in missions, and if not, what is?
9:00 p.m.
Dessert & Coffee (Food Court, 2nd Floor)
Exhibit Hall (2nd Floor)
Prayer Room (Trailblazers Area, Rooms 2028/2029, 2nd Floor)
Poster Presentation Session (New Beginnings Room, 2nd Floor)
10:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Closes
Saturday, February 22
7:00 a.m.
Breakfast (Food Court, 2nd Floor)
Exhibit Hall (2nd Floor)
Prayer Room (Trailblazers Area, Rooms 2028/2029, 2nd Floor)
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
Orthopaedic Considerations in Disaster Relief Settings
Speaker: Leland McCluskey, MD
Room: Mission Control, 3rd Floor
Description:
In this session, we will explore typical diagnostic and treatment considerations in disaster relief contexts, with a specific focus on managing injuries caused by earthquakes. The session will highlight the importance of triage, addressing urgent needs for primary responders, and the essential surgical procedures involved.
Preparing Our Hearts for the Mission Field Like a Neighbor
Speaker: Emily Smith, PhD, MSPH
Room: Trailblazers, 2nd Floor
Description:
Preparing for mission work can be daunting, but faith like the Good Samaritan and Nehemiah can help. This session will explore preparing our hearts for the mission field through the story of the Good Samaritan and focus on the three “C’s” of neighboring: Centering, Cost, and Courage. Learn how to center like the Good Samaritan, count the cost, and find courage to live a joyful, hopeful, abundant life of neighboring. The session will also discuss serving like Nehemiah, identifying our own good work, recognizing distractions, and finishing the work God calls us to.
Becoming Fluent in Difficult Stories: An Introduction to Understanding Trauma and its Impact on Children (CME)
Speaker: Beth Guckenberger
Room: Loft, 4th Floor
Description:
How to manage the tension between hope and hard. This workshop will address the reality of working within stories that aren't easy and don't have predictable futures. We'll discuss spiritual disciplines and practical strategies that help us understand what matters most. Combining proven research with faith-based principles, learn practical tips you can pass along on how to serve children from hard places.
Nurses in Global Health - Innovative Practices to ensure Helping truly Helps (CME)
Speaker: Diane Petrie, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Room: Warehouse, 4th Floor
Description:
In a world of immense and ever-evolving needs, it is crucial to shift our perspectives and approaches towards aid. Together, we will explore creative solutions and fresh perspectives to ensure our efforts make a meaningful impact and truly help those in need. Let's pave the way for a brighter, healthier future through compassionate and innovative nursing practices.
Propelling Your Career as a Christian Professional
Speaker: James Tour, PhD
Room: 3022-3023, 3rd floor
Description:
In this session, we will explore how to integrate faith and career, offering practical strategies and insights for Christian professionals looking to excel in their careers while staying true to their beliefs. From navigating ethical dilemmas to leveraging values-based leadership, this session will provide guidance on how to thrive professionally while honoring your Christian principles.
Designing, Building, and Maintaining Rural Mission Hospitals
Speaker: Jason Fader, MD & Caleb Fader, PE
Room: Chapel, 3rd Floor
Description:
Rural mission hospitals are difficult to design, build, and maintain. Water and power often need to be sourced locally. Complex medical equipment breaks easily due to strenuous conditions. Construction equipment like bulldozers and cranes are not available. This creates some unique challenges, as well as opportunities for innovation. Brothers Caleb and Jason Fader (engineer and surgeon, respectively) have spent the last decade helping to design, build, and maintain Kibuye Hope Hospital in rural Burundi. The hospital has grown from 80 to 347 beds during this time, and now performs over 3,500 operations annually (up from 600). They will share some ideas and innovations they have learned along the way, which apply to many different mission hospital settings.
9:50 a.m.
Break
10:00 a.m.
Managing Rare and Atypical Obstetric Emergencies (CME)
Speaker: Allan T. Sawyer, MD, MS, MATS
Room: Mission Control, 3rd Floor
Description:
Dr. Sawyer will take scenarios from over two decades of serving in limited resource settings and having delivered over 12,000 babies. He will present how to manage these complications within the limitations of mission hospitals. Students as well as seasoned physicians will all take away something from this presentation.
Harnessing the Strength of Prayer in Support Raising
Speaker: Herschel Rothchild
Room: Trailblazers, 2nd Floor
Description:
The cattle on a thousand hills are the Lord's. It is all God's. We need to rest in Him and trust Him for all things, including the provision of support that you need to raise. Let's look at a Biblical view of trusting God for support and see what your next steps are.
Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, Resilience (CME)
Speaker: Sam Thielman, MD, PhD
Room: Loft, 4th Floor
Description:
Burnout and compassion fatigue can undercut mission effectiveness for Christians working in healthcare settings overseas. This presentation draws from Dr. Thielman’s experiences a psychiatrist working with Americans in stressful assignments. In particular, it describes red flags for burnout and compassionate fatigue, and more importantly, the resilience factors that promote long term effectiveness, and how we can , by God’s grace, lead lives that support resilience and endurance as we work for God’s kingdom.
Mastering Cholera: Clinical Management and Rapid Containment Strategies (CME)
Speaker: Shannon Hamilton, MS, PA-C
Room: Warehouse, 4th Floor
Description:
Transition your current skills to an infectious disease context and gain mastery in cholera response strategies. Learners will be introduced to the key components of a cholera response including etiology, prevention strategies, diagnosis, clinical case management protocols, and complex challenges in care. Knowledge will then be applied through engaging in case studies and a review of a recent outbreak in Malawi.
The Power of Jesus in Missions
Speaker: Danny Joseph, MD
Room: 3022-3023, 3rd floor
Description:
In this session, we will explore the transformative power of the Name of Jesus and how it can bring light to dark areas far beyond what we can offer as individuals or organizations. Dr. Joseph will share some ways that the Name of Jesus has changed lives and communities in India, Africa, and Nepal.
Answering the Call: From Aviation to Mission Impact
Speaker: Don Campion
Room: Chapel, 3rd Floor
Description:
Don Campion grew up as a missionary kid in Nigeria, yet his journey took him into building a large aviation business. Little did he know, God would call him back to use his professional expertise to revitalize Egbe Hospital and College of Nursing, bringing hope and healing to thousands. In this session, Don shares his unique story of integrating faith, business, and missions, challenging others to embrace their own call to serve. Discover how God equips and uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to answer, “Who will go for us?”
10:50 a.m.
Break
11:00 a.m.
Unfamiliarity with Common Surgical Diseases in Low-Resource Settings (CME)
Speaker: Jason Fader, MD
Room: Mission Control, 3rd Floor
Description:
When working in some contexts, surgeons might have to work outside their typical scope of practice. While not ideal, this is made much easier in the past decade through easy communication with colleagues who are specialists in a given area and an abundance of written and internet-based resources. For those in training it is important to see as wide a breadth of patients as possible to increase your usefulness in the developing world.
The Power of Mission: 3 Ways Missions Can Transform Your Life
Speaker: Joël Malm
Room: Trailblazers, 2nd Floor
Description:
There are a handful of things in life that, once you experience them, change everything. Going on Mission is one of those. In this session, Joel Malm will show you three powerful transformations that can happen in your life when you engage in God‘s call to reach the world. If you’re unsure if you should go, where you should go, or what you could do — don’t miss this session!
Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, Resilience
Speaker: Sam Thielman, MD, PhD
Room: Loft, 4th Floor
Description:
Burnout and compassion fatigue can undercut mission effectiveness for Christians working in healthcare settings overseas. This presentation draws from Dr. Thielman’s experiences a psychiatrist working with Americans in stressful assignments. In particular, it describes red flags for burnout and compassionate fatigue, and more importantly, the resilience factors that promote long term effectiveness, and how we can , by God’s grace, lead lives that support resilience and endurance as we work for God’s kingdom.
Nurses Q&A Panel
Facilitator: Mary E. Hermiz, RN, MSN, EdD
Room: Warehouse, 4th Floor
Description:
Join us for an interactive panel discussion with nurses of various levels and experiences. Bring your questions about short-term trip opportunities, funding, balancing family and career, deciphering your call, and more. We want to hear from you!
The And/Also of Jesus: Living and Giving the Abundant Life
Speaker: Emily Smith, PhD, MSPH
Room: 3022-3023, 3rd floor
Description:
This session will encourage the audience to think bigger about global health. In Africa, families often face a choice between paying for healthcare for one child or feeding the rest, leading to poverty. As researchers or global health practitioners, we can get trapped in a scarcity model. This talk will focus on the ‘And, Also’ approach – providing healthcare while protecting families from poverty. I will share stories and data from my work as a global health epidemiologist, highlighting the power of addressing healthcare and poverty together, even at the United Nations.
Human Trafficking: An International Public Health Issue (CME)
Speaker: Mollie Gordon, MA, MD
Room: Chapel, 3rd Floor
Description:
Human trafficking is a serious violation of human rights and a public health crisis. This session will explain what trafficking is, look at the reasons people are vulnerable, and explore the medical and mental effects of labor and sexual exploitation. We will discuss how to create a human trafficking program in healthcare systems and the role of healthcare providers. The session will also focus on educating teams, screening, and connecting victims and survivors with the support they need.
12:00 p.m.
Lunch (Food Court, 2nd Floor)
Exhibit Hall (2nd Floor)
Prayer Room (Choir Loft Breakroom, 2nd Floor)
Nurse's Networking Session (Trailblazers Room, 2nd Floor)
Families in Missions Q&A Session (Mission Control, 3rd Floor)
Student Networking Session (The Loft/Café, 4th Floor)
Lakewood Church Bookstore (2nd Floor)
Prayer Room (Trailblazers Area, Rooms 2028/2029, 2nd Floor)
2:00 p.m.
Journey to Joy: The Surprising Path to Resiliency
Speaker: Shannon Hamilton, MS, PA-C, DIMPH
Room: Main Sanctuary
Description:
Burn out and self care are hot topics in the medical field. But what if the path to resiliency and joy in medicine is a different one than the world would tell us to take? This session explores the Journey to Joy thru responding to suffering in missions and healthcare. Through personal testimonies, including experiences at the Ebola Treatment Center in the DRC and the COVID Field Hospital in Central Park, the speaker highlights the biblical call to enter into the suffering of others. Come explore the mystery of how trials can lead to joy, endurance, and hope as we embody God’s heart in our work.
Presence Matters
Speaker: Beth Guckenberger
Room: Main Sanctuary
Description:
Join Beth Guckenberger, a veteran non-profit leader in child welfare and an adoptive and foster parent, as she shares with wisdom and hope practical strategies for working with children and parents who have a trauma history.
Empowering Health Equity through Faith, Compassion, and Innovation
Speaker: Echo Nomsa VanderWal
Room: Main Sanctuary
Description:
Echo VanderWal, co-founder with her husband Dr. Harry VanderWal of The Luke Commission (TLC), shares a deeply personal journey of faith and innovation that has reshaped healthcare delivery in Eswatini, the country with the highest prevalence of HIV globally. Over two decades, TLC has scaled to serve over 300,000 patients annually, leveraging bold, patient-centered solutions like a purpose-built digital ecosystem, Africa’s largest PSA oxygen plant, a drone delivery network, and self-contained telehealth hubs.
Rooted in a Christ-centered mission to serve "Every Last One" with the same care and compassion as a family member, Echo illustrates how compassion and cutting-edge technology can leapfrog traditional approaches, bringing equitable, high-quality care to underserved communities. This talk challenges you to reimagine what's possible when faith drives innovation and love inspires action, inviting all of us to mobilize for a future where health equity is not just a vision but a global reality.
4:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall (2nd Floor)
Prayer Room (Trailblazers Area, Rooms 2028/2029, 2nd Floor)
5:00 p.m.
Conference Ends
Frequently Asked Questions
Main conference registration includes access to the conference Exhibit Hall; access to all Plenary and Breakout speaker sessions; dessert on Friday evening; breakfast on Saturday morning; and a boxed lunch on Saturday afternoon.
Note: Up to 3 CME credits are available during the main conference Breakout Sessions for an additional fee (see pricing in Advanced Pricing section above), and CLICK HERE to learn more about this CME option. There is also up to 7 CME credits available in the Pre-Conference Workshop for an additional fee.
Your registration fee helps cover the cost of putting on the conference (i.e. speakers, meals, materials, etc.). All other expenses not covered by the registration fees are generously provided by our conference sponsors and Lakewood Church.
Additionally, each year, a portion of the conference proceeds goes toward a featured project. The 2025 Project of the Year will be announced at a later date. Click here to learn more.
EVENT REGISTRATION CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY:
1. No refunds will be issued for cancelled registrations or no shows.
2.Please note that in the event of circumstances beyond its control, Lakewood Church reserves the right to cancel any event. In the event of a cancellation, event registrations will be refunded; however, Lakewood Church is not liable for any expenses (i.e. travel, etc.) incurred by participants as a result of such cancellation.
Yes, click here for more details.
With the conference venue being at Lakewood Church, several area hotels provide a “Lakewood Church” discount. Click here for a full list of participating hotels and corresponding promo rate codes.
Friday, February 21, 2025
8:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m. CST*
Saturday, February 22, 2025
7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. CST
Click here for more detailed schedule.
*The Pre-Conference Workshop is held from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and the main conference begins at 6:00 p.m.
The following “meals” are included with your registration:
- Dessert following Friday night’s session;
- Breakfast sandwich and coffee on Saturday morning; and
- Boxed lunch on Saturday afternoon.
Click here for a list of several area restaurants, coffee bars and juice shops that are within walking distance or a short drive from the conference venue.
Location:
Lakewood Church
3700 Southwest Freeway
Houston, Texas 77027
Free covered parking is available starting at 6 p.m. on Friday and all day Saturday in the B1 and B2 underground parking garages. Please note that these garages are connected to the conference venue by underground/covered walkways. Click here for a map showing the locations of the B1 and B2 underground garages. (NOTE: Once you park, we suggest making a note or taking a picture of where you parked to assist you in finding your car after the conference.)
If you are attending a Pre-Conference Workshop, you will need to park in a different location on Friday only. Please CLICK HERE for detailed Pre-Conference Workshop parking information.
Yes, we will once again host a Pre-Conference Workshop during the day on Friday, February 21, 2025, before the main conference begins. The Pre-Conference Workshop is NOT included in your main conference registration fee, but can be added to your registration at an additional cost.
No, the Pre-Conference Workshop is only available for a separate registration fee.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is approximately 25 miles from the conference location.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is approximately 15 miles from the conference location.
Because Houston is a large metropolis with fluctuating heavy traffic, make sure to give yourself an ample amount of time to travel from the airport to the venue, and vice-versa. We recommend allotting yourself a minimum of one hour of transportation time each way.
No, not at this time.
No. M3 does not provide letters of invitation or sponsorship to international persons who wish to attend the M3 Conference. Once you register to attend M3, you will be sent an automated email letter that shows you have registered to attend the conference; some countries accept that letter in visa applications. However, before registering for M3, please contact the government agency where you are submitting your travel visa application to find out what documentation they will or will not accept with your application.
We recommend that you bring a pen and a notebook. Also, please keep in mind that it can get very cool in the auditorium, so we suggest bringing a light jacket or sweater. If you want to bring your own water bottle, we will have stations to refill it.
Casual; jeans are acceptable. Keep in mind that it can get very cool in the auditorium.
Please refer to the speaker section on this conference page to learn more about the dynamic panel of speakers who will be sharing at this year’s conference.
Please refer to our exhibitors page to learn more about this year’s conference Exhibitors.
No. Childcare is not provided.
Yes, thanks to generous donors, scholarships to help attend the conference are available. Typically, scholarships only cover the conference registration fee and do not include travel or other expenses. Please email us for more information.
The deadline for scholarship applications is December 31, or until all scholarship funds are depleted, whichever comes first.
Yes. To sponsor an individual and cover their expenses to attend the conference, please contact us.
A Church Partner is a Christian congregation of any denomination that stands behind M3 and wants to help promote the event to its congregants who may have an interest in medical missions or missions in general. Our desire is for M3 to be a cross-denominational, Kingdom event. There is no financial obligation to become a Church Partner, only the time invested in sharing about M3 with your congregation and a passion for missions. If you’re interested in becoming a Church Partner to help us spread the word about M3, click here!
Exhibitors must meet certain criteria and must go through a pre-approval application process. Please note that priority is given to organizations that have a global health focus and offer volunteer and/or paid service opportunities. Exhibitor spaces are limited.
Click here for more information.
If you are interested in becoming a conference sponsor, please click here to request more information. You can also click here to download sponsorship level and benefit information to review.
Please email us at info@m3missions.com or call us at 713-491-5108.
