When we think about practicing Shalom—complete well-being—in the context of community, a shift in mindset is essential for both leaders and members. This transformation can be difficult, especially in the midst of suffering and loss. Pain often weakens our resolve and convinces us that we cannot move forward on our own. But healing is possible—and it begins with the intervention of the Healer. God is our Healer.
As we teach during the grief journey in Trauma Healing Groups, healing is a process that moves us toward new beginnings. The final step in that process is to dream of what could be and work toward meaningful change that helps our communities not just survive—but thrive. Thriving, in this context, begins with prevention.
In some villages, this may look like choosing to be tested for Tuberculosis with a simple skin test that identifies those at risk. For a group of women, it might mean learning about PAP smears, which can detect cervical cancer in its early stages, or practicing breast self-exams to catch abnormalities early. For others, prevention involves monitoring babies’ growth, or attending perinatal check-ups to support healthy pregnancies and deliveries.
In different communities, that mindset shift might mean no longer waiting for handouts but instead starting micro-businesses, implementing internal savings programs, or launching innovative agricultural projects that add value to local products. For some, transformation includes men learning to view women with dignity—helping to prevent abuse and marital conflict. Others may focus on teaching children and youth to recognize signs of risk in relationships to protect them from sexual abuse and human trafficking.
At Medical Ambassadors, we recognize that prevention is not one-size-fits-all. Each community must identify where they are and what their “new beginnings” look like. We all need lifestyle changes. We all need to move forward—to see true transformation that brings Shalom—peace in all four spheres of relationships: with God, with ourselves, with others, and with creation.
Jesus promised in John 14:27 to give us His peace (eirēnē in Greek)—a peace that Paul describes in Philippians 4:7 as transcending all understanding.
We invite you to explore how you can bring transformation to your own environment and to the communities you serve. Below are some resources to get you started. If you have others to suggest, please contact us at info@medicalambassadors.ca—we’d love to learn from you too.
Bibiana Mac Leod, M.D.
Interim Executive Director – MACA
Here is a list of Resources on Transformation and Prevention (with Descriptions & Links)
Faith-Based Development & Integral Mission
When Helping Hurts – Corbett, Steve & Fikkert, Brian
Explores how churches and individuals can alleviate poverty without causing harm, using a biblical foundation for community development.
https://moodypublishers.com/when-helping-hurts/
God of the Empty-Handed – Jayakumar Christian
A theological reflection on God’s presence among the poor, based on decades of experience in development work with World Vision.
https://www.amazon.com/God-Empty-Handed-Poverty-Power-Development/dp/1908355019
Walking with the Poor – Bryant L. Myers
A foundational work in transformational development, integrating theology and social science.
https://www.orbisbooks.com/walking-with-the-poor.html
Multiplying Light and Truth through Community Health Evangelism – Stan Rowland
The foundational manual for CHE (Community Health Evangelism) – a holistic approach to community development and discipleship.
https://www.medicalambassadors.org/resources/
God’s Transforming Story – Disciple Nations Alliance
A worldview and discipleship curriculum aimed at equipping churches for holistic mission.
https://disciplenations.org/gods-transforming-story/
Integral Mission and the Poor – Tearfund / Lausanne Movement
An integrated approach that connects evangelism and social action, advocating for justice and poverty alleviation.
https://learn.tearfund.org/en/resources/publications/tilz/tilz-integral-mission
Global Health & Poverty Reduction
Beyond Poverty – Dalrymple, Terry
Introduces wholistic ministry through wholistic worldview change, rooted in hope and community participation.
https://www.wclbooks.com/product/beyond-poverty/
Reimagining Global Health – Farmer, Paul; Kim, Jim Yong; Kleinman, Arthur; Basilico, Matthew
A comprehensive look at global health from a social justice and human rights perspective.
https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520271999/reimagining-global-health
Development as Freedom – Sen, Amartya
Classic work linking development to individual freedoms and capabilities.
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/160024/development-as-freedom-by-amartya-sen/
Let’s Build Our Lives – Fountain, Daniel E.
Offers a biblical and medical approach to empowering communities through health education.
https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Build-Our-Lives-Foundations/dp/0914250035
Community Empowerment & Asset-Based Development
When People Care Enough to Act – Green, Mike; Moore, Henry; O’Brien, John
Describes Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) as a model for building on local strengths.
https://inclusion.com/product/when-people-care-enough-to-act/
The Abundant Community – McKnight, John & Block, Peter
Explores how neighborhoods can become strong, resilient communities through shared gifts and connection.
https://www.bkconnection.com/books/title/the-abundant-community
Critical Perspectives on Charity & Development
When Charity Destroys Dignity – Schwartz, Glenn
Challenges traditional aid approaches and promotes dignity-centered development strategies.
https://www.amazon.com/When-Charity-Destroys-Dignity-Self-Supporting/dp/1937756540
Trauma Healing & Mental Health
Healing the Wounds of Trauma – American Bible Society / Trauma Healing Institute
A Bible-based curriculum that helps trauma survivors begin their healing journey.
https://traumahealinginstitute.org/resources/
Gender Equity, Child Protection & Safeguarding
Restored: Ending Violence Against Women – Restored Relationships
A Christian guide for churches to understand and address domestic abuse.
https://www.restored-uk.org/what-we-do/churches/
Churches and Safeguarding – Tearfund / Faith to Action Network
Practical safeguarding guidance for faith-based organizations.
https://learn.tearfund.org/en/resources/policies/safeguarding
Keeping Children Safe Toolkit – World Vision / Keeping Children Safe Coalition
Comprehensive child protection tools for churches and community groups.
https://www.keepingchildrensafe.global/accountability/tools/
Sustainable Agriculture & Livelihoods
Foundations for Farming – Zimbabwe-based Initiative
A Christian approach to conservation agriculture that promotes stewardship and productivity.
https://foundationsforfarming.org/
Farming God’s Way – Biblical Agriculture Initiative
Faith-based farming model that teaches sustainability and food security.
https://www.farming-gods-way.org/
Work Life Curriculum – Chalmers Center
Biblical curriculum for workforce readiness and economic empowerment.
https://chalmers.org/our-curricula/work-life/
Microenterprise & Financial Inclusion
Small Loans, Big Dreams – Based on work by Muhammad Yunus
Stories and insights from the Grameen Bank model of microfinance.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/830397.Small_Loans_Big_Dreams
Faith & Finances / Savings Groups – Chalmers Center
Tools for Christian communities to build financial literacy and group savings.
https://chalmers.org/our-curricula/faith-and-finances/