Rachael Pickering explains CMF's Summer School.
After the success of last year's summer camp, this year's summer school will once again be a collaboration between CMF and Petros Training, the training arm of the non-profit healthcare company I work for. We deliver medical services to vulnerable patient groups, especially the mentally ill and prisoners, and use the surplus from this UK work to provide free prison healthcare in Resource Poor Countries as well as to subsidise educational events such as this exciting learning opportunity...
Why bother?
We should speak up and do justice because we serve a God of justice! And he mandates us to promote social justice through our words and actions: 'Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy' (Proverbs 31:8-9). The Bible overflows with evidence of God's social conscience. Jesus showed special concern for vulnerable people, eating with 'sinners' and saying, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick' (Matthew 9:9-13). The parable of the sheep and goats reminds us that God regards ignoring the plight of the world's poor, sick and imprisoned as akin to shunning him (Matthew 25:31-46). And King David sang of the value God places on that most vulnerable patient group of all, the unborn (Psalm 139:13).
Should I attend?
Medical schools are usually light on teaching the skills required to speak up for vulnerable patient groups. And career opportunities in medical politics are discussed but rarely. So this summer school has been designed to fill that gap! We're looking for student and junior Christian healthcare professionals (HCPs) who want to learn more about social action and public policy work. Senior HCPs and non-HCPs are welcome too! So, if this is you then yes, you should attend!
Who will teach me?
All of our speakers are friendly and possess expertise in social action and public policy work. CMF student staff Dr John Greenall and Dr Alex Bunn will be leading the Bible talks and I'll be showing you how to craft speeches and debate with confidence!
How will I be taught?
You will benefit from a variety of interactive learning styles ranging from Bible talks, seminars and workshops, role plays with professional actors, a film club and even a BMA-style debate! We will support you individually so don't worry: whilst we will encourage you to stretch yourself, we won't force you to do anything that you're uncomfortable with! There'll be plenty of time for rest and relaxation, prayer and praise, wall climbing & other activities and forming new friendships.
Where? When?
Summer School is from July 18-22 at Knock Christian Centre in Cumbria, which is easily accessed by road and rail. Book at www.cmf.org.uk — early bird rates end 1 June.
