I'm just writing to let you know that I'm off to the ends of the earth next week for a couple of years…

So often, this is the first we hear of someone's intent to work overseas. Leaving it that late means that you may miss out on the resources CMF has to offer – both before and after you arrive at your intended destination. If you are thinking of working overseas, in whatever capacity – secular or with a mission agency, short or longer term – we would like to hear from you sooner rather than later.

What can CMF offer you?

• We may be able to link you with resources or persons, either in the UK or at your intended destination, who can offer you invaluable advice and help, both before you go and after you arrive. They may even be able to meet you off the plane!
• If you will be working with a mission agency or in a voluntary capacity, we can offer you reduced or free membership during your time overseas, according to your circumstances. If, however, you are salaried and able to pay the full subscription, then we would value your continuing contribution.
• Our overseas website hosts the Healthcare Mission Resources Directory, www.healthserve.org/pages. It offers extensive yellow pages of useful information and addresses. There are sections on support agencies, personal resources, sending & receiving organisations, and many other useful contact addresses.
• Our Handbook on Medical Mission is available online at www.healthserve.org/pubs/. It offers advice on preparing to work overseas and is also available in a downloadable PDF file. Alternatively, it can be requested in hard copy from the CMF office.
• You can continue to receive CMF publications, Triple Helix, CMF News & CMF Files. If security is a problem, they can be sent in an unmarked plain envelope or, if you'd prefer, to a UK contact address.
• We offer free subscription to the journals Tropical Doctor, Medicine and Surgery, if they would be of value to you. The latter two journals enable you to build up an excellent resource of teaching materials. Surgery is a recommended Royal College of Surgeons training resource. Medicine can be ordered in CD format. Tropical Doctor will be sent to you directly from the Royal Society of Medicine, but Medicine and Surgery will come quarterly via the CMF office.
• We will keep in touch with you via a bi-annual Overseas Newsletter. This contains useful information on courses, pointers to useful websites, and updates on matters related to revalidation, registration & re-entry issues. Please note though: it is important that each individual remains on the GMC mailing list while working overseas.
• CMF organises an annual two week Developing Health Course which is held at Oak Hill College in North London each July. Aimed at both those who are working overseas and those who are intending to do so, the course offers an update in knowledge and skills relevant for those working in the less developed world, within a Christian context. It also provides an opportunity to share experiences with like minded people from different healthcare professions, some with many years of experience overseas and others just setting off, together with a number of overseas nationals. The speakers, the majority of whom have worked abroad, are all experts in their field and are always available to talk over matters of concern. The course is recognised by the Royal College of Physicians (carrying 50+ CME points) and by the NMC. Unique in its approach, it is always very much appreciated by those who attend. Visit www.healthserve.org/developing_ health/ for details.
• A Developing Health CD Rom (based on the course) is also available. It contains the speakers' notes and presentations as well as a huge amount of useful information, protocols, guidelines, Powerpoint presentations, practical booklets and other materials. Suitable both for personal learning and teaching purposes, these CDs are free to all who might benefit from using them.
• CMF has a vast number of members with experience of working abroad, in all sorts of capacities and situations. It should be possible to link you with a member who would be willing to act as your mentor.
• Through our membership of the International Christian Medical & Dental Association (ICMDA), a worldwide network of some 65 Christian medical associations, it should be possible to link you with national Christian medical colleagues working in the country you will be going to.
• We advertise overseas posts at www.healthserve.org/overseas_ opportunites/. We may well be able to help you find locum relief to cover your leave. Adverts placed on the site are linked to an email alert system that notifies more than 300 healthcare professionals of your need.
• We will pray for you. Within the office, we produce a prayer bulletin that is updated monthly. If you include us on your mailing list, we can pray for you more even more effectively. For your security, the bulletin is not circulated beyond the office, but we can assure you that you will be prayed for, by name, regularly each month.

These are all very good reasons for getting in touch sooner rather than later! Please contact me at peter.armon@cmf.org.uk for a quicker and more informed reply. If there are any other ways in which you think we might be able to help you, then please don't hesitate to ask. We are here to serve and support you, and to enable you to more effectively function in your work overseas.