Medical mission is a partnership. A medical elective is a short visit with little time for preparation and adaptation. Three abbreviated elective reports show how great the cultural impact can be on those who go and, due to the friendliness of the hosts, how quickly they can feel at home. But times have changed. Is it wise to travel to the hospital alone? The biblical pattern is to go two by two. There is a great demand for overseas places for electives. But the mission hospital is a place of service not a part of the tourist industry. The organisations listed in 'Medical electives opportunities' (available on request) require Christian commitment or sympathy. Most prefer the elective to take place late in the final year for two to three months. Participants can then give more in return for the hospitality of patients and staff both national and expatriate. A well planned elective (see Preparing for your medical elective overseas) done for the Lord's sake, like those described here, justifies the risks and may lead on to a life time of service such as is described in the Maxwell Memorial Lecture and the other reports by both nurses and doctors.