Part 2: Healing and Compassion: A Christian Response to Global Health and Preventable Diseases
Written by Hayley Martin
Jesus was known for His healing miracles, and it’s hard to ignore how deeply He cared for the sick. He didn’t just heal them; He saw them, valued them, and brought them back into the community. That’s what resonates with me: His deep respect for human dignity.
Today, when so many people die from preventable diseases and lack of healthcare access, this feels especially poignant. It makes me think about the importance of supporting global health initiatives, ensuring that everyone, regardless of where they were born, has access to basic healthcare.
It reminds me of the urgent need for a Christian response to global health, one that honors every person’s right to basic medical care, regardless of where they were born.
Healing, after all, isn’t just physical. It’s about restoring wholeness to people’s lives.
Nicolas Laing’s Story: Faith, Medicine, and Impact
That call to compassionate healing is echoed in the story of Nicolas Laing: a doctor whose work in Uganda reflects the heart of faith-based global health initiatives.
Nic’s journey started at 15 when he became a Christian.
At the time, life was all about chasing success, approval, and a sense of security, but it left him restless. During university, a justice-focused group challenged him to align his faith with action.
After finishing medical school, he felt called to Uganda, where he has lived for more than a decade. Nick didn’t come with grand plans, just a desire to learn and serve.
Immersing himself in the culture and language, he began to see firsthand the healthcare crisis in rural communities. Villages with no medical access were left to suffer and, sometimes, die from treatable illnesses.
That reality led Nick to start OneDay Health, an organisation that sets up simple, affordable health centres in places where no one else is reaching. Living in a grass-thatched hut with his wife, surrounded by stunning views, Nic found more beauty and meaning in Uganda than he ever imagined.
Now, Nic is considering expanding One Day Health to Malawi. It’s a big step, with risks and challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to serve more people in need. He’s asking for wisdom, prayer, and support as he navigates these next steps, staying grounded in his faith and commitment to love others as Christ does.
🎧 You can listen to Nicolas Laing’s story here
Take Action: Support Global Health Initiatives
Want to make a difference? Donate to effective global health organizations working to prevent suffering and restore dignity.
Top Recommendations:
Malaria Consortium – Control the spread of malaria and neglected tropical diseases, especially for children under age 5.
Helen Keller International – Provide vitamin A tablets to deter blindness and mortality in infants and women.
New Incentives – Cash incentives for routine childhood vaccines.
Reflection Questions:
How does Jesus’ compassion for the sick inspire us today?
What is our role in ensuring equitable healthcare?
Living Out Jesus’ Healing Compassion Today
Jesus didn’t just heal bodies. He restored people to dignity, community, and purpose. His compassion wasn’t passive; it moved Him to act. As followers of Christ, we’re called to do the same. In a world where millions still suffer from preventable diseases and lack of healthcare, we have a chance to reflect His love through practical, faith-driven service.
Whether you're pursuing a career in global health, medicine, advocacy, or simply seeking ways to use your gifts for good, your career can be part of God’s healing work in the world.
🎯 Need help discerning your path?
We offer free Christian career advising to help you explore high-impact roles that align with your faith and calling. Sign up here to get started.
