Report on the 35th Medical Mission to Yanbian, China

11th Medical Mission to China / 9th Medical Mission to Yanbian

Hello.

It has been raining since early this morning.

I find myself worrying about all the patients who must travel to our clinic in the rain because of eye problems. I sincerely hope that everyone arrives safely and without difficulty.

Today, I happened to look at the calendar and noticed the words “Police Day” printed in small letters at the bottom.

At first, I gave it little thought and casually looked out the window. There, on the main road, I saw a police officer wearing a raincoat and directing traffic in the pouring rain.

Just as we do not volunteer in expectation of recognition or reward, police officers quietly fulfill their responsibilities and do their very best, even when their efforts go unnoticed.

I wondered why I had failed to recognize their dedication before.

It was a humbling way to begin the day.

It has already been two days since Dr. Gyung Bai Choi and the medical staff of JC BITSOMANG EYE CLINIC returned after successfully completing their medical mission and surgical work in Yanbian, China.

During this mission, the team met an evangelist who had spent the past ten years traveling between China and North Korea to spread the Gospel and provide North Korean people with both material and practical assistance.

We had previously heard about the difficult circumstances faced by the people of North Korea only through television and radio. However, the team learned that the reality was even more serious than they had imagined.

Watching Dr. Gyung Bai Choi repeatedly express his determination to pray for the day when our overseas medical mission team might also serve our fellow Koreans in North Korea filled our own hearts with compassion for them.

The 35th Medical Mission to Yanbian, China

October 16

  • 7:00 a.m. — Arrive at Incheon International Airport

  • 10:00 a.m. — Depart from Incheon International Airport

  • 12:30 p.m. — Arrive at Yanbian Airport

  • 1:00 p.m. — Arrival worship service

  • 3:00 p.m. — Arrive at Yanbian University Welfare Hospital, inspect the surgical equipment, and set up the operating room

  • 5:00 p.m. — Dinner

  • 7:00 p.m. — Arrive at the accommodations and rest

October 17

  • 6:00 a.m. — Wake up

  • 6:30 a.m. — Morning worship

  • 7:00 a.m. — Breakfast

  • 7:40 a.m. — Arrive at the hospital and prepare for surgery

  • 9:00 a.m. — Begin morning surgeries for 13 patients

  • 12:30 p.m. — Lunch

  • 2:00 p.m. — Begin afternoon surgeries for 15 patients

  • 5:30 p.m. — Dinner

  • 7:00 p.m. — Arrive at the accommodations and rest

October 18

  • 6:00 a.m. — Wake up

  • 6:30 a.m. — Morning worship

  • 7:00 a.m. — Breakfast

  • 7:40 a.m. — Arrive at the hospital and prepare for surgery

  • 8:50 a.m. — Begin morning surgeries

  • 1:20 p.m. — Complete surgeries for 20 patients and organize the surgical equipment

  • 2:20 p.m. — Lunch

  • 3:40 p.m. — Visit the Yun Bong-gil Historical Exhibition Hall at Daesung Middle School

  • 6:00 p.m. — Dinner

  • 7:30 p.m. — Arrive at the accommodations and rest

October 19

  • 7:00 a.m. — Wake up

  • 7:30 a.m. — Morning worship

  • 8:00 a.m. — Breakfast

  • 9:00 a.m. — Arrive at Yanbian Airport

  • 10:50 a.m. — Depart from Yanbian Airport

  • 2:20 p.m. — Arrive at Incheon International Airport

  • 4:30 p.m. — Return to JC BITSOMANG EYE CLINIC

Surgical Results

A total of 48 patients underwent surgery during the mission.

Among the 48 procedures, Ms. Yeon Ja Lee of Yanbian University Welfare Hospital performed two surgeries under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Gyung Bai Choi.