Reflections on the 42nd Overseas Medical Mission to Yanbian, China

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

First of all, I give thanks to the Lord for remaining with us throughout the four-day mission from December 10 to 13, 2006, and allowing us to complete it successfully.

I am grateful that He has made me His child, and I am also thankful that He chose to use someone as inadequate as me as an instrument for His work.

Because we are weak human beings, unfamiliar circumstances and new responsibilities often bring worry and fear. Whenever those feelings arose, I held firmly to the words of Joshua and continued forward.

The First Day

After arriving in China, we held a brief gathering and began preparing for the surgeries scheduled for the following day.

We prayed that every procedure would be completed safely and beautifully, and that the name of the Lord would be deeply planted in the hearts of the patients.

The First Day of Surgery

By God’s grace, 16 patients underwent surgery in the morning and 10 in the afternoon.

Through the procedures, these patients were able to regain the precious gift of clearer vision.

The Second Day of Surgery

Beginning early that morning, the rapid sterilizer began malfunctioning.

Through this unexpected difficulty, we were led to pray more earnestly and depend more fully on the Lord.

Thankfully, we were able to use another sterilizer at Yanbian Welfare Hospital and safely complete cataract surgeries for 10 patients during the morning.

In the afternoon, we performed tear duct surgery for three patients who had been suffering from blocked tear drainage pathways.

Because this was my first time participating in tear duct surgery at an overseas mission site, I felt very nervous.

However, Dr. Gyung Bai Choi, the ear, nose, and throat physician serving at Yanbian Welfare Hospital, and the local nurses were all highly skilled and dedicated medical professionals.

Watching them work together in such harmony made me realize that my fears had been unnecessary.

Once I surrendered all my worries and concerns to the Lord, who is the true Master of my life, I found the strength and confidence to continue.

“I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13

Through this mission, I was reminded of the purpose for which God created me.

I am grateful that each mission allows me to experience a kind of joy that the world cannot provide.

I pray that the seeds planted through the 36 cataract surgery patients and three tear duct surgery patients will grow and bear fruit in Yanbian.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who prepared for this mission through prayer.