By Han Jin Yoon, Optometrist

After Returning from the Congo Medical Mission

When I first interviewed at JC BITSOMANG EYE CLINIC, I was told that the clinic regularly participated in overseas medical missions.

At the time, I remember thinking, “It would be wonderful to do something meaningful in the name of Jesus while continuing my career and to plant even the smallest seed of the Gospel in people’s hearts.”

I assumed, however, that my opportunity would not come for quite some time.

Later, I heard that the clinic was preparing for a medical mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I asked our manager whether I might be able to join the team, and eventually, I was given the opportunity to participate as an optometrist.

After the mission was postponed several times, the dates were finally confirmed.

There were three main devices I needed to learn how to operate: a Tono-Pen for measuring intraocular pressure, an A-scan ultrasound device for measuring axial length, and an autorefractor-keratometer, or ARK, for measuring refractive error and corneal curvature.

I practiced using each device and participated in simulations beforehand so that I could provide accurate examinations to the patients.

Although we had prepared the examination equipment, there was still an enormous amount of surgical equipment and supplies to pack.

Beginning about a week before our departure, we worked hard to organize everything. I did not yet know exactly which items were needed, but I helped place supplies into boxes, seal and label the packages, and learned how to install a piece of surgical equipment called the Micro system.

After all the preparations were complete, the day of our departure finally arrived.

It was my first time visiting Incheon International Airport, and everything felt new and fascinating. I completed a customs declaration for the first time and prayed that all of our equipment and luggage would arrive safely.

We spent most of the first day traveling by plane. It seemed that our route to Africa passed through China.

The view outside the window was breathtaking. Far below us, the lights of buildings illuminated the ground, while countless stars shone across the night sky. I even saw two shooting stars tracing bright lines across the darkness.

The words from Genesis naturally came to mind: God saw everything He had made, and it was very good.

After arriving in Kenya, we boarded another flight and finally reached the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I felt frightened by the unfamiliar environment. In Korea, everything had felt familiar, but here, we were the strangers. The culture was different, and there were so many things we did not understand.

In my heart, I called out to God:

“Lord, now that I am here, please help me accomplish the work You have given me.”

We prepared the operating room and set up the examination area.

I was very nervous, but at the same time, my heart was filled with gratitude and excitement because I was able to take part in sharing the love of Jesus.

The following morning, we began the day with worship and then went to the hospital. Many patients were already waiting in line.

I remained calm and examined each patient one by one, preparing those who were eligible for surgery.

Some patients had come because of cataracts, while others had suffered corneal injuries and lost their sight because they had been unable to receive appropriate treatment in time.

Seeing these patients was heartbreaking, and I often wished that more could have been done for them earlier.

I believed there must have been a purpose and a plan in God allowing these people to be born in this place and in bringing our team to meet them.

Over the course of two days, we examined and provided surgical treatment to approximately 60 patients.

I will never forget the patients who entered the recovery room after surgery, crying out, “Hallelujah!”

Although we could not communicate easily through words, I believe that we were connected through God and understood one another through the bond He had created between us.

I felt deeply disappointed that we could not provide surgery to even more people.

Leaving that regret behind, we spent one night in Kenya before boarding our flight back to Incheon.

I prayed:

“Lord, I believe that through the small change we have made here, You will accomplish something far greater.”

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person planted in a field. Although it is the smallest of seeds, when it grows, it becomes large enough for birds to come and rest in its branches.
Matthew 13:31–32