The 51st Medical Mission
Mission Dates: July 13–15, 2008
Location: Yanbian University Welfare Hospital, China
Participants from JC BITSOMANG EYE CLINIC: Dr. Gyung Bai Choi and two staff members
Detailed Schedule
July 13
7:20 a.m. — Arrive at Incheon International Airport
9:50 a.m. — Depart Korea
11:15 a.m. — Arrive in Yanbian
12:00 p.m. — Complete customs procedures
1:00 p.m. — Sunday worship service
4:00 p.m. — Arrive at Yanbian University Welfare Hospital and prepare for surgery
6:00 p.m. — Dinner and rest
July 14
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
8:30 a.m. — Begin morning surgeries
12:00 p.m. — Complete morning surgeries for 16 patients
12:30 p.m. — Lunch
2:20 p.m. — Begin afternoon surgeries
5:00 p.m. — Complete afternoon surgeries for 13 patients
6:30 p.m. — Dinner and rest
July 15
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
8:40 a.m. — Begin morning surgeries
11:10 a.m. — Complete morning surgeries for 13 patients
11:30 a.m. — Organize and pack the medical supplies
12:30 p.m. — Lunch and rest
Mission Reflections
From July 13 through July 15, I participated in a medical mission to Yanbian, China.
After arriving on July 13, Dr. Gyung Bai Choi, Ms. Yoon Hee Kim, and I performed cataract surgeries at Yanbian University Welfare Hospital over the following two days.
Because this was my first medical mission, I felt very nervous and worried when we departed. However, with the help of Ms. Yeon Ja Lee and the local nurses, my anxiety gradually faded and was replaced by joy.
Many patients in China had limited access to medical care, and their eye conditions were often more advanced than those commonly seen in Korea. Nevertheless, the surgeries proceeded smoothly through Dr. Gyung Bai Choi’s extensive experience and surgical expertise.
Seeing patients leave the operating room with joyful expressions, saying, “Thank you,” filled my heart with warmth and gave me a deep sense of fulfillment.
Before each surgery, Dr. Gyung Bai Choi prayed individually for every patient. Through his prayers, we were able to share the love of the Lord with patients who did not yet know Him.
As I watched him, I found myself hoping that I could also grow into someone who demonstrates faith and compassion in the same way.
I sincerely pray that every patient who underwent surgery will recover without complications and experience the work of the Lord in their lives.
By God’s grace, the surgeries proceeded both quickly and smoothly, allowing us to finish earlier than expected. We were therefore able to join another team arriving on July 15 and travel together to Jingxin Town.
I had always prayed that I might become a channel of blessing and a channel of love.
Through this mission, I was deeply grateful to be able to help others, even in a small way, and to share the love of the Lord.
I give all glory to God, who remained with us throughout the entire mission.
Eun Hye Kang, Nurse
