Reflections on the 43rd Overseas Medical Mission to the Philippines

This medical mission to the Philippines marked my third visit to a mission field.

Compared with our other mission destinations, we usually plan to perform surgery for a larger number of patients in the Philippines. This brings a certain amount of pressure and nervousness, but it is also a place filled with even greater anticipation, excitement, and grace.

March 2 — Arrival in the Philippines

At last, we arrived in Manila.

Thankfully, we encountered no difficulties during the customs process.

Thank You, Lord.

Because we had faced serious customs issues on several previous missions, we were especially grateful that everything proceeded smoothly this time.

We then traveled by bus from Manila to Subic.

After arriving at the hospital, we cleaned the operating room, moved the beds, installed the equipment, and completed all the surgical preparations.

Once everything was in place, it felt as though we were fully equipped and ready for the mission ahead.

March 3 — First Day of Surgery

The first patient’s surgery began with a prayer led by Dr. Gyung Bai Choi in the operating room.

Whenever a difficult or critical moment arose, Dr. Choi, the operating room staff, and the senior deaconesses prayed to the Lord.

Through those moments, we experienced the Lord who makes the impossible possible.

That is what the operating room is like.

It is a place filled with tension, but it is also filled with an extraordinary measure of grace.

On the first day, we helped 22 patients with cataracts regain clearer vision.

Thank You, Lord.

March 4 — Second Day of Surgery

During morning worship, the missionary shared these words with us:

“The operating room may be a very small space, but it is also an incredibly significant mission field.”

Amen.

Within that small room, we often experience precious moments in which the power of God is revealed.

Strengthened by the message we received that Sunday morning, we put on the full armor of God and headed to the hospital.

Because of local circumstances, however, many patients were unable to come, and we performed surgery for only seven patients that day.

Even so, we completed the second day while praying and trusting that the Lord would personally lead more patients to us the following day.

March 5 — Third and Final Day of Surgery

I woke up that morning with this thought:

“Even if I reach the limits of my strength and collapse, the Lord will surely hold me up.”

We arrived at the hospital, and the surgeries began.

Because it was the final day, the work was physically exhausting. Yet I felt as though the Lord had surrounded our operating room with His heavenly angels.

Thank You, Lord.

At that moment, every patient from the Philippines felt incredibly precious to me.

Our belief that one day they would come to know the Lord’s heart, His tears, and His love became the source of our determination and passion.

On the final day, we helped 35 patients regain clearer vision.

Throughout the surgeries, I could only make this confession:

“Lord, Your ocean is so vast, and my boat is so small. Unless You guide me, I can do nothing.”

Because the Lord led us completely throughout the mission, we were able to provide surgery for a total of 64 patients and help them regain clearer vision.

We have now returned home, but I firmly believe that new grace and new miracles are still taking place in the Philippines.

I sincerely hope and pray that the patients will remain as seeds planted in that land, becoming letters of Christ and carrying the fragrance of Christ to others.