The 47th Medical Mission to Rizhao, China
Mission Dates: October 14–18, 2007
Location: Rizhao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, China
Participants from JC BITSOMANG EYE CLINIC: Dr. Gyung Bai Choi and five staff members
Medical Mission Schedule
October 14, 2007
11:00 a.m. — Arrive at the airport
11:00–11:30 a.m. — Check in medical equipment and luggage
2:00 p.m. — Board the flight to Qingdao, China
2:15 p.m. — Arrive at Qingdao International Airport
7:00 p.m. — Complete customs procedures
10:00 p.m. — Arrive at Rizhao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital
10:20 p.m.–12:30 a.m. — Set up surgical instruments and equipment
1:20 a.m. — Arrive at the accommodations and rest
October 15, 2007 — First Day of Surgery
5:00 a.m. — Wake up
5:40 a.m. — Breakfast
6:00 a.m. — Arrive at the hospital and begin surgical preparation and pupil dilation
8:00 a.m. — Begin morning surgeries
1:15 p.m. — Complete morning surgeries for 16 patients
1:30–2:00 p.m. — Lunch
2:00–2:30 p.m. — Prepare for afternoon surgeries
2:30 p.m. — Begin afternoon surgeries
7:00 p.m. — Complete surgeries for 14 patients
7:00–8:00 p.m. — Postoperative cleanup and organization
8:30 p.m. — Arrive at the hotel, have dinner, and rest
October 16, 2007 — Second Day of Surgery
5:00 a.m. — Wake up
5:40 a.m. — Breakfast
6:00 a.m. — Arrive at the hospital and begin surgical preparation and pupil dilation
8:00 a.m. — Begin morning surgeries
1:15 p.m. — Complete morning surgeries for 16 patients
1:30–2:00 p.m. — Lunch
2:00–2:30 p.m. — Prepare for afternoon surgeries
2:30 p.m. — Begin afternoon surgeries
6:00 p.m. — Complete surgeries for 14 patients, bringing the two-day total to 60
6:00–7:20 p.m. — Perform lacrimal surgeries
7:20 p.m. — Complete surgery and participate in interviews
7:50–10:00 p.m. — Clean up and pack the surgical equipment
10:30 p.m. — Arrive at the hotel, have dinner, and rest
One patient underwent surgery under general anesthesia during the morning.
October 17, 2007
5:00 a.m. — Wake up
5:40 a.m. — Breakfast
7:00 a.m. — Depart Rizhao by bus for Qufu
10:10 a.m.–12:40 p.m. — Visit the Three Confucian Sites in Qufu: the Temple of Confucius, Kong Family Mansion, and Cemetery of Confucius
12:45–1:30 p.m. — Lunch in Qufu
1:30 p.m. — Depart Qufu by bus for Tai’an
2:45–5:05 p.m. — Visit Mount Tai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
6:00 p.m. — Dinner in Tai’an
7:00 p.m. — Arrive at Longhai Hotel
October 18, 2007
6:00 a.m. — Wake up
6:40 a.m. — Breakfast
7:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Travel by bus from Tai’an to Qingdao, with worship, praise, and personal testimonies
12:30–1:30 p.m. — Lunch
2:10–3:00 p.m. — Shopping
3:00–4:10 p.m. — Arrive at the airport and complete departure procedures
6:50 p.m. — Board the flight from Qingdao to Incheon
9:00 p.m. — Arrive at Incheon International Airport, offer a closing prayer, and dismiss
Mission Reflections
During my university clinical training in 2006, I became connected with JC BITSOMANG EYE CLINIC and began watching the clinic’s medical mission work. Ever since then, I had strongly hoped that I would someday be able to participate.
The thought of joining the mission made my heart race with excitement. I am deeply grateful to God and to Dr. Gyung Bai Choi for giving me the opportunity to take part this year.
Because this was my first overseas medical mission, I followed the senior optometrists closely, asking them countless questions and writing down everything I learned. I studied very carefully because I did not want to make any mistakes.
I even created a separate reference file and reviewed it at home whenever I had time.
However, about six days before our departure, I received news that left me both disappointed and relieved. The local hospital had already completed all the examinations needed for surgery, so I would not be required to perform them.
After learning that I had been selected for the mission, I had practiced extensively and thought carefully about how to perform cataract examinations more accurately and efficiently. I was disappointed that I would not have the opportunity to demonstrate what I had prepared.
At the same time, I made a new commitment to take on a broader role by assisting with surgery and carefully reviewing the examination results and patient charts.
Day One — October 14, 2007
We had agreed to meet at the airport by 11:00 a.m., but when I arrived, it was only 9:30.
I walked around the airport to familiarize myself with the order and location of each departure procedure. I also compared two currency exchange counters to determine which one offered better service and located the restrooms, convenience stores, and other facilities so that I could immediately assist the team members when they arrived.
The medical equipment arrived at 11:00 a.m., and we began the check-in process. As I had hoped, everything proceeded smoothly, and we were able to board the flight without difficulty.
Because I had not had much time to study China before the trip, I read the Chinese newspaper provided on the plane. It turned out to be more helpful than I had expected.
After arriving at Qingdao International Airport, we experienced considerable difficulty during customs inspection. However, by God’s grace, we were able to transport all the medical equipment safely to Rizhao.
Amen!
We cleaned the operating room, arranged the equipment, and completed all the preparations. By the time we reached our accommodations, it was already past 1:00 a.m.
Strangely, I did not feel tired.
Instead, my eyes felt clearer, and my arms and legs seemed light and relaxed. A sense of renewed energy seemed to fill my entire body.
Day Two — October 15, 2007
After waking at 4:30 a.m., we ate breakfast and headed directly to the hospital.
Although Dr. Gyung Bai Choi and the rest of the mission team had slept for only a few hours, our hearts felt light as we traveled to the hospital.
While preparing for surgery, I reviewed the patient charts and checked whether their pupils had dilated properly.
Just before the first patient entered the operating room, I prayed:
“God, the source of grace and life, please become the hands and eyes of every member of this mission team. Protect Dr. Gyung Bai Choi with Your love, strengthen him with courage, and let Your power flow through his hands. Amen.”
During the procedures, the patients, local nurses, and physicians all appeared very nervous.
However, each time a patient emerged from the operating room with a smile, the local staff gradually began to relax and smile as well.
After all the surgeries were completed, we cleaned and organized the operating room.
I did not feel tired at all, nor did I feel irritated with anyone. Instead, I was filled with joy and excitement.
I returned to the accommodations looking forward to the next day, believing it would be just as meaningful as the first.
Day Three — October 16, 2007
When we arrived at the hospital, I saw a patient lying on a bed who had been scheduled to undergo surgery under general anesthesia because the procedure was expected to be especially difficult.
After several patients who had arrived earlier underwent surgery, the patient was brought into the operating room.
The procedure was completed successfully.
Afterward, Dr. Gyung Bai Choi’s face was filled with a proud and satisfied smile. Seeing his expression was deeply moving and inspiring.
By the evening, we had completed cataract surgeries for 30 patients that day, bringing the two-day total to 60 patients.
We then began lacrimal surgery.
The Chinese medical staff watched Dr. Choi’s surgical technique with astonishment. His movements were confident, decisive, and precise, and the procedure was completed successfully in God’s hands.
After surgery, Dr. Choi participated in an interview, followed by interviews with other members of the medical team.
Even while organizing the surgical equipment, I did not feel tired. The heavy equipment seemed as light as feathers when I lifted and carried it.
Perhaps God had given us a special dose of joy.
As we loaded the equipment into the vehicle and returned to our accommodations, I made a firm promise to myself that during the next medical mission, I would demonstrate my full abilities in the examination room.
Day Four — October 17, 2007
After breakfast, we traveled from Rizhao to Qufu and visited historical sites associated with Confucius.
Following lunch, we continued to Tai’an and climbed Mount Tai.
Most Koreans recognize it from the familiar saying, “Though Mount Tai is high...”
The mountain was truly vast and majestic. We drove far up the mountain and then took a cable car even higher.
The view from the top was magnificent.
However, when I looked up at the sky, I suddenly thought:
“Even after climbing Mount Tai, the sky is still so much higher.”
I realized that no matter how great a person’s ability or position may appear, we must remain humble.
In God’s eyes, human beings are not so different from one another.
Although members of the Good People Medical Mission Team may live in more favorable circumstances, I learned the importance of reaching out to people facing hardship, lowering ourselves, and walking beside them shoulder to shoulder.
Day Five — October 18, 2007
While traveling to Qingdao by bus that morning, we sang praises, worshiped, and listened to the testimonies of several team members.
I was deeply moved.
One of the few difficulties during the mission had been the language barrier, as English was not widely understood. In Qingdao, however, English was much more commonly spoken, which made communication considerably easier.
We also visited a local market. There were so many fascinating things to see in another country.
After sightseeing, we traveled to the airport, completed the departure procedures, and boarded our flight home.
As I sat on the plane, the previous five days passed through my mind like a series of vivid scenes.
It felt as though God had created a powerful “God-storming” within my heart.
My heart was pounding and filled with warmth. Every person I had met through God during the mission felt like family.
I was also deeply moved that I had been able to participate in planting the flag of God’s love in Rizhao, China.
Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to God and to Dr. Gyung Bai Choi for granting me this meaningful opportunity.
I pray that during my next mission, I will be able to fully demonstrate my abilities in the examination room.
I also hope that JC BITSOMANG EYE CLINIC and Good People will continue walking with the Lord through this spirit of “God-storming” in all the days ahead.
Yoon Dal, Optometrist
