Report on the 36th Overseas Medical Mission

11th Medical Mission to Cambodia

Hello.

Monday, November 7, the beginning of this week, marked Ipdong, the traditional start of winter.

The increasingly cold weather makes it clear that winter is approaching.

Even those of us who have remained in Korea have felt the sudden chill. The temperature difference must have felt even greater for Dr. Im Kwon, who had just returned from providing medical care in the intense heat of Cambodia.

Dr. Kwon said:

“Rather than worrying about the cold weather, I am more concerned that people’s hearts may become as cold as winter.”

His words made me wonder whether the temperature he was truly concerned about was not the weather, but the warmth within people’s hearts.

The 36th medical mission to Cambodia took place over eight days and seven nights, from October 26 through November 2.

We once again offer our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Im Kwon, the medical staff, and all the volunteers who safely completed the mission and returned to the clinic on November 3.

Mission Report

After completing the extended medical mission, Dr. Im Kwon reflected on the conditions he had witnessed:

“There were especially many patients suffering from arthritis. There were also numerous cataract patients because people were exposed to intense ultraviolet radiation without adequate protection. In addition, many illnesses were associated with the use of rainwater as drinking water.”

Cambodia is considered one of the poorest countries in Asia and remains in urgent need of international assistance.

The country is remembered throughout the world for the Killing Fields. It was also reported that widespread corruption throughout the government and society had made it difficult for many residents to see hope for the future.

Nevertheless, our team began the mission with a humble yet meaningful hope: that we might offer the people even a small measure of courage and hope.

We also hoped to share spiritual encouragement with them, remembering the words of God:

“Although your physical body may appear weak, your spirit will be filled.”

Beginning October 27, Dr. Im Kwon, the medical staff from our clinic, and the volunteers launched the 36th medical mission to Cambodia at a church in Phnom Penh.

Although heavy rain had continued throughout the previous night, the sun was already beating down intensely by morning.

Despite the extreme heat and high humidity, Dr. Kwon and the medical team drew upon their previous mission experience to establish a temporary registration area and examination rooms.

Medical consultations officially began at 8:00 a.m. However, patients had already begun gathering as early as 6:00 or 7:00 a.m., and many could be seen waiting around the church grounds with registration slips in their hands.

October 27 — Medical Outreach in the Kveat Area

On October 27, the team provided medical care in the Kveat area near Dangkao Church.

Kveat was a remote community located approximately 15 kilometers from Dangkao along an unpaved road.

There were no hospitals or pharmacies nearby, leaving local residents with nowhere to seek treatment when they became ill.

Because the area had no electricity, the medical staff and volunteers had to install a temporary generator themselves before they could operate the examination equipment.

There was also no suitable building with enough space for the medical team, treatment areas, and equipment.

As a result, the equipment was set up outdoors, and patients were treated in temporary shelters constructed by the team.

The presence of unfamiliar foreign visitors attracted considerable attention from the local children. Many remained nearby throughout the entire day, watching the medical team work.

October 28 — Medical Outreach in the Kanaria Industrial Area

On October 28, the team carried out medical outreach in the Kanaria industrial area, approximately 10 kilometers from Phnom Penh.

The factory workers in the area were reportedly subjected to demanding labor with very little rest and few opportunities to take leave.

Because the area had a high population density, more patients gathered there than at any other location visited during the mission.

Unfortunately, the number of people seeking treatment exceeded the team’s capacity.

Many patients were unable even to register for care that day and had no choice but to return home, leaving the medical team deeply saddened.