Reflections on the 44th Medical Mission to Yanbian, China

From April 1 through April 5, we traveled to Yanbian, China, to serve through cataract surgery.

The people of Yanbian look like us and speak the same language. Korean television programs and signs written in Korean can be seen throughout the city, so the area does not feel very different from Korea.

Perhaps that is why I feel an even deeper affection for Yanbian.

April 1 — Arrival in Yanbian

After arriving at Yanbian Airport, we completed the customs procedures more smoothly than during our previous visits.

The staff members of Yanbian University Welfare Hospital welcomed us warmly, and we were delighted to see many familiar faces again.

Following Sunday worship, we went to the hospital to prepare for surgery.

We worked alongside the nurse on duty and several nurses who had received training at JC BITSOMANG EYE CLINIC.

Unlike many other mission sites, the necessary surgical equipment had already been installed at this hospital. Because trained local nurses were also available, preparing for and assisting with surgery was considerably easier.

Yanbian University Welfare Hospital is home to many medical professionals who have dedicated their lives to missionary service.

We gave thanks for the relationships God had given us and shared a grace-filled evening of fellowship over dinner.

April 2 — First Day of Surgery

The surgeries began with a prayer led by Dr. Gyung Bai Choi.

We completed cataract surgeries for 16 patients in the morning and another 16 in the afternoon.

By God’s grace, all the procedures were completed safely and smoothly.

Thank You, Lord.

April 3 — Second Day of Surgery

Once again, the day’s surgeries began with a prayer led by Dr. Gyung Bai Choi.

We performed surgery for 16 patients in the morning and 14 in the afternoon, bringing the two-day total to 62 patients.

For lunch and dinner, we visited Pyongyang Jangsu Restaurant inside Baeksang Hotel, which was operated by North Koreans.

The restaurant was famous for its North Korean-style cold noodles. The noodles and kimchi were among the best I had ever tasted.

We also watched a live performance by North Korean women. Their skillful playing of the keyboard, drums, and bass, as well as their singing, was truly impressive.

Their performance reminded me of scenes I had previously seen on television. Meeting North Korean people in Yanbian made me think deeply about North Korea and left me with a tender and heavy heart.

April 4 — Third Day of Surgery

The third day was dedicated to tear duct surgery.

Because this was my first time participating in this type of procedure at an overseas mission site, I felt nervous as we traveled to the hospital.

The surgery involved inserting a silicone tube to create a new drainage pathway for patients with blocked tear ducts.

Using endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with silicone tube intubation, Dr. Gyung Bai Choi created new tear drainage pathways for two patients.

Although the procedures were challenging, God sent many helping hands to support Dr. Choi. By His grace, both surgeries were completed safely and smoothly.

Hallelujah!

After surgery, we visited a pizza restaurant called Happy Nara for lunch.

The restaurant was operated by a Korean owner, and there we encountered a beautiful act of generosity.

One percent of the restaurant’s pizza sales was donated to support cataract patients at Yanbian University Welfare Hospital who could not afford surgery.

We enjoyed the meal with grateful hearts and then returned to organize the surgical equipment.

Although we had worked together for only three days, we had grown close to the local nurses. We said a reluctant farewell and promised that we would meet again.

A Land of Hope

The missionaries serving in Yanbian had left behind respected positions, comfort, and favorable circumstances in Korea to devote themselves to the people of this region.

A married missionary couple, including an ear, nose, and throat physician serving as the hospital’s vice director, had ministered in Yanbian for seven years.

They were preparing to return to Korea for a sabbatical later that year and were praying about where God might lead them next.

Dr. Gyung Bai Choi said that their joyful consideration of a new place of ministry challenged and inspired him. Their example challenged me as well.

As long as God’s grace remains in this land, I am convinced that Yanbian is a land of hope.

I pray that the banner of Jesus Christ will be raised here and that this land will become a place where God is known and worshiped.

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”
2 Timothy 1:9

I believe that, just as this verse declares, God called each of the patients who received surgery long before the beginning of time.

I earnestly pray that, through His grace, every one of them will come to believe in Jesus and receive salvation.

Lord, Your love moves the world.

Until all Your chosen people are saved and the whole world worships You, may this remain our vision.