Reflections on the 46th Medical Mission to Vietnam
Vietnam, a country widely known to Koreans through the Vietnam War, became the destination of JC BITSOMANG EYE CLINIC’s medical mission from September 3 through September 8.
For me, it was my first mission trip and an unforgettable time filled with God’s grace.
Three teams from the NGO Good People participated in the mission: our cataract surgery team, a media team, and a clean-water project team.
After arriving at Ho Chi Minh City Airport, our cataract surgery team traveled another three hours by bus to Vinh Long, a rural area of Vietnam.
Despite the pouring rain, we unloaded the medical equipment and instruments, cleaned the hospital operating room, and spent approximately two hours setting everything up.
By the time we returned to our accommodations, we were soaked with both rain and sweat. Although it was already past 11:00 p.m.—1:00 a.m. in Korea—not a single person complained. Instead, everyone encouraged and blessed one another.
September 4, 2007
The First Day of Surgery
We began the first surgical day with worship and traveled to the hospital with nervous but expectant hearts.
When we arrived, we found a long line of patients and family members who had heard about the medical mission.
We completed surgeries for 15 patients in the morning and 17 in the afternoon.
Because of the language barrier and difficulty obtaining patient cooperation, some procedures took longer than expected.
One patient was so frightened that the patient repeatedly moved their head and tensed their entire body, making surgery initially impossible. However, the patient refused to leave and continued waiting, pleading for us to perform the surgery.
The clock was approaching 9:00 p.m., a time when exhaustion could easily have affected our concentration. Nevertheless, Dr. Gyung Bai Choi and the senior nurses remained completely focused.
From outside the operating room, we could hear the senior deaconesses and deacons praying.
At that moment, I felt that the Holy Spirit was moving within the operating room.
The surgery was completed safely.
September 5, 2007
The Second Day of Surgery
Once again, we began the day with worship.
During the procedures, local physicians entered the operating room and observed Dr. Gyung Bai Choi performing surgery. They appeared fascinated by his surgical technique.
That day, we completed surgeries for 15 patients in the morning and 3 in the afternoon.
We could have treated more patients, but we were told that many had been sent home because of an error by the local medical staff.
Everyone felt disappointed that we could not help them.
We packed all the equipment and instruments and loaded them into the vehicle.
Although we wished we could have done more, we could only give thanks to God that all 50 surgeries had been completed safely.
September 6, 2007
Clean-Water Project
On the third day, we traveled with the clean-water project team to an even more remote village about an hour away and attended a water-jar donation ceremony.
The village was home to families living in extreme poverty. Because residents had no choice but to drink contaminated water, many suffered from waterborne illnesses.
Although the local water sources were polluted, the rainwater God provided remained clean. Good People had therefore designed and produced special water jars that allowed families to collect rainwater and use it as drinking water.
During the ceremony, the organization donated water jars and rice, as well as bicycles and school supplies for the children.
Seeing the joy of the villagers made me happy as well. I was grateful to witness such meaningful work being carried out for the community.
September 7, 2007
Worship at the Full Gospel Church in Vietnam
On the fourth day, we attended worship at a Full Gospel church in Vietnam.
The church members had cared for us with extraordinary kindness throughout the mission.
During surgery, they assisted us as interpreters. At every meal, they prepared kimchi, a variety of side dishes, and fresh fruit for us. The dinner served before worship was especially generous.
We were deeply grateful to learn that the church had held a special prayer meeting to prepare for our arrival.
Although serving us must have required tremendous effort, the church members never lost their smiles. Their joyful and devoted service moved us deeply.
Closing Reflections
The six-day medical mission to Vietnam was not easy. Both the preparation and the surgical work were physically and emotionally demanding.
I am certain that the same has been true of every previous medical mission.
Through this experience, I witnessed the professionalism and spiritual devotion of Dr. Gyung Bai Choi and the senior nurses.
I also saw the dedication of the Good People World Blindness Prevention Volunteer Team and the generous service of the Vietnamese church members.
Without God’s love, the mission might have felt like nothing more than an exhausting and difficult journey.
Instead, it became one of the most grace-filled and moving experiences of my life.
I will always remember the words of Dr. Gyung Bai Choi:
“We did not come here for ourselves. We came for the people who live here.”
Ji Sook Park, Operating Room Nurse
