Reflections on the 45th Medical Mission to Yanbian, China

From June 24 to 27, God gave us the opportunity to share the Gospel in Yanbian through cataract and tear duct surgery.

June 24 — Arrival in Yanbian

After arriving at Yanbian Airport, we attended Sunday worship and then traveled to Yanbian Welfare Hospital to prepare for the upcoming surgeries.

Many medical professionals at the hospital had devoted themselves to serving as missionaries. We were delighted to see the hospital staff again, exchange greetings, and share dinner together.

“Lord, please allow many patients to receive surgery during this mission and give each of them an opportunity to come to know You.”

June 25 — First Day of Surgery

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

We completed cataract surgeries for 15 patients in the morning and 14 in the afternoon, for a total of 29 patients. By God’s grace, all the procedures were completed safely.

“God, please lead every patient who underwent surgery today to believe in Jesus and receive salvation.”

June 26 — Second Day of Surgery

In the morning, we performed cataract surgery for 12 patients. Tear duct surgery was performed in the afternoon.

For patients with blocked tear ducts, we created a new drainage pathway using laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy with silicone tube intubation.

In the past, this type of procedure required an endoscope and ear, nose, and throat surgical equipment. The surgery took longer and was sometimes accompanied by bleeding.

This time, however, we were able to use newly available laser equipment. The blocked tear drainage pathway was opened quickly and without significant bleeding, allowing the procedure to be completed in approximately ten minutes.

“We give thanks for God’s grace, which always prepares the way ahead of us.”

The following day, one of the patients who had undergone tear duct surgery delivered a deeply moving letter of gratitude to Dr. Gyung Bai Choi.

After completing all the surgeries, we packed the equipment and said a reluctant farewell to the local nurses.

Lessons from the Operating Room

The operating room may be physically small, but it is a place where we can learn lessons that cannot be learned anywhere else in the world.

God sees whether I am simply wearing an ordinary, cold surgical gown or whether I am serving with the heart of the Lord beneath that gown.

Even when I am facing a difficult situation, He sees the warm words I offer to a patient and the words of encouragement I share with my colleagues.

The operating room is also a place where we learn patience, honesty, forgiveness, cooperation, and the importance of helping one another.

I pray that through the ministry of cataract and tear duct surgery, the good works God has planned will continue to be accomplished.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10

Kyung Hwa Jung, Operating Room Nurse