Reflections on the 53rd Medical Mission to Vietnam
Medical Mission Schedule
Day 1 — September 22
8:00 a.m. — Arrive at Incheon International Airport
10:50 a.m. — Depart Korea
2:50 p.m. — Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
3:00–7:00 p.m. — Travel to Vinh Long Province
7:00–9:00 p.m. — Set up the surgical equipment
10:00 p.m. — Rest
Day 2 — September 23
First Day of Surgery
5:30 a.m. — Wake up
6:00 a.m. — Morning worship
6:30 a.m. — Breakfast
7:00–8:00 a.m. — Travel to the hospital
8:00 a.m. — Prepare for surgery
10:00 a.m.–12:50 p.m. — Morning surgeries for 9 patients
1:30 p.m. — Lunch
2:30–6:30 p.m. — Afternoon surgeries for 11 patients
7:00 p.m. — Dinner and rest
Day 3 — September 24
Second Day of Surgery
5:30 a.m. — Wake up
6:00 a.m. — Morning worship
6:30 a.m. — Breakfast
7:00–8:00 a.m. — Travel to the hospital
8:00 a.m. — Prepare for surgery
9:50–11:40 a.m. — Morning surgeries for 9 patients
12:00 p.m. — Lunch
3:00–4:20 p.m. — Afternoon surgeries for 5 patients
4:30–6:00 p.m. — Pack and organize the equipment
6:30 p.m. — Dinner and rest
Day 4 — September 25
6:00 a.m. — Morning worship
6:30–7:30 a.m. — Breakfast
8:00–11:30 a.m. — Travel to Ho Chi Minh City
12:00–1:00 p.m. — Lunch
1:00–5:00 p.m. — City tour
6:00–8:00 p.m. — Farewell dinner
9:00 p.m. — Arrive at Ho Chi Minh City Airport
11:50 p.m. — Depart for Korea
Day 5 — September 26
7:00 a.m. — Arrive at Incheon International Airport
7:30 a.m. — Closing prayer and dismissal
Mission Reflection 1
By Myung Ja Ko, Director of Administration
This was my second medical mission to Vietnam, following a mission to Mongolia four years earlier.
Looking out the airplane window, I saw the Mekong River winding through the clouds and waterways stretching into every corner of the villages below.
I found myself wondering, “What can I offer to this place?”
Until then, I had known Vietnam mainly as a communist country, a nation associated with the Vietnam War, and a developing country.
After traveling for several hours through countless bicycles and motorcycles, we finally arrived at the hospital. I was surprised to find that the facility was relatively clean and better equipped than I had expected.
As we began disinfecting and preparing the operating room, I became worried about the many insects around us. Fear also began to set in as I wondered whether I would be able to fulfill my responsibilities properly.
After a sleepless night, we began the morning with worship, strengthened our resolve, and entrusted everything to the Lord.
Some of the senior deaconesses and deacons had served with us before, while others were meeting for the first time. Yet in the Lord, we quickly became brothers and sisters, encouraging one another as the surgeries began.
Then I suddenly wondered: Where had all the insects gone?
Once the preparations were complete, surgery began.
I carefully organized the sterilized instruments as they came out, praying over each one. After every completed surgery, we gave thanks and glory to the Lord.
The church elders worked tirelessly to ensure that nothing was missing and that no problem would interfere with the procedures.
I was also deeply moved by the care and preparation provided by members of the local Full Gospel Church and the people of Vietnam. Grace could be felt in every act of service and every helping hand.
Although we could not communicate through language, we held the patients’ hands, comforted them with gentle touches, and encouraged one another through our eyes.
As each patient completed surgery, I felt profoundly grateful that we were all children of the Lord.
I thank God for filling my heart and life with such abundant gifts, and I give all glory to the Lord, who always prepares what is best for us.
Mission Reflection 2
By Eun Hee Park, Nurse
I recently returned from a medical mission to Vietnam.
This was my fifth overseas medical mission, and Vietnam had become a particularly meaningful place because it was already my third visit there.
Each mission has given me an opportunity to draw closer to God. This mission, in particular, taught me the meaning of gratitude.
Unlike previous trips, I was filled with anxiety and worry before departure and even lost sleep at night.
My role during this mission involved directly assisting with the surgeries, which made me even more nervous.
Every member of the team played an important role in each procedure, but I personally felt a great deal of pressure because I had not loaded intraocular lenses or administered anesthesia for several years.
My greatest hope was simply that I would not become a burden to the team.
From the first surgery in Vietnam until the final procedure, I prayed continuously.
While preparing for surgery, loading the intraocular lenses, administering anesthesia, and sterilizing the instruments, I relied on God in every moment and prayed for Him to remain with me.
Thankfully, God guided and supported me throughout the mission.
All the surgeries were completed safely, and I was able to carry out the lens loading, anesthesia, and sterilization duties successfully.
Hallelujah! I give all glory to God.
Something especially moving happened during this mission.
Several patients who had undergone surgery during our previous visit heard that Dr. Gyung Bai Choi was returning and came all the way to the hospital where we were working.
They had once been unable to seek medical care because of poverty, even though they could not see clearly. After receiving surgery, however, they were able to see their beloved families and the beauty of the world again.
Seeing their happiness with my own eyes warmed my heart and taught me once again the joy of sharing with others.
I felt deeply fulfilled knowing that even our small efforts could bring light into another person’s life. I was also grateful and joyful that God had been with us through it all.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members of the Full Gospel Church in Vietnam. Their genuine spirit of service was a profound blessing and inspiration to me.
