Reflections on the 41st Overseas Medical Mission to Yanbian, China

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6

Amen.

Although I am still greatly lacking, I was once again entrusted with the heavenly calling of medical missions.

Whenever a new mission schedule is confirmed, I certainly feel thankful. Yet even after two years of participating in mission work, I still experience fear because I am only human.

However, the Lord told us to go and plant His righteousness in Yanbian. Therefore, I set aside my human fears and began this journey to the land of Yanbian.

September 18 — First Day of Surgery

After arriving at Yanbian Welfare Hospital, we began preparing for surgery.

Unlike many other mission sites, this hospital had nurses who had received training at JC BITSOMANG EYE CLINIC. In China, nurses are referred to locally as hosas. Thanks to their experience and assistance, we were able to complete the surgical preparations more quickly.

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

By the grace of the Lord, the surgeries proceeded safely and steadily, and we completed procedures for 15 patients that day.

Thank You, Lord.

September 19 — Second Day of Surgery

Whenever we encountered a difficult case, we prayed together silently in our hearts:

“Lord, please help us.”

The Lord did not turn away from our prayers. During every challenging moment, He guided and strengthened Dr. Gyung Bai Choi’s hands.

Several patients expressed their gratitude in the Korean dialect spoken in Yanbian.

They spoke the same language as us and looked very much like us. Yet simply because they lived in a different land, many of them had little opportunity to learn about Jesus.

This saddened my heart.

Even now, I earnestly pray that the Kingdom of God will continue to expand throughout Yanbian.

The patients were thankful, and we were also filled with gratitude as we completed surgeries for 32 patients on the second day.

September 20 — Final Day of Surgery

At last, the final day arrived.

Nineteen patients were waiting for our care. Each one was a precious soul.

Through the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, Dr. Gyung Bai Choi and the entire team were able to complete every procedure safely.

Over the three days, we performed surgery for a total of 66 patients in Yanbian.

We know that the spiritual fruit of this mission may not appear immediately.

However, we have planted seeds.

Perhaps not today, but someday, I believe the love we shared with these patients will reach their hearts as the love of God—the One who has always loved them.

We call God our Father, and He has made us His children. Because of this, we have hope.

I pray that these 66 patients will also live with the hope of heaven and become children of our Heavenly Father.

May they become seeds of the Gospel in Yanbian, and may the Kingdom of God be established and expanded throughout the land.

“They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
Isaiah 11:9