By Yong Joo Choi, Nurse

Tajikistan | April 2012

April is springtime in Korea. After the long, cold winter, cherry blossoms come into full bloom, and people seem to move through the season as though they were enjoying a leisurely cruise.

Had I not met Dr. Gyung Bai Choi of JC BITSOMANG EYE CLINIC, I might also have become absorbed in the beauty and comfort of the world, forgetting Jesus’ Great Commission.

That April, we departed for Tajikistan, a predominantly Muslim country in Central Asia, carrying more than five tons of ophthalmic medical equipment.

Our team consisted of approximately 11 members from the Blindness Prevention Team and JC BITSOMANG EYE CLINIC. When we arrived at Tashkent International Airport, everyone felt as tense as soldiers preparing for an important mission.

Traveling to Tajikistan was extremely challenging because we had to pass through Uzbekistan. We also had to clear more than five tons of equipment through customs in a region with strict entry and customs procedures.

Without God’s help, there was a real possibility that the entire medical mission could have been disrupted.

After loading all the equipment onto a bus, we headed toward the border to complete the customs process.

It was during this time that I strongly felt God’s guiding hand through the local pastor who was helping us. God gave him wisdom to overcome numerous difficulties and successfully complete the customs process.

Because our small volunteer team of 11 included several women, moving five tons of equipment was physically demanding. Thankfully, the local missionaries and their students joined us and helped carry the equipment.

With their support, we safely crossed the border at approximately 2:00 a.m. and finally arrived at our destination.

After clearing customs, we reached the local hospital and continued working until dawn to set up the operating room.

The team was able to sleep for only two or three hours before beginning the intensive three-day surgical schedule.

Through this experience, I learned more clearly than ever that because this was God’s work, we needed to prepare and serve with even greater care, dedication, and excellence.

Although the schedule was physically exhausting, it was also deeply rewarding. Over the course of three days, we performed eye surgeries for more than 70 patients.

The patients’ eye conditions reflected the limited medical resources available to them. Many had extremely advanced and hardened cataracts, making the surgeries especially difficult.

For that reason, I assisted each procedure with an even greater sense of concentration and responsibility.

I will never forget how Dr. Gyung Bai Choi, the assisting nurses, the members of the Blindness Prevention Team, and every other participant worked together as one throughout the mission.

Even a momentary lack of coordination could have affected the surgery, so everyone served one another wholeheartedly and worked in complete cooperation.

We truly felt like professionals serving the Kingdom of God.

The mission was physically demanding, but it was also filled with invaluable lessons and overwhelming grace.

I came to understand that this kind of grace is never gained without sacrifice, preparation, and wholehearted service.

After each surgery, we heard the joyful voices of patients leaving the operating room.

I pray that God will continue to protect both their sight and their souls.

This journey taught me clearly how Christians should prepare their hearts and serve those whom the Lord has compassion for, especially people who have not yet encountered the Gospel.

May the Lord alone receive all the glory for everything accomplished through this mission.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Gyung Bai Choi, who faithfully led and supported the entire team until the very end.