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Love Is an Action Word The Luke TLC Medical Mission Team of Suncheon City
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
December 2020
FEATURE
Written by Arlyn Creus Sim
A
s the family was driving to my in-laws, I heard my husband saying, “How I wish I could have much more time to just rest, play, or sleep!” I wonder how many Koreans think this way as they anticipate Chuseok and Seollal, the much-awaited Korean holidays spent relaxing together with family.
individual dental, ophthalmology, internal medicine, pediatric, orthopedic, and acupuncture teams were all very busy. The largest team is the dental team. We usually have around three to four dentists (one Korean and the rest Filipino) with their assistants. This team also needs volunteers for the sterilization of tools and equipment.
To most Koreans, such holidays are a time of rest and enjoyment, but there are some Koreans who choose to be away from their families and render free services to unknown people. The Luke TLC Medical Mission Team of Suncheon City is a church-affiliated group committed to reaching out to different countries through free medical and dental services. The team is under the supervision of Nambu Presbyterian Church in Geumdang, Suncheon City, and it has helped people in countries such as Cuba, Thailand, Pakistan, Russia, and the Philippines, to name a few.
Some of the patients had minor colds or light orthopedic problems. In some cases, minor surgical procedures were also carried out. Last year, we had an operation that lasted for maybe 15–20 minutes. In another case, a man had a boil on his back for more than two years and finally had it opened. Without a doubt, the pharmacy team is always the busiest, for they are the last station for all patients.
Most recently, the team finished its eighteenth overseas medical mission in the Philippines last year (from September 11 to 14). The team went to the United Christian Church in Trece Martirez City, Cavite, and a church in San Pedro City, Laguna. Composed of 23 Koreans, a pastor, doctors with one to three family members, and some volunteers, the latest team rendered free medical and dental services to Filipinos for two days. It also provided free medicine and reading glasses as well. This year, if not for the COVID-19 pandemic, the team would for sure have done its next volunteer mission in the same country.
Some of the mission team doctors had their own private clinics while others were employed in public hospitals, so after completing their duties, they traveled for about six hours (two hours and 30 minutes to the airport and more than three hours by plane) at night to reach their destination. The team always started each mission with a joint worship service with the Filipino team of volunteers from the churches they visited. Two days of hard work and a day of relaxation while visiting some beautiful scenery in the country before going back home completes their four-day, three-night trip. Early the next day, they are all back to their own personal jobs again. Even though they have a very hectic schedule from Day 1 to Day 4, you cannot hear any word of complaint from the team members. They still manage to share a smile with everyone and just ask for a cup of coffee as an energizer.
In the Philippines, most of the patients needed tooth extractions and were asking for free reading glasses. The
Their dedication and devotion are unbeatable. Their determination has inspired a lot of people. Their precious
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