Evangelist Ryu In-sook (Member of CMM Christian Medical Mutual Aid Society, resident of Texas)
Hello. I am Evangelist Ryu In-sook, living in Texas. Last October, after attending Wednesday worship service, I suddenly began experiencing abdominal pain that night. I thought the stomach cramps were caused by eating a lot of spicy food at lunch, so I took painkillers and antacids to soothe my stomach and endured the pain for a few days. In the evenings, my stomach hurt a bit and I felt unwell, but I didn’t think it was appendicitis. However, as the pain persisted for several days, I realized something was wrong. But since I didn’t have insurance, I hesitated to go to the hospital right away.
I ended up going to an urgent care center in my neighborhood, and the doctor told me it sounded like appendicitis. They told me to go to a larger hospital, so I went to one near my home. After getting a CT scan, they told me my appendix had burst, causing peritonitis. My husband and I were so shocked we couldn’t say a word. My husband apologized and said I would probably have to have surgery right away. I suddenly felt scared, but I reassured myself that since the Lord was with me, I had nothing to fear, and I waited in the emergency room for the doctor.
But then the doctor came and told me not to worry. He explained that a new medical technique had recently been developed, allowing for treatment through a simple procedure rather than major surgery. I was admitted to the hospital immediately. After receiving a course of antibiotics and undergoing blood tests, I had a procedure where a tube was inserted into the area around my appendix to drain the inflammation. I was so grateful that my peritonitis could be treated with a simple procedure instead of major surgery. I couldn’t help but be thankful to God, who knows all my circumstances, for allowing me to be treated with an easy, simple procedure—even though my appendix had ruptured—without having to undergo major surgery.
Above all, I was so grateful to be a member of the CMM Christian Medical Mutual Aid Society and to be able to receive assistance with medical expenses. To be honest, when I first joined the CMM Christian Medical Mutual Aid Society, I wondered, “Will I ever actually need that help?” But knowing that this assistance goes to Christian families who share my faith in and service to God, I didn’t feel the slightest bit of regret about the monthly contribution I make.
However, now that I’ve received this assistance with my medical expenses, I couldn’t help but feel even more grateful. It made me realize that the CMM Christian Medical Mutual Aid Society—which was founded to ease the financial burden of medical expenses for missionaries—is carrying out such a precious ministry. I felt that it was entirely thanks to the CMM Christian Medical Mutual Aid Society that I was able to undergo surgery with peace of mind, without worrying about the hospital bills.
After being discharged from the hospital, I was worried about the medical bills, so I called the CMM Christian Medical Mutual Aid Association for advice. They treated me with such kindness and told me they would pray for my speedy recovery, for which I am so grateful. Through this surgery, I was reminded once again of God’s amazing love, and I experienced the grace of knowing that God is always with those who trust and love Him.
I have also come to realize that the verse from Galatians 6:2—“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”—is being fulfilled through the CMM Christian Medical Mutual Aid Society. I hope to become a true Christian who practices God’s love and love for my neighbor, sharing one another’s heavy burdens. I hope to become a fellow worker for God, laboring even more diligently for His kingdom and righteousness. Once again, I extend my gratitude to the CMM Christian Medical Mutual Aid Society, and I wish you a very happy New Year.