I was involved in the mission trip as a medical doctor. Whilst reviewing the patients, the question "What can I do for them?" lingers in my mind. Many of their ailments are related to poor hygiene practices, poor health literacy and lack of medical care. On the first day, I saw several patients who were most likely paralysed due to stroke years ago. Their family members carried them to the clinic, seeking help for the arm and leg that couldn't move. As I broke the bad news that I couldn't restore the limbs' function, I felt a sense of injustice for them - the lack of access to healthcare many had taken for granted in Australia. I also felt frustrated and helpless as I considered the limitations of what we had and could do for them.

Later, I felt encouraged when I heard stories my team members shared about the healings and salvations. The medical mission served as an opportunity for many to step onto the grounds of the church, an opportunity for them to hear about the good news and God's love, an opportunity for them to receive prayer, an opportunity for them to come to Christ. They came seeking physical healing, and returned with knowledge and a relationship with God, who can heal in many more ways. While I felt limited by what men could do, God reminded me of His sovereignty and power. In response to the question, "What can I do for them?", it would be to comfort and show the love of Christ, trusting God to do the rest.

During the trip, I also learnt about soul ties and with my team members' guidance, prayed for the breaking of a soul tie. The final day of medical missions was held at a Drug Rehabilitation Centre. On arrival, when I saw the faces of the people, I felt an uneasy feeling that was once familiar. It worsened over the day as I came close to each of them for clinical review. On leaving the place, I felt nauseated, which I assumed was related to a physical illness. I heard a team member pray about breaking soul ties as we left the centre. I couldn't eat dinner that night and retreated to the bus, where I spent time in prayer and worship. The words "soul tie" came to mind again, and I wondered if the uneasy feeling and nausea were related to the spiritual instead. I had a traumatic experience while working at a psychiatry ward years ago, which affected me physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and relationally. 6 years later, I was still recovering and healing from that experience. I approached two team members who explained about soul ties and they guided me in prayer. I was led by the Holy Spirit as I prayed about forgiveness and the breaking of the soul tie. At the end of the prayer, the nausea feeling disappeared as I burped repetitively. I regained my appetite to have cup noodles. As I slept that night, I felt a sense of joy and freedom. Praise God.

I believe this is one of the reasons God brought my other team members and me to this mission trip together.