Munkhbaatar, a Mongol judo player, had operation in Korea on October 20 thanks to hte help of the Organizing Committee of the Daegu Universiade and of the Church of God and returned to his country Mongolia on November 4.

ⓒ 2003 WATV

Last August, Munkhbaatar was pressed by his heavy opponent during his match at the 2003 Daegu Summer Universiade and the cross-ligamental on his right knee was ruptured. Rightly he wore a cast. But he heard that though he could have operation 5 weeks later, it would be impossible for him to continue playing judo.

After the Universiade Games, he returned to Mongolia and tried to have operation at any Mongol hospital. However, he couldn't have operation for various difficulties. Then he remembered the Church of God who supported Mongol team by cheering and providing judo training suits during the Universiade Games, and appealed to the Church for help by phone. The Church understood his difficulties and promised him a positive support that the Organizing Committee would undertake the charge of operation and the Church would do nursing and all the expenses for his staying and sightseeing in Korea.

He flied to Korea on October 16 and underwent operation on October 20. After finishing 5 hour operation, Doctor Chae said operation was a success and he made a fast recovery surprising his doctor and nurses.

The Church of God members, who welcomed his arrival at the airport with shout of "WE U," took care for him while he was in hospital. Women members made him his favorite Korean food, Kimchi and Bulgogi, and youth members visited him in hospital and became his friends. Especially, Mongol members of the Church eased his homesickness. Singing enchanting Mongol melodies, Munkhbaatar had pleasant time with the youth.

ⓒ 2003 WATV

On November 2, welcome guests visited Munkhbaatar; they were Mongol judo players who came to Korea to participate in Asia Judo Championships held in Cheju Island in Korea on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Mongol Judo Team and the Church of God members who had shared deep friendship during the Universiade enjoyed their reunion. Munkhbaatar was also delighted to see his coach and fellows, making a broad smile, and his fellows were moved to see him getting well.

The team director, Nasantogtogk Chimedbaxar, expressed his gratitude to the Church through Minister Choi Seok-hwan who had cared for Munkhbaatar with the glad news that Mongol ranked 3rd at this Championships: "We all were so sorry for a promising young player was wounded. Since Church of God helps him like this, we don't know how to thank you. We are happy for you are with us." They looked around Mongol town in Dongdaemun, Seoul, by the guide of the members and left Korea next day.

Munkhbaatar wanted to leave the hospital and see his parents in Mongol as soon as possible, for there was no phone at his home and it was difficult to reach his family. Doctor Chae who performed operation on him allowed him to leave the hospital, saying that he would be able to exercise lightly after 6 months and to begin judo training one year later.

ⓒ 2003 WATV

Doctor Chae explained Munkhbaatar how to do rehabilitative exercises in detail, saying, "I wished Munkhbaatar to receive physical therapy treatment more without payment." Doctor Chae undertook additional hospital charge worth 2,500,000 won excluding operation charges which the Organizing Committee payed. He is one of thankful persons to Munkhbaatar.

On November 3, Munkhbaatar left the hospital and next day departed from Korea, amid the members' hearty farewell. He promised to do rehabilitative exercises diligently and participate in the games held in Korea a year later.

"Pastor, be sure to come to Mongolia. If you come, I'll give you a horse in my home. I'll pray for you all."

The members prayed to God for his health and happiness, cherishing his childlike true-heartedness.

From the 2002 Busan Asian Games and FESPIC Games to the 2003 Daegu Summer Universiade, the Church of God engraved Korea's positive images on the hearts of the world's people through supporters activities. Even after the Games, the Church continues non-governmental diplomacy and delivers Koreans' kind-heartedness and Christ's love to the world. Last July, the Church ever supported a Nepalese Wushu player, Shrestha. He got a serious injury to the chin during his match at the Busan Asian Games. He had the 1st chin revision operation and returned to Nepal. But he didn't get the prosthesis removal surgery due to bad economy. So the Church invited him to Korea and supported him with operation charges and all the expenses for his stay in Korea such as travelling and dwelling expenses.