Mongolia – not much known land between China & Russia, called land of Mysteries, the Blue Skies, and the biggest empire which world ever saw, called the “Mongolian Empire” in the 13th century under the ruthless ruler Gengish Khan. Indian Moghul Emperors were descendants of Gengish Khan. It is a land where you can experience wide open spaces & skies, snow covered mountains, forests, deserts, crystal clear rivers and lakes, extreme climates ranging -40C to +25C, and the traditional hospitality of the nomads. Mongolia has contributions to the world – They introduced the paper currency, postal system & the concept of diplomatic immunity. While in the country side you can see herders on horses talking on mobile phones, the capital UlaanBaatar match the US city Manhattan with Sky scrapers and locals living in the true western style.
There is tremendous religious freedom in Mongolia. You can practice and spread your religion without any hindrances. People are very friendly and responsive. Only thing is churches need to be registered under government.
Mongolia underwent many violent battles and occupation by Chinese and Russians, till the Russian Perestroika, Mongolia was a satellite country under Russia. Now Mongolia is a true independent democracy with a democratically elected government and a secure place to live. Historically Mongolians were animists considering the open Blue Sky as god, now the religions are Tibetan Buddhism, Muslim, Christian and Shamanism. Christian forms a small minority of 2% in a population of 2.8 million.
There is tremendous religious freedom in Mongolia. You can practice and spread your religion without any hindrances. People are very friendly and responsive. Only thing is churches need to be registered under government.
There are few churches of the pattern of New Testament local churches both in the cities and the country side. Although these have been started by American missionaries, currently they are administered and run as typical Mongolian churches by local leadership. The capital has an Interdenominational Congregation which meets on Sunday afternoon with a crowd of over 500. Mongolian economy being in the nascent opening up stage, educated youths are crazy of learning English. Hence English classes are used as an opportunity by local churches to woo youths in the cities – the text book prescribed is often the New Testament and Gospels! While learning English, they learn about Jesus.
The author is in fellowship with a local church in the capital city and along with tent making involved in the ministries of the church and currently helping in porting the Mongolian Language Bible in mobiles& smart phones. Within three months, the church had two baptisms, an indication of God visiting the people of this strange land. (In the picture is seen the Author with 2 youths who got
Baptized recently at the Mongolian church)
And they sang a new song: "…….because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation”.
Baptized recently at the Mongolian church)
And they sang a new song: "…….because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation”.
