Quote of the week

"But I have wondered long and hard why it is that while we relentlessly seek God’s answers when in the throes of suffering we never seem to pause with equal sincerity to ask Him for guidance of wisdom in pleasure and seem very uncertain about God’s presence in fun and pleasure." —Ravi Zacharias

"Warm" weather

Kristie and I both noticed that our apartment was becoming hot and stuffy. I thought perhaps it was warming up outside, so I checked the weather. It was -1 F (about -18 C)

Learning a language

I'm taking the week off so please don't expect many posts. So I'm posting this ahead of time.

Another man's language learning experience

Joint Christmas service

This year Christmas fell on a Sunday. So we combined the Mongolian-speaking folks and the English-speaking folks for one big service. It was a good opportunity for the two groups to meet each other. They do not have ethnicity in common, they do not have culture in common, they do not have language in common; but they have in common the most important thing: the true God. As Peter said, "Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God." We had nearly sixty in attendance. 

We did almost everything in English and Mongolian. For example, we sang some Christmas carols. Those who knew English sang them in English; those who knew Mongolian sang in Mongolian. It was a little discordant hearing two languages sung to the same tune at the same time. Also, there was a Bible reading of the Christmas story in English and Mongolian.

I preaching in both languages also: first speaking in one language and then the other.

Below are some pictures of the folks who came and me preaching.

Christmas Eve

Perhaps it is that people who cannot be "home" for Christmas have a greater capacity to understand what it meant for God the Father to send His Son to be the Savior of the world. After all, though we are created in His image our emotions are a poor reflection of the emotions which God the Father has. The soldier far from home desires the warmth and comfort of a safe Christmas. The merchant delayed in his travels wishes for the relaxation and peace that a return home provides. The missionary separated by an ocean from his loved ones longs for the familiar fellowship of his own people.

How God the Father must have felt looking down on His Son, so vulnerable and small laying in a trough where the animals fed. Just a few miles away the cruel King Herod lived in Jerusalem willing to protect his throne at any cost. I am not suggesting that God was worried; the Creator of the world knows all. But the separation from His Son must have held some emotion for Him.

And yet, God was willing to send His Son. Not merely consenting to another's plan, God Himself had chosen to include His Son in His plan for the redemption of the world. Knowing that He was sending His Son to those who would reject Him, knowing that He was sending His Son to a sin-sick world, knowing that He was sending His Son to bear the weight of the world's sins, God willingly chose to give His Son to be our righteousness.

But Christmas is a reminder of God intense love for us, a love so deep that He chose to be with us. That is what Immanuel means: “God with us.” As we celebrate Christmas remembering the birth of Jesus we commemorate that great event of “God with us.” But “God with us” meant that God left His throne to come and live among men. Leaving His throne could not have been without emotional consequences for Him. Leaving "home" to live among men, experiencing the vicissitudes of life: hunger and thirst, weariness and human ignorance.

So as you celebrate on Christmas Day, as you rejoice with family (as we'll be rejoicing with ours), as you open a gift—remember Jesus forsaking the ease of heaven to live through the pain of earth. Consider God's greatest gift: His Son.

Christmas Quote of the Week

Christians do "not superstitiously observe days, merely as days, but as memorials of important facts. Christmas might be kept as well upon one day of the year as another; but there should be a stated day for commemorating the birth of our Saviour, because there is danger that what may be done on any day, will be neglected."  —Samuel Johnson

December prayer letter

“The lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in.” Several years ago, with the help of fellow missionaries in Mongolia, we began an English-preaching service to minister to expatriates and English-speaking Mongolians.

We are always looking for appropriate ways to encourage people to come to our church’s services, whether they are in Mongolian or English. Also, it is important that as many Christians as possible serve in their church. To facilitate both of these goals, we recently held a special Christmas service.

The special Christmas service held several “firsts” for us. It was the first time to meet at a public spot besides the church’s facilities. It was the first time for a choir to sing. It was the first time for many Christians to serve in a visible way in Mongolia. Further, I learned some important lessons about serving.

Jason Ritchie’s family arrived in Ulan Bator in May. Jason and his wife, Mary, have been studying the language since their move to Mongolia. But Jason also offered to pick music and organize a choir for a special Christmas presentation.

We had a good response, with 10 people offering to come early on Sundays to learn the music and present it. Then, several suggested that if we held the Christmas service at a more central location, more people would attend. So we decided to host it at Millies’ Espresso, which is mere minutes walking distance from the very heart of Ulan Bator.

Millies Espresso’s proprietor is Daniel Correa, a friend of mine. His restaurant is closed on Sundays, and he graciously agreed to allow us to host the Christmas special at his restaurant. This meant that we first had to re-arrange the restaurant to accommodate the choir and everyone. Then we had to put it all back, so that Daniel could open for business on Monday morning early. (He opens as early as any restaurant in Mongolia with which I am familiar.)

But nearly everyone pitched in to set up the restaurant, move over some needed items, participate in the singing and children’s program, then tear everything down, and reset the place for Monday.

We also had a good attendance, almost 60. A dozen of those were first-time visitors. The choir sang well, with Jason competently directing, and I preached the Gospel: God’s Greatest Gift. There was a fellowship afterwards, where many of us had an opportunity to talk further with our guests. Several visitors should be back with us this Sunday.


This experience was encouraging for three reasons. I was happy to see so many serve in various ways. Anytime we have a dozen visitors, it is a good turnout. And everyone that I talked to wants to do it again…at Easter.

Pray about…

Some quick things that I would ask you to pray about.

A lady who attends our English service has a regular Bible study at the ladies' prison near town. She has arranged for the choir to head out there and sing this Thursday. She also asked me to preach to the ladies following the choir. Pray for wisdom and boldness for me.

Dashka went into the hospital today. He's not been well since he was beat up some weeks ago. Please pray for his recovery.

Aya is also becoming weaker and experiencing more pain. I thank the Lord that He has graciously left her with us for this long. I'll be heading there today to see her. Pray for her to have peace and relief from her pain.

Weekly update

It’s time again to write a weekly update to all those of you who pray for us. We had twenty-five Mongolians out this past Sunday; a far cry from the nine we had the week before. Strangely, of the nine people who were there the previous week only one family attended this last week. I am serious when I ask you to pray for me not to become cynical.

Most families at Christmas time have some decorations in their home. This Christmas, you most likely will receive a gift. Almost all of us will give a gift to someone else. But this Christmas, I want to challenge you to do something in addition to all those other things you will do: take some time on Christmas Day to give the greatest and most difficult gift of all.

Paul begs the Christians of Rome to give to God their own bodies as a living sacrifice to God, to determine God’s will, and to do it. Most of us have already done that at some point in our lives. But I echo the words of a famous missionary when I say that any gift which is given for a lifetime cannot be given in a moment. There must be a daily re-dedication to God’s will and God’s way in our lives. As we contemplate the infinitely valuable gift that God has given us on this day, may we determine to give (again) the best thing we can give to God.

“They which live should not … live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.”

Children's Christmas party

It was below zero outside but our house was warm as we had 15 children at our place for a Christmas party. We invited our neighbors’ children and the children from the church’s Sunday school class to be with us. There was a craft, cookie making, the true Christmas story, and a search for the presents.

Kristie and our children had prepared the cookie dough ahead of time. Everyone pitched in the clean the house. In past years Kristie or I had taught the story but Tsegii, a young lady from the church, come to teach the story this year. It is definitely true to say that some of the children at the party heard the story about Jesus’ birth for the first time.

Opportunities such as this are important to our desire to teach the Mongolian people about Jesus Christ. Pray that the seeds planted today will grow into plants that will scatter the seed of the Gospel far and wide in this country.

Quote of the week

"All the problems of heaven and earth, though they were to confront us together and at once, would be nothing compared with the overwhelming problem of God: That He is; what He is like; and what we as moral beings must do about Him.

"The man who comes to a right belief about God is relieved of ten thousand temporal problems, for he sees at once that these have to do with matters which at the most cannot concern him for very long, but even if the multiple burdens of time may be lifted from him, the one mighty single burden of eternity begins to press down upon him with a weight more crushing than all the woes of the world piled one upon another. That mighty burden is his obligation to God. It includes an instant and lifelong duty to love God with every power of mind and soul, to obey Him perfectly, and to worship Him acceptably. And when the man’s laboring conscience tells him that he has done none of these things, but has from childhood been guilty of foul revolt against the Majesty in the heavens, the inner pressure of self-accusation may become too heavy to bear.

"The gospel can lift this destroying burden from the mind, give beauty for ashes, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. But unless the weight of the burden is felt the gospel can mean nothing to the man; and until he sees a vision of God high and lifted up, there will be no woe and no burden. Low views of God destroy the gospel for all who hold them." —A. W. Tozer

The cold comes …

Well, it should be cold over the weekend. As you can see they're predicting that it won't be much warmer than zero (that's -17 below for the most of the world) until next week. Today's high may not even reach the -11 F that is predicted. After all, look at the time stamp (1:34) and it's still -15. We're thankful for a warm apartment.

Also, I should mention that we had more adults at prayer last night than we had at the church service on Sunday. I'm not sure the reason for that but am grateful that people come out even when it was so cold.

Deans' weekly update

The bad news just keeps coming for Dashka. He was beat up last Tuesday walking home from a friend's house. A couple of drunks grabbed him and beat him up, saying, "Stay away from my friend." The only problem is that he does not know those two men or their friend.

The next day his son got a black eye at school. The day after his daughter fell while running on the playground and bruised her forehead. So for a few days the three of them looked like they had been in a fight.

the restaurant where we met

Sunday morning we had nine Mongolians come to the service. There was Dashka's bruised family who couldn't come. Another family was sick. The best I can tell, the rest just decided that it wasn't important to come.

What a contrast Sunday night was! We had nearly sixty people and a dozen first time visitors. We had an eight person choir sing. The children gave a short program. The Ritchie family provided gifts for everyone. I preached the good news of God's greatest gift: Jesus Christ. Although there were no decisions, we received a lot of positive feedback. There were people involved in the choir that had not served in any way before, and the choir enjoyed themselves so much that many of them want to do it again at Easter.

the choir singing

This weekend, our family is hosting a children's Christmas party for our Sunday school children and neighbors' children combined. It is a lot of work to prepare for it but always a big hit with the children. It gives us a chance to present the true Christmas story and distribute Gospel literature.

Please pray for Dashka. I know that God is teaching him many things and that His plan is always best. But frankly, he has suffered so much this last year. Also, pray for us as we prepare for the Christmas party. This is a unique opportunity to reach out to our neighbors that we want to take proper advantage of.

For the grammar buffs: I wasn't very happy ending my final paragraph with a preposition. But really, conversationally speaking, "This is a unique opportunity to reach out to neighbors of which we want to take proper advantage" is an awkward sentence. And I remembered the famous orator Sir Winston Churchill's advice: "Ending a sentence with a preposition is something up with which I will not put."

Mongolia has its own kind of winter beauty

We had a kind of freezing fog on Sunday morning when I rose. As you can see from these pictures, the ice froze to the trees creating beautiful white trees. It looks as if someone "frosted" the tress. But it is just ice. By today the effect was almost gone.

Meeting at a restaurant tomorrow

Some things to pray about:

Tomorrow the English preaching service is meeting at a restaurant. About ten of us have been practicing some Christmas music for the last six weeks. We have all been inviting guests out and hope to have a good crowd tomorrow. To make it easier for our guests to come and to accomodate a larger crowd, we have arranged to meet at Millies Cafe. At our current location, we can seat about 60. At Millies Cafe we may be able to seat as many as 90. Pray for all to go well. Many of these pieces are a first time attempt for us: the first time to have a choir sing and the first time to meet at Millies Cafe.

One another note, a Bible translator and our song leader Dashka was attacked by 3 men on Tuesday night and beaten. I've only been able to talk to him for a few minutes. I was not aware of the attack until Friday. I plan to visit him this next week to see him. He won't be able to make it to the service tomorrow. Pray for Dashka to recover and for all of us to learn the lessons that God is trying to teach during this difficult time.

Tomorrow we'll be converting this Cafe into a meeting place for the church.

Quote of the week

"If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior." Max Lucado

The World's Coldest Capital

I was talking with a fellow today who works for the United Nations (I can't remember: are they an ally or an enemy?). He is to be re-posted to a new location this summer and was mentioning that this is his last winter in Mongolia. I casually remarked that I hoped he would be posted to a warmer place. Of course, he responded, because Ulan Bator is the world's coldest capital any place he is posted would be warmer. We were talking as we walked away from the post office; the temperature at the time was about -20 F (-29 C).

This past Saturday it was a little warmer, so I walked to the post office from my house. It was zero when I started out in the late afternoon. When I arrived home the sun was setting, and the temperature had dropped to -6 F. I've posted some pictures from my walk.

That sidewalk is just a sheet of ice; folks who live in Mongolia learn to walk very carefully. And the weather is so cold that businesses will pay to have ice sculptures carved. (The one in the picture says "CENTRAL" for Central Tower). They know that the ice will last 3-4 months (usually late November to early March. You'll also notice a Christmas tree in front of the office building. They seem to be everywhere here this year. If you ask a Mongolian, they associate them with the upcoming new year's celebrations.

Deans' weekly update

The weather has warmed up a little since I last wrote to you all. As I write to you in the middle of the day it's currently 3 F (-16 C). My parents leave on Thursday to visit friends in Hong Kong where it is a balmy 72 F today. Perhaps I'll send Kristie with them.

We had a good attendance yesterday despite the cold: thirty-four in the morning and another thirty-eight in the evening. The choir is preparing our music for this coming Sunday. We have printed some flyers and distributed some by email. We anticipate a good crowd of folks will come out next week.

Pray especially for Togsoo (Took•suh') and his wife Gantoya (Gone'•toy•a). He has not been attending church meetings recently. His wife has only been coming sporadically. They say that they are too busy.

This past summer, Togsoo's mother died unexpectedly. This past weekend his middle-aged brother died suddenly. I suspect that God is trying to draw Togsoo's attention to Himself. Pray for Togsoo to find peace in seeking the one true God.

I've included a picture of our family with my parents.

Quote of the week

"The helpers themselves need much help, much care and instruction; but they are becoming more efficient as well as more numerous, and the hope for China lies doubtless in them. I look on foreign missionaries as the scaffolding round a rising building; the sooner it can be dispensed with, the better – or the sooner, rather, that it can be transferred to serve the same temporary purpose elsewhere." —J. Hudson Taylor, speaking of national helpers

Some more updates

I know that many of you are praying for Aya who has cancer. She has been in a lot of pain recently. Doctors prescribed a more powerful pain-killer, but Ganpurev has been unable to locate a pharmacy that even seems aware that the prescribed pain-killer exists. Dashka has been helping him.

Also, Dashka came Sunday without his children. His older daughter had a basketball practice or tournament. His older son had a chess club to attend. His younger son and daughter were both sick. His younger son, however, told him that because he missed last Sunday, he must go to church this Sunday. Keep praying for Dashka to have wisdom as he raises his children.

Kristie and I met with a Mongolian couple who is looking for a Baptist church. It is the first time I remember a Mongolian ever coming to me looking for a Baptist church. They heard about Daniel Elliott through the Internet, and Daniel kindly introduced them to us. We had an fascinating visit with them. They certainly know the Bible well. We have already scheduled a Bible study at their house next Tuesday. Kristie and I would like to see them join Faith Baptist Church and participate in its ministries. Pray for wisdom as we seek to integrate them into the church.

Some pictures from Sunday

We're training them when they are young to sit in the service.

This is our choir preparing for our Christmas music presentation on December 11.

Deans' weekly update

It is officially cold: this morning when I rose it was −22 F (that's -30 C for most of the world) outside, much warmer inside for which I thank our God. Despite my offer to give him a ride, my father chose to take his walk today. It was −18 when he left. So, yes, it is cold here.

We are still making plans for a special Sunday evening presentation of Christmas music by the English service folks at Millie's restaurant. That is a central, well-known location to host such a program. The church is rather excited. Preparing this program has opened up doors of service to several who have not stepped up to serve before. That has been an encouragement to me.

Despite the cold (or perhaps because of it), we had a decent group of Mongolians come out on Sunday. The singing was enthusiastic also.

On a personal note, sometime during our busy Sunday Kristie lost her wedding band. We have been searching both at home and at the church building for the ring, but so far it remains unrecovered.

There are many things to pray about: pray that we can find Kristie's wedding ring. Keep praying for these Mongolians to be submitted to God's work and will in their lives. Also, pray for the Christmas music presentation. Because I will be preaching to many whom do not normally attend our service, I would ask you for wisdom and boldness to preach Jesus the Savior of the world to them.

Thanksgiving with family and friends

We were blessed to spend a Friday with family and friends celebrating Thanksgiving Day. (Don't worry, even though it was Friday here it was Thursday in the United States.) It was the first time that we have been able to spend Thanksgiving Day with family. My parents have been visiting us and been here for more than a month now.

Also there were several other missionaries who joined us—28 in all. 17 of those were children. The picture is my parents with Jason & Becky Muller and their children. 

Quote of the week

"The American dream is not a promise; it is an opportunity. The American dream cannot be given; it can only be achieved. And in America, unlike most of the rest of the world, it is achievable. The only thing standing between any person and the attainment of the American dream is that person himself." —Dave Lister

Some pictures from yesterday

We had a house-warming party at Dashka's new home yesterday. Nearly everyone wanted to hold Ganpurev & Ulzee's baby, Nanda.

The picture below though is my favorite from yesterday. It is Dashka holding his youngest daughter Amii, she's smiling and all is right with the world.

Another note about this month's prayer letter

After sending out my prayer letter, I heard from a supporting pastor. He wrote:

Bro. Dean,

Another sideline to your story, it was the retirement of Russ Frederick that enabled our supporting your family.  We wanted to stay with Baptist World, and we had been aware of your good ministry.  When the Fredericks retired, we contacted you and you allowed us the privilege of partnering with you.

Another thread in the tapestry of God.

Quote of the week

"To have the gospel means we owe the gospel to others." —Clarence Sexton

Deans' prayer letter

“The LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called” (Isaiah 54:5). We serve the God of the whole earth. It is easy for Christians who have grown up in America to think that we are the only ones, that we are the ones who must go to the ends of the earth to bring the Gospel to those who do not know.  If we Americans do not go, who will?

The reality is that God is working through many people in many countries. I have to tell you this story because it reveals one amazing thread among the millions who make up God’s tapestry.

One of my friends in Mongolia is Bolderdene. I have known him ever since language school. For the entire time that I have known him, I have been aware that he was a Christian. For some years, he tutored me in my language studies and helped me translate various Bible study tools and other items into Mongolian. Along with Ganpurev, he has been my cultural advisor, particularly on topics relating to biblical application to Mongolian society.

Bolderdene was saved by Jesus Christ. The man who baptized him and mentored him is Jurgen Kuhlman. I met his wife, Rita, on several occasions. She is the famous linguist who wrote the grammar book on the Mongolian language. I think I remember meeting Jurgen on one occasion. I have heard Bolderdene talk about Jurgen many times, especially about Jurgen’s role in discipling him and teaching him the Bible.

While at Baptist World Mission’s Annual Meeting, I met Russ Fredrick. He was a missionary in Germany for 41 years. Now retired, he was back for the annual meeting. He told me that he had baptized and discipled a German fellow, who later went to Outer Mongolia as a missionary. He told me the man’s name was Jurgen.

I had heard so much about Jurgen from Bolderdene that I had to ask, “You mean Jurgen Kuhlman?”

“Yes,” he replied, and asked if I knew him. I responded that I met him only once, but knew much about him from my friend Bolderdene.

So the Word of God goes out from the United States to Germany. God moves in the German’s heart to go to Mongolia, where he plants a church and disciples believers. One of those believers is Bolderdene, who has been a help to me over the years. The thread of Russ’s ministry is woven over the string of Jurgen’s ministry. The line of his ministry is running past the thread of Bolderdene’s life. After being impacted by Bolderdene’s friendship, I trace the line all the way back to Russ, revealing just a small measure of God’s wisdom and sovereignty in His work around the world.

Deans' weekly update

There is a new program that we are trying out. Jason Ritchie is helping Faith Baptist Church's English service prepare some special music for Christmas. On December 11, we plan to host a Christmas music special. Our desire is for many people to attend who normally would not attend our service. To this end we are making plans to hold the service away from our normal meeting location and gather at a place that is more convenient for visitors. Please pray for God to bless, for the musical ensemble to be well-prepared, and for wisdom as I prepare a sermon on our Savior.

There is a significant amount of illness going around in our city. It came to our house last week and has been with us since then. It started with Kristie and then was passed to Elsie. Charissa was the next to be sick. The following day was my mother's turn; and today was my turn. Emily, Caleb, and my father still remain untouched by "the plague" as I am affectionately calling it. I find it comforting to know that all the uncontrollable circumstances that God allows in our lives are designed to conform us to the image of His Son.

Quote of the week

"Blessed is he who has learned to laugh at himself, for he shall never cease to be entertained."

Old family picture

I found this family picture from about ten years ago.

Some pictures from Sunday's fellowship

Ganpurev with his new daughter, Nandinbileg.

Ulzee participating in a Bible trivia contest.

Tsegii participating in the Bible trivia contest.

Three of Dashka's children from left to right: Hobo (yes, like traveling on rails hobo), Ankhmaa, and Amii. On the right is Baysaa's daughter, Hulan.

Enkhtuul's daughter, Ankhiluun.

Thank you to my beautiful wife Kristie for these great pictures.

Update on Aya

Many of you have been praying for Aya. My parents, Kristie, and I went to visit her this past weekend. She is having trouble walking; her doctor told the family that it is because her cancer is beginning to effect her legs. She remains in good spirits despite her increasing disability.

She was recently able to attend an extended family gathering. At first she did not want to go because of her fragility. But Ganpurev and another family member talked her into going. She so enjoyed herself.

Every time that I visit Aya I am encouraged. Despite becoming weaker and weaker as her body succumbs to cancer, she remains cheerful. Every time I go over, she has a testimony of faith in Jesus Christ to share. My prayer for Aya is that her strong testimony of faith in Jesus Christ will have a lasting impact on her relatives.

Deans' weekly update

Sunday we held a fellowship after the service. The entire church invited folks out and prepared food. We had plenty of food but not any visitors. The fellowship was enjoyable. Ganchimeg had prepared Bible trivia questions and hosted a contest. The people had fun answering the questions and giggling at each other's lack of Bible knowledge.

We recently renewed our residency permission. In the past we had some concern about renewing our residency permission. At this time our residency permission must be renewed once every six months. Each time we meet with the bureaucrats we collect seemingly reams of paperwork and answer various odd questions in an effort to renew the permission we receive from the Mongolian government to live in Mongolia. Often it takes me several days of errands to prepare everything. However, I found an assistant, Bolormaa, who has been most helpful. She collected all my paperwork, organized all my applications, had documents translated, and spent two mornings going to the immigration office on our behalf. The end result is another six months of residency permission, this time without much hassle. So thank the Lord with us for His help.

Pictures of the newest children

These are the newest attenders at Faith Baptist Church. The top picture is Ganpurev holding his daughter Nandinbileg. The other picture is Haliun which is Baysaa and Ganchimeg's daughter.

Quote

"I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not our circumstances." —Martha Washington

From Germany by God's hand

American Christians in particular need to remember that we serve the God of the whole earth. It is easy for Christians who have grown up in America to think that we are the only ones who truly have God’s word. Sometimes we hear preaching that seems to say that if we Americans do not go, who will?

Reality is that God is working through many people in many countries. I have to tell you this story because it is such an amazing reminder of God’s work throughout the world.

One of my friends in Mongolia is Bolderdene. I have known him ever since language school. For the entire time that I have known him, I have been aware that he was a Christian. For some years, he tutored me in my language studies and helped me translate various Bible study tools and other items into Mongolian. Along with Ganpurev, he has been my cultural advisor particularly on topics relating to Biblical application to Mongolian society.

Bolderdene was saved by Jesus Christ. The man who baptized him and mentored him is named Jurgen Kuhlman. I met his wife Rita on several occasions. She is a famous linguist who wrote the grammar book on the Mongolian language. I think I remember meeting Jurgen on one occasion. But I have heard Bolderdene talk about Jurgen many times especially about Jurgen’s role in discipling him.

While at Baptist World Mission’s Annual Meeting, I met a Russ Fredrick. He was a missionary in Germany for forty-one years. Now retired he was back for the annual meeting. He told me that he had baptized and discipled a German fellow who later went to Outer Mongolia as a missionary. The man’s name was Jurgen he told me.

I had heard so much about Jurgen from Bolderdene that I had to ask, “You mean Jurgen Kuhlman?”

“Yes,” he replied and asked if I knew him. I responded that I met him once but knew much about him from my friend Bolderdene.

So the word of God goes out from the United States to Germany. God moves in the German’s heart to go to Mongolia where he plants a church and disciples believers. One of those believers is Bolderdene who has been a help to me over the years. From the United States to Germany to Mongolia—and then I met Russ in Chicago.

Deans' weekly update

Did you read the news this weekend? Seven billion people—the United Nations declared Monday to be the day that the world's population passes seven billion. It was only a decade ago that the world's population passed six billion. When I was born there were about four billion people alive on the planet. It appears that in my lifetime alone the population of the planet will more than double. Are there twice as many missionaries today as there were when I was a boy?

A godly Christian pastor once said to a group of which I was a part that he was praying for the Lord to return quickly. He explained that the world's population was growing far more quickly than the number of missionaries. Therefore, people in the next generation were actually less likely to hear the message of the Gospel than the people of this generation.

I do not share his pessimism. I have seen God at work in many unexpected ways during my time in Mongolia. But I will say that we will not reach the world if we primarily rely on missionaries to preach the Gospel. All of us have a crucial part in spreading the Gospel to our families, our co-workers, our neighbors. What have you done this week to get out the Good News?

Deans' weekly update

Kristie and I had a wonderful trip to the United States. The conference was enjoyable, our visits with churches refreshing, and our time away from Mongolia relaxing. Now back in Mongolia, we are eager to get back to work.

We have a renewed vision and direction for our work in Mongolia. Kristie will concentrate on preparing her Mongolian assistants to completely take over the children's ministries. As before, my focus will be on training men. Specifically, I wish to engage in teaching some Bible institute classes. Ganpurev and I will continue to work on a church constitution. This will prepare the church to be more independent of me and will solidify Ganpurev's Biblical training.

My parents are here with us and should be with us through Christmas. They watched our children while we were away. My father has been working on cabinets for the church's kitchen. They look beautiful. My mother has been helping Kristie with the homeschooling. Their assistance has been invaluable both at home and at church meetings.

Baysaa and Ganchimeg have been going through a difficult time recently. First, Ganchimeg had a difficult labor & delivery. Afterward, damage to her hips and pelvis made walking difficult for some time. After recovering from that, their two-year-old daughter Hulan (Hoe•lung) had a respiratory infection that kept everyone up at night with her coughing and crying. Now Baysaa has a punctured ear drum. He is running a high fever even though he is taking some antibiotics. It has been a rough winter for them and the cold weather is not even here yet. Please pray that they would learn the lessons that God has for them while they are experiencing the pressures of life.

Quote of the week

"I cannot tell how I am buffeted sometimes by temptation. I never knew how bad a heart I have. Yet I do know that I love God and love His work, and desire to serve Him only and in all things. And I value above all else that precious Savior in whom alone I can be accepted." – J. Hudson Taylor

Quote of the week

Christ has no hands but our hands to do his work today.
Christ has no feet but our feet to lead men in his way.
No tongue but our tongues to tell men how he died.
Has no help but our help to bring men to his side.

Deans' weekly update

We are taking a quick trip away from Mongolia to be at Baptist World Missions annual conference. This year the conference is at Marquette Manor Baptist Church in the Chicago area. Our good friends, Pastor and Mrs. Schlagel now serve there. So it has been a blessed time of fellowship. Monday night Dr. Ed Nelson preached. It is amazing to consider that he has been preaching for longer than my father has been alive, and his doctrine is the same today as it was when he started because the word of God never changes.

There are so many wise and experienced preachers of the Gospel at this conference. It has been spiritually invigorating to listen to the preaching and mentally stimulating to talk with them at meals and between sessions.

This past Sunday and this coming Sunday we have meetings with supporting churches before we return to Mongolia next Monday. While we are gone, the Mongolians are in charge at the church in Ulan Bator. We heard good things about the Sunday services from our parents who are in Mongolia with our children. The number of people were down both in the morning and in the evening. But the men that were leading the services did a good job. It is encouraging to watch the Mongolian men grow in their ability to lead.

Quote of the week

"We have it among professing Christians—this strange ingenuity to seek our own interest under the guise of seeking the interests of God. I am not afraid to say what I fear—that there are thousands of people who are using the deeper life and Bible prophecy, foreign missions and physical healing for no other purpose than to promote their own private interests secretly. They continue to let their apparent interest in these things serve as a screen so that they don't have to take a look at how ugly they are on the inside.
So we talk a lot about the deeper life and spiritual victory and becoming dead to ourselves—but we stay very busy rescuing ourselves from the cross." —A. W. Tozer

Deans' weekly update

Several weeks ago, I mentioned three people for prayer. Dashka is building a place for his family to live. In the midst of that project a six foot section of his ger caught on fire and was burned though not completely. He now is trying to finish the building before the cold weather comes. If he cannot, he will need to repair his ger.

When I talked to him today he told me that he is hoping to complete the roof this week. But he is out of money.

I also asked you to pray for the Elliott family. They left Mongolia suddenly to travel to Korea for Lydia's treatment. Lydia has been discharged from the Korean hospital but still needs our prayers. The last I had heard she was still not responding to treatment the way that doctors were hoping she would. They are hoping to return to Mongolia at the end of the month. They need our prayers, too.

Last, I mentioned Ganpurev's sister Buynaa (pronounced Boy•nuh). She was diagnosed with a benign tumor at the top of her spine. She is taking medicine and will be re-examined in a  few months. Ganpurev and I had a thorough opportunity to explain the Gospel again to her and her husband Bold. Continue to pray for their salvation.

Using opportunities to speak for our Savior

I'm not an Apple fanboy though I use Apple products. The recent passing of Steve Jobs, however, made it all the way to Mongolia. In a conversation with Daniel at Millies Restaurant today, he pointed out that despite all his money and talent and vegetarian eating, Steve Jobs died at the rather young age of 56. "And now his millions do him no good," Daniel remarked

I pointed out to him that the early death of a rich man is a warning to us that we need Jesus Christ. Money will not satisfy or buy long life. Skill and talent won't matter when we are gone. What will matter is whether we know that Jesus Christ is our Savior.

Daniel says that he is a Christian, and he may be. I cannot know his heart. But it was another chance to emphasize faith in Christ to a friend. When talking about current events use opportunities to turn the conversation to Jesus Christ.

Quote of the week

"The book of Job is about suffering in the same way that the book of Ecclesiastes is about affluence. They are only the anvils of experience upon which the truth of the centrality of God is hammered out in a person's life." —Jim Berg

Deans' weekly update

We had one of our most interesting Sunday mornings in a long time. I had prepared a lesson about the consistent Christian life to cause the Mongolians to think about what it means to follow Christ. In exploring this topic I wanted to give them an opportunity to ask questions or make appropriate comments. I had an object lesson and a few pictures to show and prepared an illustration on a white board. So we moved out of the auditorium where I usually preach and moved into a smaller classroom where the white board and a few tables were. So rather than preach as I usually do, we had an environment and preparations that were more of a teaching lesson.

I was excited when a visitor came about halfway through my lesson. But he did not stay. He took Baysaa whose responsibilities include watching the property. Evidently, it was a neighbor who needed something. So he peered in the door, signaled for Baysaa, and left with him. I thought that was the end of it.

However, Baysaa and the visitor returned after a few minutes and both of them took seats in the classroom. After about ten minutes of listening, our visitor raised his hand to ask a question. Although I did not know it at the time, he had many questions. He asked about the return of Jesus Christ. He wanted to know if predictions that the end of the world was coming have any foundation in the Bible. He asked who the Eternal Sky is. Mongolians already have a religion, he said, and Christianity is not needed here. He asked me if I thought Genghis Khan was going to come back. (There is an Arthur-like legend here that one day Genghis will come back and rule all Mongols).

Of course, all of these questions were being asked in rapid Mongolian. Almost as soon as I could answer one question, he had variations of his question or another one ready. I could tell that he was trying to stir up controversy. Some people love a good argument. But I let him ask his questions for about ten minutes because it was good for the Christians to see that there are answers in the Bible.

Finally, he posed a question about Genghis Khan sending blessings to the Mongols that I had never heard before. I did not want to go down that trail because it was not related to the Bible. Also, he had posed several questions that I believed would be a good starting point for the Gospel but that I needed to prepare an answer for. So I asked him if he would come back next week to hear my answer to his question.

"What time?" he asked.

"Eleven o'clock" (We start late by American standards, at a fairly normal time for Mongolians.)

"I'll come" he said, "But I have work about this time."

This leads me to my prayer request for this week: pray for me as I prepare to share the Gospel based on an interesting reading of Mongolian history. For me it starts at Acts 14:17, "Nevertheless He left not Himself without witness." Also, pray for Otgoo our neighbor to come back to hear the lesson. Baysaa knows how to find him; if he does not come next week, I plan to go and find him.

Money corrupts

I mentioned in an earlier post the corrupting influence of money as illustrated by the government's attempt to encourage families. But there is another danger in money: missionaries who wish to employ nationals as preachers of the Gospel. Usually it occurs something like this. The missionary believes that nationals can do a better job than he can at preaching the Gospel. (While this is a axiom in missions, it does not follow that foreigners must pay the Mongolians to preach the Gospel.) Armed with this belief, he arrives in Mongolia with money.

The first obstacle is language: he can only choose from those Mongolians who speak his language. Without knowledge of the language, he lacks hard-won knowledge of the people’s culture. He meets someone who speaks English and is impressed with their teachability. But his lack of language knowledge and cultural understanding prevents him from knowing whether the people whom he wishes to employ are truly teachable or just have a mercenary attitude.

Suppose that the missionary is speaking English. He finds a man who can speak English to some degree and launches into a theological conversation. The national listening to him has a perverse incentive to act as if he understands and appear to agree even if he does not understand or despite disagreeing. The truth is that if he disagrees the missionary will find someone else who appears to agree. If he constantly is telling the missionary, “I don’t understand what you just said. Could you explain that again?” the missionary is likely to find someone who acts as if he understands. After all, the missionary cannot understand what is preached on Sunday.

In my country, missionaries have sat in a translated service and listened as a fellow missionary preaches in English and his words are poorly translated into Mongolian. How does the foreign preacher know that he is being mistranslated? And what incentive does the translator have to stop the foreign preacher with the money in the middle of his sermon to explain that he does not understand some theological concept? Would not the translator rather translate as he understands the sermon even if he is understands incorrectly?

Because the translator has a perverse incentive to appear as if he understands and can accurately translate everything the foreigner says, the man with the money is often unaware of deep misunderstandings or disagreements.

A fellow missionary once became aware that a certain national preacher was engaged in activities that he personally could not condone. When he approached the national to ask if his foreign employer would approve of such activities, he was surprised to be told basically that what the foreigner did not know would not hurt him.

Another time, two of us asked a national pastor if he was a Baptist. After all, his foreign employer was raising money in the United States by claiming that he was planting “Baptist” churches in Mongolia. He responded that he was a Baptist. We asked him the reason that he was a Baptist. He stated that he was a Baptist because he used more sedate music than the Charismatics use.

By the way, I am not claiming that the only true churches in Mongolia are Baptist churches. I have found that there are some called "Baptist" with whom I cannot associate; and conversely there are some who do not call themselves Baptist who are far more Biblical than some who do call themselves Baptist. But to misrepresent that one is planting “Baptist” churches in an effort to raise money is deceptive. Simply telling people that you are planting non-denominational churches, if such a statement is accurate, is more Biblical than telling people one is planting Baptist churches when the pastors of those churches cannot articulate the reason they are Baptist other than the fact that they are receiving money to plant “Baptist” churches.

I intend to post more on this subject in the coming weeks.

Quote of the week

"It will be an ill day when our brethren take to bragging and boasting and call it 'testimony to the victorious Christian life.' We trust that holiness will be more than ever the aim of believers, but not the boastful holiness which has deluded some of the excellent of the earth into vain glory, and under which their firmest friends shudder for them." —C. H. Spurgeon

Another Thursday in Mongolia

We have been without water, hot or cold, for the past two days. It's not been a problem. We had adequate notice and stocked up for the first day. When the water came on this morning, we rejoiced and used up the last of our reserves. Then the water went off again. It did not return until about 9 PM. But no water isn't too much of a problem.

The person that  needs your prayers because he has problems is Dashka. On Monday about a six foot section of his ger was affected by a fire burning outside. That part will need to be replaced. It's very cold outside, well below freezing at night. Snow flurries have whitened the hills. It looks pretty but it's cold. He's also trying to build a small house (minor electricity, no running water) for his family to live in. But he's waited perhaps too long. He may not be able to finish it before winter.

But if Dashka has problems that need our prayers, then the Elliott family has some serious needs that need our intercession. They abruptly left Mongolia least night to travel to Korea. Lydia has been admitted to a Korean hospital for 14 days for treatment for deep vein thrombosis. The whole family was able to travel to Korea for which we all are grateful. They have friends there who are assisting them with housing and adjusting.

Dashka needs our prayers; the Elliotts need our prayers. But the person most on my heart tonight is Ganpurev's sister Buynaa (pronounced Boy•nuh). She was told earlier this week that she should have tomography done to determine if she has a brain tumor. She lives in the countryside but came to town to seek treatment for what she thought was another ailment. The doctors ruled out the ailment she suspected and asked enough questions to cause concern about a brain tumor. She will be going tomorrow to see if she can get a test done sooner rather than later. Buynaa and her husband Bold are not Christians although they have heard the Gospel from Ganpurev and me in the past. Please pray that God would use the difficulties of her medical situation to draw the entire family to Himself.

First snow of the fall

We had our first snow fall of autumn today. It was only a couple of inches and didn't stick very well. It's a little late too. I looked at the data from old pictures. The first snow of 2009 was Sept. 19; the first snow last year Sept. 25. So Sept. 28 doesn't seem too bad.

Deans' weekly update: Aya

Our God is good, all the time. However, as finite humans we do not always understand His goodness, mercy, and grace to us. Recently, we have experienced God's goodness in a particular way and wish to thank Him.

Kristie and I visited Aya last week. At the beginning of August, I doubted whether she would still be with us. Sleeping, eating, talking—she had cut back to nearly nothing on all three. Her cancer had caused a blockage that prevented normal bodily function. Since a doctor inserted a catheter to provide relief she has been noticeably better. When we visited last week, she was talking and smiling just as she used to do. She praised the Lord for her health.

As a Christian, it is so refreshing to see God give peace to His children. Despite a poor prognosis, Aya has maintained a good spirit and even has been telling her other daughter Tonga that she needs to pray because God answers prayer.

Yes, the doctors have provided some relief. But the Lord has given emotional and spiritual relief. We had been praying that Aya would be with us until her newest granddaughter was born. Nandinbileg is now over a month old and healthy, and Aya shows no signs of leaving us anytime soon. We praise the Lord for His goodness and His wonderful works to the children of men.

10th anniversary

Today marks the 10th anniversary of our arrival in Mongolia as a family. Kristie and I visited in July 1997. I made a trip in the spring of 2001 to arrange for housing and visas. But it was not until September 24, 2011 that we arrived in Mongolia as a family.

At that time, we only had three children. Emily was not yet three and probably does not remember our arrival.

It was less than two weeks after the tragic events of September 11, and there was still significant uncertainty about more attacks or the United States's response to the attacks. Some American friends of ours had placed a U.S. flag in a prominent position in their home. The U.S. Embassy in Mongolia had extra security.

Two pictures give you an idea how much our family has changed. In the first picture, Kristie and three kids (Elsie was not yet born) are sitting with our Mongolian friends and Kristie's mother. One of the young ladies in the picture has her own child now. And we've added Elsie as you can see in the picture at the bottom.

A lot has changed in the world, in the U.S., in Mongolia, and in our family since that day that we arrived.

Will this affect US-Mongolian relations?

In a photo opportunity at the United Nations recently, President Obama accidentally blocked the face of the Mongolian president, Elbegdorj. Oops! http://yhoo.it/nKlZCb

Quote of the week

Job's "strange experience is one from which no believer is exempt. All of us share in the maddening paradox that we are the loved and redeemed children of God … and yet still being compelled to experience firsthand the cruelty and injustice of a world in which the righteous are unwelcome intruders, and in which all too often the strength of evildoers goes wildly unchecked." —Mike Mason

"Can I have two religions?"

Kristie was recently passing out a tract to one of the salesladies from whom we buy produce. We hand them a new tract as often as we can get our hands on one. As Kristie handed this lady a tract she asked if the lady was religious.

The lady was replied that she was religious, but asked sincerely, "Can I have two religions?" Mongolians are nothing if not pragmatic when it comes to religion.

Money corrupts part one

A few years ago, the government of Mongolia experienced a small windfall from mining operations in Mongolia. That year’s election campaign issue became how to best spend that extra money. Some politicians promised one thing, other politicians promised another. After the election was done and the votes were taken, the government passed a bill giving about $400 to each newly married couple. At the time, that amount of money was equivalent to about two months wages in Mongolia.

I am certain that the government had the best intentions. For example, second marriages were not allowed to obtain the bonus which was reserved only for first marriages. The thought was that the money would provide newly married couples with new opportunities. The marriages were required to be properly registered.

Despite the government’s best intentions the program was severely abused. The number of marriages in the first year of the program were three times as many as the previous year. We had Mongolian friends who had been living together for years—had two children together—who “got married” and asked the government for their $400.

A few years after this government program, a lady began coming to my church. She surprised me one day with the question: “Can I divorce my husband?” As I probed as to her marital status and problems, she told me that her and her husband had never loved each other.

“Then why did you get married?” I asked.

“To collect the $400,” she responded without any hint of regret. “We split the money $200 a piece.”

My point is this: any time the government offers to give away money, it will affect people’s behavior. Someone might say, “But don’t we want to see young people married to each other rather than living together?”

Yes, we do. However, in too many cases in Mongolia, young people were “getting married” merely to collect $200 each. Such is not a Biblical purpose for marriage. Rather than strengthen the institution of marriage in Mongolia, the offer of money only encouraged frivolous marriage. The overall effect was to weaken the institution of marriage in Mongolia.

When God Teaches a Lesson

“Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.” (Ps. 129:2)

This particular story comes from a tear-filled testimony given on Sunday to the church. I do not feel at liberty to reveal the member’s name, but hers is a classic Cinderella story—except true. And this story does not take place in Europe but in Mongolia. Every part of this story is true and without exaggeration. The stories of God’s work in a believer’s life stand without embellishment.

Her father died not long after she was born. Her mother remarried and had more children. But her step-siblings, a brother and several sisters, refused to fully accept her as a member of the family. They would constantly criticize and belittle her, reminding her that she was only a half-sister. Her stepfather failed to protect her because he said she was not his daughter. She grew up as if she were fatherless.

Rejection by her family made her naturally independent character fiercely self-sufficient. She determined to be her own person; she would not ask her family for any help and she would not expect any help from them.

It must have been some relief when she won a scholarship to study in Russia. Even in the beginning of the new millennium for Mongolians to study in Russia was the pinnacle of scholastic achievement. The rich spoiled children might study in the United States or Japan or Singapore; the poor but academically successful studied in Russia.

Sometime before she left for Russia, a friend had brought her to church. It was there that she became a Christian. I do not doubt the sincerity of her commitment to Jesus Christ or that she is truly born again; however, it seems that she did not grow much during the few years that she attended church meetings in Ulaanbaatar.

Her study in Russia lasted for seven years. During that time she attended an independent (not Orthodox) Russian church. They were a tremendous encouragement and help to her. She still remembers fondly how they treated her as family and reached out to her despite the fact that she was not Russian. American churches could learn from this example to reach out to immigrants to the United States in an effort to win them to Jesus Christ.

It was also while she was in Russia studying that she met her husband (also a Mongolian) and married. Sadly, they married without obtaining permission from either set of parents. Far from home and deeply in love, they must have thought that they would marry first and explain it all later. Tragically this is all too common in Mongolia. After their first child was born her husband returned to Mongolia to announce his marriage and the arrival of their first child.

Rather than accept them as married, the parents were angry. They had larger plans for their son to be satisfied with this unsanctioned marriage. His parents knew this woman and her family: penniless, low on the social ladder, without connections. They did not approve. The parents gave their son an ultimatum: repudiate his marriage to this woman and return to live with them or they would cut off all his support.

Used to living extravagantly and without boundaries, the son could not imagine life without his parents’ financial support. He chose to abandon his wife and daughter and return to live in Mongolia, leaving them behind in Russia. When she did return to Mongolia she became pregnant with their second child though he still was not living with her.

I once asked another Mongolian if such a situation were common in Mongolia. The Mongolian man agreed that it was common enough for a Mongolian young man and young woman to marry with parental permission. But it was uncommon for the parents to object to the marriage later. And if they did object, they rarely would demand that a young man leave his wife.

The parents of the young man were not without any compassion. Pitying her, the parents finally offered to pay her a small monthly sum to help raise their grandchildren, but only if she would agree to divorce her husband!

The story of God’s work in these two young lives is two long for this update. Suffice it to say that recently he has begun to pay her rent but still does not live with her. With two young children to provide for, she struggles to find work that allows her to be with her children and yet pays enough for them to eat and stay clothed. God has graciously provided many times through translation jobs that she can do at home. But recently, God allowed several pressures to assail her at once.

The first pressure is that she took a translation job to finish a book on a difficult schedule. She has been working too many hours in an effort to complete the job on time and has been tired and missing church services. She received an advance payment when she agreed to translate the book, but that money was received some months ago. In order to receive the remaining payment she must finish the book. She also has a side job that takes some hours each week but usually provides a monthly income. However, that salary had not been paid to her for two months. Then the most recent incident that finally frustrated her to anger was that her husband only paid half of the rent for the apartment where she and her children live despite a promise to pay the rent in full.

“Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.” (Isa. 62:10)

When he neglected to keep his word and pay her rent in full there was an argument, and she dredged up all her old accusations about his neglect, failure to provide, etc. Not long after the argument, she came across this verse in Isaiah. She told the church it was as if God was speaking directly to her: “You need to build a highway, you must gather out the stones of bitterness, anger, and malice that are in your life.”

And so God set her on a new road. She began to say “yes” to God and “no” to self. She went to her husband first to ask him to forgive her. She admitted that she had not truly forgiven him. Last month if you would have asked her, she would have told you that she had forgiven her husband. But the way she immediately brought up old accusations when an argument broke out revealed to her that she was harboring bitterness towards him in her heart. He not only forgave her but admitted that what she had to say was correct, a humbling admission from a Mongolian man.

Then she went back to her family. For years she had struggled to be independent, to never need her family’s help for anything. But in her effort to be unconnected from her family, she had also neglected to meet needs when she had opportunity to do so. Now that God set her on a new road she recognized that her desire to distance herself from her family and her lack of help to her family was thinly disguised bitterness and malice, more rocks that needed to be removed so that she could prepare the road.

“But whoso … seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (I John 3:17)

So it was that God gave her another assignment. In reaching out to her siblings to express her apology for years of keeping them at a distance, she became aware of a financial need in her sister’s life. Despite her tight finances, she felt compelled by God to reach out to her sister because of this verse in I John 3. So from the meager remainder that she had she gave her sister a gift.

Within a short time, her previous two months salary that had been delayed was in her hands. She told us that the lesson she learned was that you give God what He asks of you whether you have money or not. Another church member who heard her testimony remarked that from hearing this testimony of her sister in the Lord she had determined in the future to give the Lord what he was asking of her. Is it any wonder that Sunday’s offering given by the Mongolians was nearly four times the average amount given? When God teaches a lesson, people learn it.

This lady who gave her testimony on Sunday is still not completely reconciled to her husband nor are her finances entirely satisfactory. But she has yielded to the Spirit based on Scriptures that He has brought to her attention. She has joy and peace, direction and confidence. And her testimony to the church has encouraged them, strengthened their faith, and urged them to trust God even more.

As a pastor, I have shown them these verses, taught these principles, given them similar examples. Yet when God teaches the lesson it is far more powerful and memorable. Praise God for His work in our lives!

Cold weather has arrived

The cold weather has arrived as you can see from the weather app picture. The heat arrived yesterday just in time for the cold weather. The high two days ago was only 39 F—not very warm, even for here.

Quote of the week

"No pain, no palm. No cross, no crown. No thorn, no throne. No gall, no glory. Learn to glory in tribulations. This is the only world where you can give God that glory." — Robert M. M’Cheyne

Enkhamaglan's visit

I had some guests over on Tuesday evening: Enkhamaglan and Oudou. They showed up on time, and we talked sometimes in English (they wanted to practice) and sometimes in Mongolian (Enlhamaglan especially has trouble understanding English). Enkhamaglan heard the Gospel again; Oudou probably heard it for the first time.

Enkhamaglan is such a mixed up guy. He casts about accusations as if he knows things: conspiracy theories about the origin of the Bible, etc. But he has no peace. It's very sad.

Oudou claims to be without religion but participates in Buddhist rituals which is very common in Mongolia. I think some Mongolians claim they don't really believe in religion but want to "cover their bases" so to speak. So they borrow some rituals from Buddhism, maybe visit a shaman now and then, and perhaps wear a crucifix. To them, it’s not the doctrinal purity of their religion that matters, rather it is the effectiveness of the religion as measured in terms of fulfilling their desires. It is pragmatic religion taken to an illogical extreme.

So they both heard the Gospel. Although they did not respond on Tuesday night, perhaps the will respond to the seed that was planted at some other time.

Deans' weekly update

Last week I was in Oregon. I preached at Westgate Baptist Church and met with a variety of people. I found great encouragement in my trip. But I was scheduled to come back to Mongolia on Saturday night which is always a hard night to return because of responsibilities at church the next day.

My plane landed in Ulaanbaatar at 10 PM, Saturday, September 10. After passing through immigration, picking up my bags, and going through customs, I arrived home just before midnight and was scheduled to preach the next morning. I had prepared a sermon, but jet lag and weariness from my trip made speaking Mongolian a mentally taxing task.

This was compounded by an unexpected phone call from the church's song leader about thirty minutes before the service was scheduled to start. "I'm sorry," he said, "I'm going to be late. Please start without me." That may be fine and good when you do not have any responsibilities, but when the song leader calls in at the last minute the backup needs to be ready; and I was the backup. So it was a long morning as I tried to lead songs and sing with enthusiasm and preach with energy. Praise God! He always gives grace to meet every task that He places upon us.

Tuesday night about 6 PM (Tuesday about 3 AM for those of you living on the West Coast), I am scheduled to meet with two young men. Enkhamaglan has been to our services both Mongolian and English before: he comes perhaps twice a year. Usually he comes when he needs some help with an English translation.

He came this past Sunday night and brought a first time guest with him: Oudou. When they requested to meet with me, I inquired bluntly, "Do you need some translation help?"

"No," Enkhamaglan replied, "We have some questions about your ministry."

I am not certain at this point what will come out of the meeting. Please check my blog tomorrow to see how the meeting went and even if it occurred at all. If they do not show up for our meeting, it will not be the first time I have waited for someone who was not coming.

Deans' September Prayer Letter: Church Camp

Mongolians enjoy leaving the city to camp. Living outside the city seems

somehow therapeutic for them, as if it clears their mind and allows them to

relax. I know that many families find it relaxing to camp, but you must

understand that this activity in Mongolia is unlike what most Americans

think of when they think of camping.

Because of their desire to have a break from the city, our church's summer

camp has always been a well-attended event. With a mix of church members and

unsaved family or friends, camp has unique opportunities to preach the

Gospel. So my first goal for church camp was to preach the Gospel to

Mongolians. The second goal was to see the Mongolians do more to organize

and serve. Ganpurev and Ulzee have always assisted wonderfully in camp

planning, preparation, and serving. Bill has also been a great help. But

this year neither of them was able to attend. Their absence was an

opportunity for others to step up and serve.

In late May, I first brought the idea of planning for church camp. I thought

people would be eager to begin planning. I determined that this year, I

would let the Mongolians do a majority of the planning and preparation.

After all, this is their church, they enjoy camp, and they are much better

than I am at knowing the possibilities and potential in Mongolia. I

determined not to be sucked into planning camp; instead, I would watch from

a distance and assist them in communicating with each other.

I was a little surprised when I brought up the idea of camp in May, that the

Mongolians casually deferred a discussion of camp until later. Mongolians

are great procrastinators. They rarely plan more than a few days ahead. In

my role as pastor, I required them to set a date for camp, and we decided

that we would use a new campground for this year.

A few weeks later, I met with two key men for lunch and asked them to do the

planning. They agreed to my suggestion, and we divided up responsibilities.

There were about six weeks left before camp was scheduled. I would call or

speak to them in person once a week to determine how much they had

accomplished and urge them to keep planning.

The camp was called, and our reservation was made. This year's campground

offered cabins, beds and bedding, meals, and a few amenities like a

basketball hoop. In past years, we have had to transport food, tents,

bedding, clothes, and many other supplies to camp. This camp would allow us

to bring a few clothes and toiletries and leave everything else behind. I

thought that having much of the details already prepared by the camp would

make it easier for the two men to plan and prepare.

There were several decisions made about camp that I would have done

differently. The camp fees were collected from the people attending at the

camp rather than the week before. However, the camp required payment in full

before we left. The church supplied the money for the camp, and after camp

the fees were put back into the church's funds.

Our church camp always takes place on Friday through Sunday, with Sunday's

church service being held at the campground. It works well for our people's

schedules. In the past, most members have attended, which meant that there

would be almost no one in the city to attend the church meeting if we held

it there. We were preparing to leave on Friday afternoon and travel by train

to the campground.

The Thursday before the Friday that we were to leave, one of the two men

planning for camp called me and asked if I could meet them immediately at a

place near my home that was the campground's city headquarters. "There is

something that we need to discuss," was all that he would tell me. I thought

it odd the day before camp that there would be something to discuss; after

all, everything had been planned. The people had been told the departure

time and what to bring, etc. But I agreed to drop everything and meet them.

I remarked to my wife at the time: "They probably want to change campgrounds

or have reserved the wrong weekend or something."

When I arrived at our agreed-upon meeting location, it was immediately clear

that something was wrong. So I just asked, "What happened?"

"The camp already has people staying at it. They just told us. We thought we

would have the whole campground to ourselves. What if the other group is

going to party and drink alcohol?"

I thought it was a little late to change campgrounds and told them so. "It

might be strange for the campground to mention at the last moment that

another group will be at the camp with us, but what can we do?"

One of the two men seemed more irritated than worried. "We'll find another

campground. There are campgrounds all over."

"That's true, but we'll need to prepare food, tell everyone that our plans

have changed, and things like that," I reminded them. I should not have

mentioned it. Mongolians usually plan only a few days or weeks ahead. The

two men immediately met my objection with the decisive remark, "That's no

problem. We'll start planning right now."

". . . and call everyone to tell them our plans have changed?" I added.

"Yes."

I started to bring up objections: Who will buy all the food? How will we get

there? (The train tickets had already been purchased.) Who will cook?

For every objection they had an answer that went something like this: "You

have a way to do that, don't you?" I assured them that I did not have a way

to transport 30 people, buy all that food, etc. in a single day. But they

remained unfazed. "We will do it all," they said.

I went home to tell my wife what had happened and to plan on packing

bedding, tents, etc. Of course, my wife is a more practical thinker than I

am.

"What about plates, forks, cups? What will we eat on?" she asked me.

"I'll find out."

The two men were holed up nearby planning all the details (or so I thought).

So I went to their office to try once more to dissuade them from changing

all the plans for camp a day before we were to leave.

But when I arrived, they were even more earnest than during our previous

meeting. "Everything is coming together. We have another camp. We found a

cook to take with us. Tomorrow we'll go to buy all the food."

"What about dishes, utensils, bedding?" I asked thinking this would at least

slow them down.

There was a pause. Good, I thought to myself, the enormity of changing all

our camp plans less than 24 hours before we leave is starting to sink in.

One man's answer broke my thoughts, "We'll have everyone bring their own!"

he suggested cheerfully. And that answer seemed completely satisfactory to

both of them.

I was faced with a dilemma: I could tell them to stop their planning and

make an executive decision to continue with our plans to attend the camp for

which they had been planning. However, if I did that, would I really be

letting them plan? Or would they wonder, the next time I gave them a project

to plan, if I was really going to allow them to make the decisions.

I decided it was time to let them make the decision and bear the

responsibility. After all, the worst that could happen was three days of

difficulty. Kristie and I would do our best to prepare our family. But I

could see people arriving at camp without bedding and begging to borrow a

blanket, which would be totally inadequate for the weather. Even in summer,

temperatures at campgrounds in the mountains reach near freezing at night.

Or someone would neglect to bring plates and cups. They would ask to share

"after you're done with it, of course." We would need dish soap to wash all

the dishes. And who would pay the camp cook. All these ideas began to run

through my head.

Kristie had even more concerns. As all mothers do, she was thinking that

added to the necessary clothes and toiletries should also be added dishes,

blankets, a tent, and assorted sundries for a whole family.

We began to change our plans.

Several hours after the decision had been reached to change campgrounds, one

of the two men called me to say, "I don't think we can make all the

necessary preparations to change plans. Could you please call the other man

and tell him I think we should go to the first campground?" Hearing this, I

was truly confused. If he felt that way, what reason would he have to call

me? Could he not tell the other man himself?

Nevertheless, I called the other man to express the first man's concerns,

which were similar to my own. The second phone call only left me more

confused because when I called the second man, he expressed that he never

wanted to change plans. He was changing plans only because the first man

wanted to do so. With both men convinced that changing plans at such a late

hour was difficult, it did not take long for the decision to be changed

again. We would no longer be going to a campground where we would need to

take our own food and tents; instead we were back to the original plan and

the initial campground. The men called everyone again and told them that we

were back to plan A.

We had a wonderful camp. It turned out that the other group at the

campground was a church group whom some of us knew. They were not loud or

raucous. Our church ended up having a great time.

I learned something: The Mongolians didn't seem to be bothered about all the

last-minute confusion. They seemed to think that things like that happen.

And in the end, everything worked out. In this case, it's all a matter of

culture.