We came to Mongolia because we love the Lord and desired to obey the Lord’s call to Mongolia. But what brings a smile to our face and joy to our heart is to see the work of the Lord in Mongolians’ lives. We understand Paul’s heart when he said: “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”
Ulzee’s mother was diagnosed with cancer some years ago. At that time, the doctors said there was no hope of her cancer going into remission. But the church prayed, and many of you prayed, and Ganpurev and Ulzee sought medical treatment for Aya. A year later, doctors were amazed that her cancer seemed to be in remission.
Several years later, or about three months ago, doctors said that Aya’s cancer had returned. This time, the doctors said that they would not treat it. Ganpurev and Ulzee found hospice care for Aya and have done their best to make her comfortable.
Most of Aya’s extended family members are not Christians. Several of them have taken Aya to see other doctors, none of whom have been able to help her. Some relatives have taken her to see Buddhist monks to seek treatment. The monks have prescribed various remedies, which include performing certain Buddhist rituals and saying Buddhist mantras. Aya has consistently refused to take part in any Buddhist activities because she worships Jesus, she tells her relatives.
Many older Mongolians tend to become more enamored of their traditional religion as they grow older and sense the nearness of their demise. Because of this, Aya’s steadfast insistence that she is a Christian and trusting Jesus Christ is a great encouragement, especially to Ganpurev and Ulzee.
Strangely enough, a major impetus for Aya’s belief in Jesus Christ was a comment that her mother made before her death. Aya’s mother, Borei, once commented to her, “If I were younger, I would believe in Ganpurev and Ulzee’s God.” According to Ganpurev, this gave them opportunities to speak about Christ to Ulzee’s mother.
At this time, it does not seem that there is much medical hope for Aya. However, we know that she has a bright eternity ahead of her. The church has been praying that Aya would give a clear testimony of her faith in Christ to her extended family. We have been thankful to God as we have watched Him answer our prayers and hope that her clear testimony of faith in God would influence many family members to turn from idols to the true God.
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