In one of the cases, just recently the husband made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. His wife was saved and baptized last year. We have been praying for her husband’s salvation since that time. It is thrilling to see him become a Christian, grow in his love for God’s word, and be eager to serve in the church.
The other two are a husband and wife couple. They have been attending off and on since last fall. More off than on. The husband works strange hours that keep him from coming to church as often as he would like. I have been praying that God would give him a job that allows him to provide for his family, be at every church service, and to study God’s word daily.
There are three reasons why I particularly rejoice in the salvation of these three and the addition of two saved families. Punctuality is not something that Mongolians value. It is not uncommon for half the folks to come after we have begun. On a recent Sunday morning, I looked out on the folks that were on time. Seven of the eight Mongolians that were on time were members of those four families.
Not only that, but three of the four families are actively involved in our home Bible study program. I have known for some time that when both the husband and wife are saved there is a higher level of involvement in the church’s activities and a greater willingness and ability to serve.
Finally, these saved couples have an opportunity to work together to raise their children in Christian homes where the husband loves his wife as Christ loves the church and raises his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Their children will have a unique opportunity to grow up in a Christian home.
Kristie and I were discussing the other day how differently Mongolians approach life’s challenges. Where our parents taught us the most important and joyful choice that we could make was to serve God, most Mongolians want to advance their careers or the education of their children. If we are going to impact Mongolian culture for our Savior’s glory, it will be through entire families that put our Lord and Savior first. These families have a chance to do just that.
These three who have recently made professions of faith are to be baptized soon. Please pray for their continued growth in Jesus Christ. It would be wonderful to see these families be shining testimonies to our Savior’s miraculous grace!
