Resurrection Sunday

Reading through the book of Acts recently, I was reminded again how often the preaching of the apostles focused on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I determined to make the resurrection of Jesus the point of this year’s Resurrection Sunday service.

Remember that since Mongolia has little history of Christianity, Easter (Resurrection Sunday) has no significance to the average Mongolian. He is no more likely to come to church service on a Sunday in March or April designated Easter than he is to come to a meeting at any other time of the year. So the church made inviting people out for Resurrection Sunday a priority.

God blessed us with many visitors. Let me tell you the most interesting story about our visitors. Two elderly men had been invited to a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses which is near the place where our church meets. About the same time that they were headed that direction Tsendee, the most elderly man in our church, received a call on his cell phone and left the building to take the call. Incidentally, I strongly encourage those who attend the services to turn off their cell phones during the service. It has been a long time since the ring of a telephone has interrupted the message. However, some people leave their phones on vibrate and will occasionally take a call during the message. This was one of those times.

Tsendee went out on the stairs to take the call. After his call was finished these two men were walking by and asked Tsendee if this was the location where Jehovah’s Witnesses met. He explained that it was not and invited them to join us for a Bible lesson.

The two elderly men came in with Tsendee and sat down. One of the ladies graciously helped them with a Bible. They listened intently to the entire sermon that I was preaching about the resurrection of Jesus.

Afterwards, as I greeted them, they expressed that they enjoyed the good lesson. Many people besides me invited them to join us again.

I was glad to see that our regulars were very friendly and warm to all the visitors. Especially since Resurrection Sunday set a new mark for attendance for us.

In the evenings is our English service. Again, I was able to preach that Jesus is alive, that His resurrection proves His victory over death, and that He now offers us eternal life. Again, we had several visitors present including a Japanese man that I had visited five years ago. He remembered me, and I remembered him. It is amazing to me how God sometimes brings people out who crossed my path years before and seemed closed to attending a church service.

Also attending Sunday night was Enkhamgalan, another man for whose salvation I have been praying for some time. He had not come to a church service for many months when suddenly he showed up again.

I so strongly desire to see the seeds of the gospel that were planted on Resurrection Sunday to grow to be fruit that will remain! Please pray that the Holy Spirit would work powerfully in Mongolia.

Sunday update

Wow! What a Sunday! We were overjoyed this week to have 32 Mongolians join us for a service this morning! They just kept coming in; one fellow even joined us about the time of the invitation. I think (without looking at my records) that it was the best turnout we have ever had on a Sunday morning.

Jagaa and Sanaa came for the first time in a long time, Dawaajab was back, even Enkhamgalan came. He has not come for about a year. Dashka job took him to the countryside for most of the summer; he had only been able to come a handful of times since summer started. He came today. We also had a first time visitor: the husband of one lady who has been visiting with us.

I was greatly encouraged by the good turnout. Please pray with us as we follow up this week with some who came.

The Strange Case of the Disappearing Directory

We are proud to be sent out by Westgate Baptist Church in Tigard, Oregon. Last September our church celebrated its 25th anniversary. As part of the celebration a special 25th anniversary church directory was published with pictures and addresses and some special other things. Being members of Westgate Baptist Church our family received a copy of the directory. Strangely enough, the directory turned up missing not long after we received it.

We wondered where it could have gone. I have a reputation for putting things in odd places, so my wife wondered if I had done something odd with it. Also, about the time that it went missing, I had showed it to a Mongolian friend Enkhamgalan. Kristie wondered if Enkhamgalan might have taken it. I couldn't see why he would but brought it up the next time that Enkhamgalan came to visit.

When I asked him about it Bilgee, who had come to visit with Enkhamgalan, said that often if someone shows a book of pictures to a Mongolian that is interpreted as an invitation to take it. Enkhamgalan laughed, and I took that to mean that Bilgee was joking.

Yesterday, however, Enkhamgalan mysteriously showed up at my house, handed me our church directory, and left abruptly (at least for a Mongolian). I guess they weren't joking.

The moral of the story - don't show your photo albums to Mongolians.

General update

A sincere prayer warrior recently asked me for an update about some people, and I decided to expand it into a general update. The original plan was to post some pictures with this update. But my current internet connection has not allowed me to do that. Rather than delay posting this while I wait for some pictures to upload, I am going to post this and add pictures and perhaps some more content later. If I update the post, I will move it to the top of the list so that you won't have to go back through previous posts to see if there are finally some pictures.

Also, let me say that I don't expect that a good prayer warrior ought to pray for all these individuals by name although you are perfectly welcome to do that. Instead, I am trying to put a "human face" on what otherwise can become a rather impersonal duty. Perhaps God would lay one or two of these persons on your heart and you would be burdened to pray for them regularly. Then as you read my updates you will notice the prayer requests of those for whom you are burdened to pray and come to identify more closely with your brothers and sisters in Christ or your prospective spiritual siblings.

Buren and Sonin: Buren has been coming faithfully on Sundays although it may be for ulterior reasons. Sonin has responsibilities on Sunday that keep her from coming. Two of Buren's three daughters also come regularly. Buren is in the hospital now. The doctors say that problems with his liver is causing his nose to bleed. Both Buren and Sonin need salvation. His two daughter's were baptized recently based on their public profession of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

Ganpurev and Ulzee (Bilgoon): Ganpurev and Ulzee continue to grow. Sadly, one 0f Ganpurev's brothers has reduced his contact with Ganpurev (because, I believe, Ganpurev's testimony puts his brother to shame). But another relative recently moved closer to Ganpurev because his father recommended it. Bilgoon's eye situation is the same as far as I know. Unfortunately, the Mongolians doctors all claim that it's not his eye that's the problem. Ganpurev seems satisfied with the Mongolian way of handling things.

Ganaa: Her husband Bob still needs salvation. Ganaa herself seems to continuing the struggle. But she has been very busy and therefore tired. Also, her husband sometimes discourages her from coming to church. It seems to me that the ideal resolution is for her husband to be saved and be eager to grow spiritually. But we know that God also brings Himself glory through our tribulations. It is just difficult to watch someone else - especially a young Christian - struggle on with such opposition.

Bilgee: I'm just not sure where our relationship is right now. Several months ago I had to confront him on a matter, and ever since then it seems to me that he has gone out of his way to keep his distance. Since I've not had as much contact with him recently, I cannot say exactly how he is doing. However, the fact that he seems to keep his distance is troubling.

Enkhee: I've seen Enkhee once seen my return. He works a lot and does not go out of his way to meet with me. His family is struggling, and he is not cognizant of their needs and situation. For example, in my meeting with him I asked about when his daughter would graduate from school. He was unable to give me a definite answer. Instead he had to ask his son when she would graduate.

Mandaa and Bayambaa: I've been focusing some attention on Mandaa since he is another spouse of a church member that needs salvation. He has agreed to come to our special Christmas service on December 23. Please pray earnestly for his salvation. His personality is so quiet that it has been hard for me to get to know him. For example, I asked him once, "What is your hobby?" And he responded, "Don't have one." Where do you go from there? Actually, I asked that question and got that response last week when I visited their home. Before then he would just give the "uh-huh" type answer. Bayambaa on the other hand has been experiencing some ridicule for being a Christian. The ridicule is coming from her in-laws and another family that has been living with them. Again, we know that "all who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." Still, it is difficult to watch it happen to someone else. We do know and trust that God knows best.

Dashgaa and Tunga: Dashgaa seems to be doing well. He is currently looking for work, not an enviable thing in this country. His wife is expecting their fourth child. She needs to recognize the Jesus Christ is her Savior and in repentance and humility turn to Him. Recently, Dashgaa has begun to bring his children some Sundays. In the past, his wife has been opposed to this. So we are seeing some evidence that she may be softening. Her extended family is Buddhist and pressures them to resist the "foreign religion."

Ganbold: I have not seen him since I returned. In the past his busy schedule made it difficult for us to get together.

Enkhamgalan: I have not seen him in some months. I have tried calling, but he does not answer. As far as I know, he still is not a Christian.

Ayaa: her health seems to have stabilized since her stay in the hospital. But she still is not improving. She is frail and does not have a good appetite. I am concerned too about her spiritual condition.

Tamiraa and Khongoroo: They were married in September and Khongoroo is expecting her first child. In an effort to be a help, I gave her some translation work to do and paid her up-front for the work. I have not heard from her since. I am not sure what to think. They both claim to be Christians but show no evidence of saving faith.

Sunday's attendance

We were blessed with 12 Mongolian adults and 10 Mongolian children for a total of 22 Mongolians on Sunday morning. While preparing to take a picture, I took this one to warm up and then my camera batteries were dead. Of course, I had not contemplated bringing more batteries. Still, in this picture you can see nine of the twelve Mongolian adults and Roland Gay, our current partner here in Mongolia.

On the far left is Enkhamgalan (if you are interested in a brief history: initial meeting and latest information) and next to him with his head behind the girl in a camo jacket is Mandaa. Please be praying for the salvation of both of these men.

Enkhamgalan update

I met with Enkhamgalan last night. He had some things that he wanted to translate and two questions about the Bible that he wanted to ask me. He wanted to ask about the meaning of Ephesians 5:16 and Luke 18:27. We finished his question from Ephesians quickly and moved into the translation which took some time.

Then it was time to deal with Luke 18:27, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." I pointed out that the context was salvation because the rich man has asked what he had to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus was teaching his disciples that doing good and keeping certain rituals was not the way to eternal life. Still not clearly understanding Jesus the disciples responded, "Who then can be saved?" At which Jesus responded that it was only possible with God.

This was just the spiritual lesson that Enkhamgalan needed regarding salvation. Like the disciples, he did not understand why Jesus thought that salvation was impossible for men to do without God. I took the opportunity to again stress that the way to [peace with] God is faith in Jesus Christ.

Enkhamgalan however by his own admission is looking for proof that God exists and that Jesus is the only way to God. But incontrovertible truth and faith are mutually exclusive. As one man wisely said, "Were there no room for doubt there would be no room for faith either." So I challenged Enkhamgalan to have faith in God.

His response was very indicative of his spiritual condition: "I have faith," he said.

"Good," I said with joy expecting something like the Philippian jailor - now what must I believe to be saved - or at least the cry of the father of the demon-possessed son - I believe, please help my unbelief. Instead his followed up with the rhetorical question, "Now where's my proof?" So I can see that he still does not have the faith that is the evidence of things not seen.

Continue to pray for Enkhamgalan. Pray that God would give him faith, saving faith.

Sunday update

We had a decent Sunday for us. There were fifteen Mongolians in attendance about half of whom were children. I still wish that the Mongolians would sing with more enthusiasm, but they are making progress. I am feeling more and more confident in my Mongolian.

Enkhamgalan called me unexpectedly today. Although he had been in attendance the previous two Sundays, yesterday he was absent. He says that he has something to talk to me about and something to ask of me. He even said that he would come across town to meet with me which surprised me. I guess I'll see what he has to say. Please pray for Enkhamgalan.

Also, pray for Bilgee. He is facing some important decisions and needs God's direction and grace to make the right decisions.

Ministry update

Mongolians are a people yearning for freedom. Three political leaders of the past century all promised them freedom but none of them left true freedom behind. Sukhbaater promised freedom from Chinese oppression but only brought in communism. Choibalsan promised freedom from religion but only replaced it with hopeless humanism. Zorig promised freedom from communism but greed, poverty, drunkenness, and emptiness filled the vacuum left by the crumbling state.

We know that true freedom is found in Jesus Christ who said, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” We are the Dean family and our goal is to bring the good news of the spiritual freedom that is in Christ Jesus to Mongolians. We have already seen several men saved and expect that God will continue to do great things as we attempt great things for His glory.

Please pray with us that men such as Ganpurev, Enkhee, and Bilgee will grow in faith and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. And pray for men like Buren, Enkhamgalan, and Gantylag to be saved. Remember that your prayers enable our ministry in Mongolia!

Enkhamgalan & Ganpurev update May 07

I know that many of your have been praying. Many of you have been praying for the men with whom I work with by name. For those of you I offer this update.

I met Enkhamgalan last year and though his name means "peace" he certainly did not know what peace was. We've met a couple more times since then, and he occasionally attends on Sundays. Yesterday, Bilgee, Enkhamgalan, and I met for a Bible study, and the difference in Enkhamgalan's attitude is remarkable.

Perhaps you think that the difference is his situation but you would be mistaken. Enkhamgalan's father has cancer and his life currently hangs in the balance. Also, last week Enkhamgalan found out that he would be losing his job this month. Despite those setbacks, he seems more at peace than he was before. As I asked him some about salvation yesterday he gave me some answers that lead me to believe that he a Christian. What else could explain the amazing peace that he has in the midst of his difficulties. Please pray that his present circumstances will strengthen his faith and that he will find comfort in God and God's word. I, too, would ask your prayers for wisdom as I work with this young man.

In other news, Ganpurev still has his job. I asked him what his boss had to say to him Monday after he declined to come into work on Sunday. He said that she said nothing to him. I see this as confirmation of God's blessing on a right decision. Continue to pray for Ganpurev's growth in grace. This weekend Ganpurev and Ulzee said that they will visit Mandaa and Bayambaa's place. I have witnessed to Mandaa before but I am hoping that Ganpurev's superior Mongolian will be a help to Mandaa's understanding of salvation. Please pray for Mandaa's salvation. It would be a wonderful event for Ganpurev to be the one to lead Mandaa to our Savior!

One last note, remember I said that the weather had been warm. Don't worry about global warming just yet. Today (Friday) at 3 PM it was snowing here in UB. It's not quite summer yet.

Thank you for praying!

Many prayer requests

Personally, I feel a little overwhelmed now with some specific prayer requests. However, I know that many of you are reading this blog so that you can know specific ways to pray. So let me just dive right in ...

The Bible study at Ganbold's (blogs about Ganbold) ger went profitably for a little while. Then, the last two weeks they have been unable to find time when I can teach them although I did visit Ganbold last week. When I visited none of his sons were home; most of them were still at work when I visited about 9:30 Saturday night. Please pray that Ganbold and his sons would make time to study the Bible and would be blessed by their efforts to seek God (Jer. 29:13, Heb. 11:6). Thank you for praying about that Bible study. The good news is that I believe Ganbold is now saved.

I have a man with whom I meet occasionally. I do not think that he is a Christian yet, but he is searching for something and is slowly growing in his understanding of the Gospel. His name is Enkhamgalan (blog entries about Enkhamgalan). Though his name means "peace," he certainly lacks that fruit of the Spirit. He now has two prayer requests. First, his father is dying of cancer and is not a Christian. Secondly, he just found out this week that he is losing his job. Even more than in the U.S. losing one's job can be extremely discouraging in Mongolia. Please pray that the circumstances of Enkhamgalan's life would drive him to Jesus Christ and that he would learn that in the midst of difficult situations Christians are "more than conquerors."

Many of you remember Enkhee who made a profession of faith in Christ (his salvation testimony). For several reasons, he feels that he cannot leave his job. However, his job requires him to work seven days a week. That means that he cannot attend our Sunday services to be fed God's word and be encouraged by fellowship with other believers. Recently, he works as an electrician and recently was electrocuted burning his arm and knocking him unconscious. His co-workers brought and dropped him off unconscious. The next day he returned to work! As an American, I cannot understand it. Please pray that he too would make time to fellowship with believers and to study God's word.

Then Ganpurev would appreciate your prayers too. He has a good job as a driver and manager and fix-it man. His boss really likes him because he is a faithful and trustworthy worker. Unfortunately, in the last few months his boss has been asking him to work 70-80 hours a week including Sundays. He missed two Sundays in a row for the first time ever back in April. He recently talked to his boss about it, requesting Sundays off. His boss responded that he was the only driver she had (which is the boss's problem if you ask me). So he is wondering what he should do. He would rather spend the time with his family and with the church; however, like all the other Mongolians, he is very hesitant to leave his job. I told him that I think God has led him into this trial to teach him something (James 1:2-5). Please pray that God would give him wisdom to respond to his boss correctly and to be a shining testimony for Jesus Christ. We know that God wants Ganpurev to work and to provide for his family; perhaps God has another job for Ganpurev. If so, pray that Ganpurev would recognize God's direction and walk by faith.

Another young Christian man who regularly attends church also found out this week that he will be laid off from his work. (He's the one who introduced me to Enkhamgalan.) He too is searching for work. But I see these work-related problems as an opportunity for these saved ones to exercise their faith. But it takes a lot of faith for a new Christian in Mongolia to see God's hand at work in (what to them) are desperate circumstances.

On top of this, there are three people in our church who are praying for the salvation of their spouse. The spouses names are Bob, Mandaa, and Tongaa. Please pray that the saved spouses would have God's grace to show the love of God to their husbands/wife and pray for the salvation of the unsaved spouse.

I trust that all of you who read this will pick at least one or two of these prayers requests and ask God to give you a burden for them so that you pray for them fervently, earnestly, and regularly.

News and prayer requests

I hope that there are some of you who still check this blog regularly for updates. In Mongolia, there are some weeks, months even, where not much of interest happens. I have learned to take a breath and prepare because at some point I will plunge into a swamp full of responsibilities. The last few months have been rather slow until Ganbold's recently renewed interest in studying the Bible with me. But this week it seems that the logjam of uneventfulness is starting to break free. I just hope that I have taken a deep enough breath.

Of course, this past Sunday, I saw Ganbold's change of heart and noticed that his idols were gone. This has rejuvenated my hope that events will start moving faster with his family. He has three married sons, a college-aged son and daughter, and a high school age daughter. There is so much potential there. Not only his children, but Ganbold is the oldest in his family. There are eight of them, and three are now Christians. Age and birth order bring significant respect in Mongolian society. The other two were the younger ones in the family, but Ganbold is the oldest. I suspect that should Ganbold's life change as radically as others have, his whole family will sit up and take notice.

Then another thing came up this last week. Enkhamgalan and I had some conversations last year, but recently have had little contact. When I visit Bilgee at work and see him in passing, he often teases me by speaking Mongolian very quickly and saying odd things. However, when I saw Enkhamgalan on Thursday, he was very serious and told me that his father had stomach cancer. His father has had an operation and is still in the hospital. Obviously, this has upset Enkhamgalan very much. He told me that he intends to came this Sunday to our meeting. The peace that he is desperately seeking is only found in Jesus Christ.

That was Thursday. Friday Daimkaa came over to my house. It has been years since Daimkaa came to my house, although I visit Daimkaa's ger several times a year. His life is in turmoil too, he says; and the answer to him is to move to Ireland. But to move to Ireland he needs several thousand dollars which he does not have. I told him (again) that what he really needs is Jesus Christ. This time he listened to me. He response was that he has heard all this before and respects the Bible. He just does not believe. But he agreed to meet with Ganpurev and Ulzee and hear their testimony.

So you can see that there will be more opportunities in the coming weeks than there have been in a while. Pray for the salvation of Ganbold's children, Enkhamgalan and his father, and Daimkaa. I will keep you updated.

"I being in the way ..."

Personal evangelism is not sales work. I'm glad that it's not. Personal evangelism isn't a science or even an art. Personal evangelism is having a task and never quite knowing how the opportunities will present itself. It's much like the story of Abraham's servant in Genesis 24. He was sent to a strange country with a nebulous assignment: find one of Abraham's female relatives and convince her and her family that she should leave home forever to marry a man whom she had never met. No wonder the servant basically said, "What if she won't follow me back to a strange country [to marry a stranger]?"

Missions work can be like that. Here I am in a strange country, speaking a strange language, to virtual strangers, about a strange religion (as they see it) with strange requirements. How do I meet the people to whom I will witness? How do I convince them to listen? My most fruitful method has been to spend time in Mongolians' homes. Sometimes, I am scheduled to teach a Bible lesson. Increasingly, I'm not really visiting specifically to teach a Bible lesson; I'm just there available for however God wants to use me. At the very least, I am getting practice speaking Mongolian and building trust with Mongolians. Often there's an opportunity to teach the Bible informally.

Saturday's experience illustrates what I am talking about well. I had a meeting in the morning with fellow missionaries about the formation of a translation committee. I spend some time at home with my family, played with my kids, and helped clean up the house. In the afternoon, I spend time with my lesson for Sunday which had been prepared earlier in the week. I thought that I would be going to Enkhee's ger for a Bible lesson on Saturday evening. Ganpurev's daughter Nyamkaa had spent the night at our house. So the plan was to take Nyamkaa to her house, pick up Ganpurev, and go to Enkhee's to teach a Bible lesson. I also wanted to visit Enkhamgalan and Mendee. Just before leaving, I tried making some calls. Enkhee was busy at work and not certain when he would be home, he asked me to postpone my visit. I couldn't get through to Enkhamgalan. Earlier, I had learned that Mendee was traveling in the countryside.

So I told Kristie, it didn't look like I had any visits after all. But I still had to take Nyamkaa home.

When I reached Nyamkaa's home, Ganpurev was absent but his brother-in-law, Byasaa, and his brother, Dalai, were there. Byasaa and Dalai had come with another brother from the countryside to sell meat in the city and to pick up some things. I learned that Ganpurev had went to a wrestling match with the older brother. I made small talk with them for a few minutes (standard Mongolian courtesy) and prepared to leave. But Ulzee urged me to stay saying that Ganpurev would be home soon. Ganpurev arrived about an hour later with another brother, Tomoo, and a relative named Sambil. Tomoo's son, Bayaraa arrived a little later. So here were five unsaved men in one room: Tomoo, Sambil, Byasaa, Dalai, and Bayaraa. Some had heard the Gospel before while in the countryside, but could I not find a way to preach Christ to them again?

Like Abraham's servant, I began to pray for help with the language so that I could see if the conversation could be turned to Jesus Christ. Sambil asked me about work. I told him I managed a gallery and taught the Bible. This led to a discussion about Jesus Christ in which Ganpurev and I had an opportunity to witness to all of them. Then on Sunday ... ah, but I'm getting ahead of myself. The update about Sunday I will save for later.

The key points are that if I would have found Enkhee at home when I called, I would have gone there - and missed the chance to preach Christ to five men. If I would have left Ganpurev's without waiting for him I would have missed the opportunity to preach to five men. If I would have not seen my time at Ganpurev's as an opportunity to witness ... you get the idea. But I praise the Lord that He had Sambil bring up the subject. It is what I had been praying for.

Please pray for these men. Because they live in the countryside, I do not get an opportunity to speak to them much. But God can take our witness and draw men to Himself.

Update

Various projects in Mongolia has kept me from updating my blog as often as I would like. So for those of you still reading this … thanks. I hope that today’s update will inform you about what is going on in Mongolia and give you some specific ways to pray.

Much of my recent busy activity has been to help Mickey Cofer, director of FirstBibles Mongolia, to set up a printing press and other printing equipment that recently arrived in Mongolia. My job has primarily been interpretation and finding supplies, but I also helped set up the imagesetter.

I know that people are praying! While traveling last year one pastor reminded me that many missionaries experienced a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit on their ministries after returning to a foreign country after a furlough. They often attributed it to the prayers of people who were challenged to pray more by hearing about their ministry. I believe I am beginning to see some of the Holy Spirit’s work here in Mongolia. Not that I haven’t seen it before … it’s just more obvious now than in the past.

First, my wife and I talked recently about how many small obstacles to accomplishing things we have faced since we arrived in late summer. We both expected that coming back to Mongolia would be relatively easy: after all, we knew the language and culture, had our own place, and had some friends here. It has been unusually hard to accomplish the little things such as register my car, find items that we need and expected to be in Mongolia, make minor repairs, or even meet with friends. We know that Satan works to discourage us. We also know that God is interested in conforming us to the image of His Son and that He uses little pressures and disappointments to focus us on what is truly important! We believe that God is in the many frustrations and disappointments of our first few months. He has taught us patience, perseverance, and trust. He is preparing us to be more effective servants.

Second, Bilgee brought a friend from his workplace to my house some weeks ago. Enkhamgalan’s name means “peace,” but he has very little of it. At the end of our second meeting two weeks ago, Enkhamgalan asked, “Can I come to your meeting on Sundays?” It’s the first time anyone has ever asked if they can come to our meetings and a clear sign to me that the Holy Spirit is at work. He came this last Sunday and said that he will come again this Sunday.

Third, I mentioned in an update some time ago to pray for Ganbold because his mother Soli had asked me to visit him. Because he works seven days a week, usually fourteen hours a day, it has been difficult to find a time to visit him. I finally arranged to go to his house this past Friday night. He was glad to see me. When the conversation turned to the Bible, he was glad to talk. He talked about how the Lord was watching over him two years ago when a bus ran him over and his lung collapsed. He also mentioned that he was never alone because the Lord was always with him. He even talked about asking the Lord to forgive his sins. He asked me to come to his ger and teach his whole family the Bible. Again, I have never before been asked on a first visit to come back and teach the Bible. I attribute this to the work of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of God’s people.

Fourth, Bob seems to be more interested in the Bible than I have ever seen him. He comes on Sundays, sings the songs with us, listens attentively to the preaching, and asks questions. I am greatly encouraged by his interest and trust that he will soon trust Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.

So be encouraged that your prayers do count and pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to work in the hearts of Mongolians. I need wisdom, direction, and ability in the Mongolian language as I seek to minister to Mongolians as Jesus ministered to people.