Deans' weekly update

The highlights of this week are more visitors, the building continues to progress, and a fall-off in attendance at the Bible institute. Let's dive right into these items.

I am glad to report that we continue to have visitors. Last Sunday morning Ganbold came in off the street to sit in on our service. When I talked to him he told me that he just came in off the street with his son. We talked a while, and he left with our detailed tract describing salvation. This week he was back without his son whom he said was sick. He came in about halfway through and said to me (I was greeting late-comers at the time) something about being late. Please pray that Ganbold would continue to come and that others like him would join us.

We had three others come in but they left without even sitting down. One man came and asked what kind of lesson was being taught. I told him that a Bible lesson was about to begin and invited him to take his coat off and join us. I left him as he began to take off his coat and walked around the corner to give him time to take off his coat. A minute later he was gone. I looked out the door and saw he was already far down the walk. Perhaps he was looking for an English lesson. Two more came in a few minutes later, said that they had only come to church to meet someone and that they must be at the wrong church because their friend was not there. They then left.

The building project is going very well. The tile upstairs is nearly done. Work remains to be done on the walls, and the plumbing needs to be installed. All in all, I am impressed with how quickly everything is coming together.

Last week's Bible institute class was not very well attended. We started with four Mongolian men and added a fifth the second week. But last week, one man was in the countryside for work, another student was in the hospital prepping for surgery, another student was struggling with chest pain and had an EKG, and the fourth did not show up. With a single student and a big test scheduled in one of the classes, we postponed the class for a week. Keep praying because for me, training these men is one of the main reasons that I am here.

Update on Tonga and Ganbold

Tonga is home now having been discharged from the hospital on Saturday. Obviously, she will have a special diet the rest of her life since her stomach has been removed. I'm not certain whether she faces additional cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation. Continue to pray for the family and especially Dashka. He will need to be dad, "mom," and primary care giver to Tonga for a while as she recovers.

Ganbold came out of his coma last night and seems to be doing better. The first person he called was his mother to tell her that he was doing better. We are all glad to hear that Ganbold is out of his coma. The doctors say that his heart and arteries look good. Let's pray for a complete recovery and a renewed interest on Ganbold's part in the things of God.

A family in pain

There is a Mongolian family with whom I have become close since coming to Mongolia. One member of the family was Kristie's language tutor Ganaa (also known as Bolroo). Another attends our church (Bilgee). Their mother has come to church a few times. Various other family members have made professions of faith or attended the church services for a few weeks.

Recently, they've experienced several hard things. I witnessed to another sister of the family once years ago when she came to visit her mother. She lives in another town, and I've not seen her since that time. Last year she left her first husband and remarried a physically abusive husband. Everyone was expecting her to come to town and spend some time with the family. However, she came, stayed overnight, and left the next day. The rumor is that her husband threatened her with physical violence if she didn't come right back.

Then on Wednesday, the oldest brother Ganbold who made a profession of faith a few years ago suffered a stroke. He has been in a coma since then. Doctors are telling the family that they should expect him to be in a coma for a long time. Kristie and I went to visit the mother yesterday. She was distraught over her son. He is about 50 years old.

An uncle was admitted to the cancer hospital this week too. He has been diagnosed with lung cancer and tuberculosis.

What the family needs to see is the Christians in the family responding to each tragedy and trial with God's grace and equanimity. I also have a desire to be a blessing to the family during this time. Please pray for Kristie and me and for the saved family members to exhibit the love of Christ and the peace that passes all understanding during this time of turmoil.

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.

Brief guide to pronouncing Mongolian names

Some of you are trying your best to make heads or tails of these Mongolian names. I forget that I've been in Mongolia struggling with these names for six years now. So to help you with some names that you find often in this blog, I am posting this guide.

But first, let me make some observations. Because Mongolians vowels can be quite different from American English vowels some of the pronunciations won't be quite accurate. But just say them with confidence. Like someone once told me with pronouncing Bible names, "Just say them with confidence and no one will challenge you about it." Also, the r in Mongolian is a trilled r much like one would encounter in the Spanish language. So say all the r that you see as if you were trying to pronounce a Spanish name. Also, the a should be like a in father.

Here's a list. The '-' will separate syllables and a '!' will indicate which syllable should be stressed. If there is no '!' in the name, stress the first syllable.

Buren = boo - ren
Sonin = sun - ing
Ganpurev = gam - per - ev
Ulzee = ull - zee!
Ganaa = gan - aa!
Bilgee = bil - gay!
Enkhee = ink - hay!
Bayambaa = be - im - baa!
Mandaa = man - daa!
Dashgaa = dash - gaa!
Tungaa = tone - gaa!
Ganbold = gam - bold

I think that covers everyone. I'll try to put together another update for these folks and post it soon.

I wrote two other attempts at pronouncing Mongolian names back in June and May. I think that reading all three together would be more confusing than helpful but am posting the links in case it helps you. Over the next few weeks, I will try to pull all this together and present one definitive guide and update. Pray for me.

Prayer update

Attendance continues to be good, and more men than women continue to come. One continuing improvement is in the congregational singing. We Americans have always sung enthusiastically ("if we don't, who will?"). Recently, however, the Mongolians have started to equal the foreigners in enthusiasm and volume.

It has been a while since I have been to Ganbold's place and taught a Bible lesson. I understand that part of it is because they are really busy and part of it is because they do not like the Bible lessons. I would guess that it is a combination of the two: in other words, they did not think the Bible lessons were productive enough to make the time to listen to me teach the Bible. As someone whose entire ministry revolves around the word of God, I am always bothered by young men who think it is a waste of their time to study the Bible. Because of sin, this world is a dangerous and painful place. Only a relationship with Jesus Christ brings meaning, joy, and peace to an otherwise very difficult life.

Bayambaa (there are two, this one is the newer Bayambaa) went to the hospital expecting her second child. We watched her 18 month old son all day, all night, and part of another day this week. She has been having some difficulties this last month of pregnancy - something with her thyroid. We were hoping that she would have her baby this week, but she has not had the baby yet. Please pray for a healthy baby and for her husband Mandaa to be saved.

Weekend update

This past weekend I was able to visit both Enkhee and Ganbold. Enkhee was electrocuted and burned about a month ago. The electric shock knocked him unconscious. Some co-workers dropped him off at home unconscious and left. (I'm not sure why they did not take him to a hospital). The next day Enkhee returned to work. When I visited him I saw the scars from the electrical burns. He attributes his safety and "quick" recovery to God's protection. He still works seven days and about 80 hours a week. In fact, the last two times that I met him, I visited him at work.

Ganbold continues to work seven days a week too. He recently won an award as a top bus driver for his company. The company offered to send him on a vacation (unpaid) for seven or ten days. Ganbold declined to go because he needs the salary more than he needs the vacation he said. Neither of these men though saved is able to attend our church services. My heart is burdened because their spiritual growth is stunted by their lack of personal Bible study, lack of prayer, and lack of fellowship.

As an example of this, on Saturday Ganbold's father-in-law came to visit. He noticed that all the pictures of gods and idols were gone from Ganbold's ger (that's good). He began to rebuke them for not having their gods out. But Ganbold did not talk this opportunity to witness to his father-in-law. Perhaps the spiritual discernment and boldness necessary for such a time is missing because of Ganbold's weak spiritual life.

On Sunday, the numbers were down but still above where they were in the fall. Ganpurev preached in my place on the love of God and did a good job. Obviously, he speaks the language much better than I do. I had given him some help and some verses to use but was impressed because most of his lesson was not a restatement of what I had taught him and he had some verses that he did not get from me. It is good for me to listen to Mongolian preach and exciting to think that God understands Ganpurev's Mongolian preaching as well as He understands my English preaching!

Please pray for these Mongolians. They need to realize that they must put God's kingdom first and then God will work on their behalf.

Prayer update

I have not had an opportunity to teach a Bible lesson at Ganbold's house for the last three weeks. He calls on Sunday afternoon to tell me that they are all busy at work or otherwise and will not be able to have me teach a lesson. He needs to recognize the truth of Matthew 6:33 but as a young Christian still does not understand the importance of making time for God.

Enkhee is also struggling. When I called him Monday to visit him, he said that he is never home. I suggested that I might visit him at work, and he agreed to that. Still, he too needs to make time for God.

Bilgoon, the boy with brain tumors, had a CAT scan taken this week. Pray that the scan will enable doctors to make a diagnosis and that it will give Bilgoon's parents some direction on what should be done next.

Balmy weather, good attendance

This blog post will be a little more chatty than most for those of you who enjoy chatty posts. We've had beautiful weather here for the last week. Temperatures have been in the high 60's and 70's. We actually hit 84 on Saturday. That about 25 degrees above normal for us here. So the children have been enjoying playing outside without coats. And it's been nice to get ready to go without spending 5-10 minutes with hats, gloves, and other cold weather clothes items. The weather is forecast to be cooler the next few days before it warms again at the end of the week.

You might remember Dashgaa from a previous post. His father passed away last week. Please pray for him and his family. I believe that he is the only one saved in his entire family. I know that his wife needs salvation still.

Also, Sunday we had a good turnout. Bilgee has brought a visitor on Sunday every week for the past four weeks. None of them have come back a second time yet, but he keeps bringing them.

Some of you may be wondering, "So how many were there this last Sunday?" Well, we had ten Mongolian adults, five Mongolian children, and nine foreigners (including my family) for a total of twenty-four. I noticed this morning in my blog that I was happy to have six Mongolian adults back in February, so we are making progress. Don't forget that we have some special meetings coming up in the middle of the month. Please be praying for those meetings.

It seems as if every family in our church is struggling with work-related issues right now. One is losing his job this week. Another may be losing his job for refusing to work on Sundays. A third recently missed receiving his salary because his boss took the money that he received for a job and spent it all on alcohol. I think this is a good opportunity for our church family to grow through trials. Please pray that they would accept the grace that God is offering them to deal with difficult circumstances.

I was scheduled to teach a Bible lesson at Ganbold's Sunday night. However, he called Sunday afternoon and said that whole family was not at home because they had taken a mini-vacation outside the city. He said to come next week. Keep praying for the salvation of his sons.

I haven't heard from some of you in a little while. Don't hesitate to e-mail me when you have a chance. I'd love to hear from you.

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.

April prayer letter

This is our prayer letter from April. I meant to post it earlier and forgot. Some of you may not get our prayer letter by mail or e-mail and may want to read it. However, if you follow this blog closely, this information is all old news.

The exciting news for this month comes from Resurrection Sunday when I visited Ganbold’s ger to teach him and his family another Bible lesson. A surprise was waiting for me as I looked around Ganbold’s ger that night: all his idols were gone. When I asked him where his idols were, he told me he had disposed of them. I followed up my initial question by asking him why he had done that. He told me that he now believed in Jesus and no longer needed his idols. At the end of our lesson, Ganbold also prayed to ask the Lord God for forgiveness of his sins. Since many of you have been praying for his salvation, I am glad to report that I believe he has shown fruit appropriate for repentance.

Resurrection Sunday night I also asked his sons if they wanted to pray to ask God to forgive their sins. They said they were not ready. Frankly, even before I asked I expected that they still were not ready. However, I am not discouraged because they are still listening to the preaching of God’s Word. I told Ganbold that he needs to pray for the salvation of his sons. Please join with us in praying for their salvation: Gantulag, Gerel-od, Gerelsaikhan, and Darkhanbold. Certainly do not neglect to pray for his wife, Khorloo. She seemed genuinely interested in the Bible teaching on Resurrection Sunday.

The potential impact we can have through Ganbold’s family is truly amazing. First, there is still significant respect for age here in Mongolia. Since Ganbold is the oldest in his family, his testimony and his beliefs will carry considerable weight. He has two younger siblings who are Christians, but they are the youngest in the family. Five other siblings could be substantially influenced by his decision. Second, the idols that Ganbold had were not just any idols. He had received them from his father who was a famous shaman in his local area. That Ganbold rid his home of these idols was a decision that surprised several of his relatives. To me, his willingness to give up his gods is just another evidence of the Holy Spirit regenerating a wicked heart. Please pray that Ganbold will grow in grace and be a bright testimony for our Savior to his family. Third, Ganbold has four grown sons, two daughters, and three daughters-in-law. Almost all of them have come to at least one Bible lesson that I have taught in Ganbold’s ger. Please continue praying for their salvation.

The greatest obstacle, again, is time. Ganbold and his sons all work as bus drivers, often spending 12-14 hours a day preparing their buses, driving, and repairing them. They all work six days a week and many times work seven days to cover for other drivers. When I teach a lesson, it is rare that all of them can be there. Pray that time will be given them to study God’s Word.

Sunday's services

Today, about half the people who normally come were not their. Yet we still had a first-time visitor and seven adults in attendance. Praise the Lord for progress. Now if we can only get everyone out at the same time.

I was at Ganbold's last night. He is very busy with work right now but asked me to come next Sunday. Let's all pray this week that all four of his sons, his two daughters, and his wife will be there. We also need to pray that the Holy Spirit would work mightily in their lives!

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Every day is a new day to serve God and Sunday, April 15, 2007, was no different. We had a good attendance in the morning; the number of those who come is slowly growing. Those that came paid good attention to the teaching and preaching of God's Word. It is thrilling to be here and watch these young Christians grow in their understanding of and desire for God.

In the evening I went over to Ganbold's again to teach a lesson. Three of his sons were there and listened well. They all certainly have heard the Gospel multiple times now. Continue to pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit that would lead to their salvation.


I took this picture of Ganbold's family while I was there. One unmarried daughter is missing. This picture gives you some idea of the ministry that I have. The grandmother in the back sitting next to Kristie is Soli and is a Christian as is Ganbold, I believe. Ganbold is the one holding the little girl. Most of the rest have heard the Gospel clearly but have not yet responded.

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.

Resurrection Sunday

This past Sunday we remembered our Savior's resurrection from the dead showing His victory over the grave. Unfortunately, two of our faithful men were called away by work, and for the first time since our return to Mongolia, we had more women at the service than men. For those of you who are interested in the numbers there were seven Mongolian adults (four of whom were women) and seven Mongolian children.

But the best news of the day came in the evening when I went to teach Ganbold and his family another lesson from the Bible. In the past his wife, who seemed quite antagonistic toward my Bible teaching, would always leave as soon as I began my lesson. This last Sunday night, I asked her if she would stay for the Bible lesson. She surprised me and agreed to stay. Along with his wife, Khorloo, three of his four grown sons were also there.

Another surprise was waiting for me when I looked around Ganbold’s ger last night. All his idols were gone. When I asked him where his idols were, he told me that he had disposed of them. I followed up my initial question by asking him why he had done that. He told me that he now believed in Jesus and no longer needed them. At the end of our lesson Ganbold also prayed to ask the Lord God for forgiveness for his sins. Many of you have been praying for his salvation, and I am glad to report that although I cannot see his heart, I believe that he has shown the fruit appropriate for repentance.

Monday, when I told one of Ganbold’s relatives that his idols were gone, she expressed surprise that Ganbold would have already given up his gods. Ganbold’s father was a Mongolian shaman, and the idols that were in Ganbold’s house were his. The whole family felt that he would never give up his idols because they had been his father’s. To me, his willingness to give up his gods is just another evidence of the Holy Spirit regenerating a wicked heart.

Khorloo & Kristie

Sunday, I also asked his sons if they wanted to pray to ask God to forgive their sins. They said that they were not ready. Frankly, even before I asked I expected that they still were not ready. However, I am not discouraged because they are still listening to the preaching of God’s Word. I told Ganbold that he needs to pray for the salvation of his sons. I will prepare another lesson on salvation next week and be back to preach Jesus Christ to his family. Please join with us in praying for the salvation of Ganbold’s sons: Gantulag, Gerel-od, Gerelsaikhan, and Darkhanbold. Certainly do not neglect to pray for his wife, Khorloo. She seemed genuinely interested in the Bible teaching last night.

Prayer update

If two Sundays ago was a good one with eighteen total Mongolians, this last Sunday was a bad one with only five Mongolians - all adults. Some of the adults were sick (like the children's Bible story teacher), some were at work, some just did not come. About an hour before the meeting was to start, the Mongolian lady who has been teaching part of the Sunday school lesson called to say that she could not come. Kristie, always ready for a challenge, prepared to do something with the kids in place of the Bible story. Strangely though, not one child came. That is the first time not one child has attended since we returned.

So that night, I headed over to Ganbold's ger. I had visited Saturday night to see what was happening and to ask him why he had not called me to teach another lesson. He was very friendly Saturday night, said that he had trouble disposing of the family idols because they came from his father, and asked me to teach another Bible lesson to his family on Sunday night. There were three adults present at Bible study at Ganbold's ger which was almost as many as I taught in the morning. Though Ganbold and his son Gantulag, in particular, seemed to be very close to salvation, I am very cautious about teaching them about the assurance of their salvation before I see "fruit meet (appropriate) for repentance." In Ganbold's case, I would like to see him throw away his idols. I have another appointment to go back next Sunday night again. Please continue to pray for them.

Sunday update

Temperatures are finally breaking the freezing point here. We had a few days of nice weather with temperatures in the forties the last few days of February that caused us to long for spring here. Instead the last two weeks have seen winter-like temperatures with nights in the -30's and days just above zero. Perhaps now spring is on its way.

Our attendance was down this last Sunday with only five Mongolian adults. One family was away due to a death among their close acquaintances.

Ganbold has been "unable" to meet with me recently. I found out that some of my teaching from the Bible may have offended him. I am not worried about it but have been praying for his salvation. The obstacle is that he does not like the idea that he must get rid of his false gods. He wants God to bless him and ease his hurts and fix the consequences of his sin without actual repentance. I Thessalonians 1:9 summarizes it well: "...how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." In Ganbold's case he does not want to serve God; he wants God to serve him. Many Americans are like that too. Please continue to pray for Ganbold because I plan to stay in contact with him.

I have a blessing to share. On Sunday, after the preaching, Ganpurev said to the people assembled, "Let's meet once a week to pray for the salvation of our relatives, friends, and neighbors." I was very happy to hear him suggest it. They discussed it a little and decided to meet on Wednesday nights. I told them that I would definitely come! I am excited to think about what God will do through your prayers and their prayers combined!

Prayer update

There is lots of sickness in our family right now: fevers, earaches, sore throats, general malaise. Fortunately, only half the family is sick right now. The other half has avoided it so far. Many of you have already experienced it or are experiencing it and know what I am talking about. Please pray for grace to deal with it all in a foreign country.

We have continued to have a good number of people turn out for our meetings on Sundays. I was disappointed, however, that Ganbold could not meet with me this previous weekend. Continue to pray for his salvation.

Hudson Taylor once said, "Unless there is an element of risk in our exploits, there is no need for faith." Let us keep that in mind as we ponder the steps that God has planned for us today and where they might lead tomorrow.

Sunday update

Sunday was quite a day! When I woke up in the morning I felt sick to my stomach. The whole family has been fighting stomach problems, so I was not surprised. Then I began to feel nauseated and became concerned about whether I would be preaching or not. But although the feeling slowed me down, I kept getting ready to go and left on time.

On the way over to the rooms where we meet on Sunday morning, I slipped on the ice and fell flat on my back, smacking my head against the ice in the process. I was still sore on Monday. On Sunday, the soreness in my back made me forget the soreness in my abdomen though.

We had eight Mongolian adults and seven Mongolian children Sunday morning. I thank the Lord for the good turnout. We continue to have more men than women coming, and I praise the Lord for His goodness in blessing us with men. Roland spoke about soulwinning from John 4. My sermon was about the purpose of the law. Last week, Bilgee asked how the ordinances of the Old Testament apply to Christians. That prompted my sermon about the Old Testament law.

In the evening, I went over to Ganbold's house to teach a Bible lesson. I was hoping to avoid buuz for at least the month of March (especially since I was sick to my stomach), but there it was - the quintessential Mongolian comfort food. Anyway, after eating some the lesson started with Ganbold, his wife, and two of his adult sons. Two more adult sons were planning to come but had to go to work suddenly Ganbold explained to me.

The lesson went well; the Mongolians seemed to understand what I was teaching. I took my time and presented who God is, man's inherent sinfulness, the wages of sin, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that makes it possible for us to receive forgiveness and eternal life. I think both Ganbold and his son Gantulag are close to salvation. Please pray diligently this week for the conviction of the Holy Spirit and for their salvation. I am to return next Sunday to teach another lesson on the Bible. I am searching for the right Biblical parallel or parable to help them understand this concept of salvation. Also pray that the other two sons can sit in next week's lesson.

Week in review

It has been a busy week. Last Sunday night, I spent some time with some other missionary families before heading across town for a Lunar New Year visit. Ganpurev and I had an opportunity to witness to some of his family and friends.

Monday night was our last Lunar New Year visit. We went to our neighbor's apartment. Again, we talked of Jesus and His salvation. By that time, I had eaten buuz at least once per day and often more for nine days. If I don't see another buuz until April, it will be too soon.

Tuesday night I taught an English class to the Foreign Investment and Foreign Trade Agency of the Mongolian government. It's one way that I work to maintain my visa and residency permission to stay in Mongolia. Then Wednesday night was my Bible lesson with Ganpurev and Ulzee.

Thursday evening, I took a few minutes to stop by Mandaa's place of work to talk to him and invite him to our home next Thursday. When I inquired as to his wife's health and his son's health, he said that everything was fine. Keep that in mind as those facts will come up again soon.

Friday night we entertained another missionary couple in our home. While we were eating with them, I received a phone call from Ulzee. She told me that she had talked to Bayambaa and that Bayambaa and Mandaa's son was very sick and had been for six days! I had no idea. When I had talked myself to Mandaa just the day before, he said that his son was fine.

So on Saturday, Kristie and I went over to visit Bayambaa and her son. Mandaa was at work. I think that he is starting to recover now. For much of those six days, he has had a fever, wouldn't eat, and was lethargic. But today, he was moving around some, eating a little, and drinking anything people would give to him. So I think he is starting to do better. Also on Saturday, Ganbold called me to ask me to come over Sunday evening and teach a Bible lesson to his whole family. I am so excited about this opportunity. Please pray that I would have favor with that family, that the lesson would go well, and that his family would understand what I am teaching them. I will try to post an update about the lesson after Sunday night.