This week's picture is from the third Bible institute class. I'm teaching in Mongolian. I still wish that I spoke Mongolian better.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Saturday, April 04, 2009
It's a fight to pray!
A missionary does many difficult things: learn a new language, travel around North America speaking in churches, trying to reconcile nationals when one is unaware of all the cultural implications. But perhaps the hardest single thing a missionary does is to pray. Hudson Taylor must have experienced the same thing in his ministry because he wrote, "Satan will always find you something to do when you ought to be occupied about that [prayer and Bible study], if it is only arranging a window blind."
I have noticed myself that I should keep a pen and paper next to me whenever I pray because I seem to remember a myriad of different things that need to be done, people who need to be called, or great sermon ideas. I write them down and then immediately get back to prayer.
I schedule my prayer time for early in the morning that allows me to avoid the calls and text messages that seem to come my way. It is amazing when I try to pray at other times of the day the interruptions that can occur.
I have noticed myself that I should keep a pen and paper next to me whenever I pray because I seem to remember a myriad of different things that need to be done, people who need to be called, or great sermon ideas. I write them down and then immediately get back to prayer.
I schedule my prayer time for early in the morning that allows me to avoid the calls and text messages that seem to come my way. It is amazing when I try to pray at other times of the day the interruptions that can occur.
Practice time and game time
Growing up I played basketball. Even through college I played basketball. My least favorite part of being on the basketball team was conditioning. Especially in college, we spent a large part of our time running. My next least favorite part was the drills: passing, dribbling, shooting, more running. If I were to compare the amount of time spent playing basketball to the amount of time spent in practice, I am certain that the amount of time in practice would be more than the amount spend playing in games by a factor of 10 or more.
Why spend so much time practicing? The games are what count. But it is in much practice that we prepared for the games. A team that practices together can overcome teams that have more raw talent but that have not spend as much time developing it.
The same is true in our spiritual lives. Times of prayer, Bible study, meditation on God's word - these all prepare us for the times of discouragement, trouble, and obstacles that crop up occasionally. If we wait for the obstacles and discouraging circumstances to come before we begin to pray, study God's word, and meditate then we will be ill prepared to face our seemingly impossible situations.
In fact, my observation tells me that failure to "practice" is the mark of an immature Christian. He only sees the need for Scripture and prayer and fellowship when life is difficult. When life is going well, he seems content to read his Bible occasionally if at all, to pray only when publically called on to pray, and to miss fellowship with other Christians when something else comes up.
We can never be prepared to be used of God until we have practiced so that when game time comes, we are ready.
Why spend so much time practicing? The games are what count. But it is in much practice that we prepared for the games. A team that practices together can overcome teams that have more raw talent but that have not spend as much time developing it.
The same is true in our spiritual lives. Times of prayer, Bible study, meditation on God's word - these all prepare us for the times of discouragement, trouble, and obstacles that crop up occasionally. If we wait for the obstacles and discouraging circumstances to come before we begin to pray, study God's word, and meditate then we will be ill prepared to face our seemingly impossible situations.
In fact, my observation tells me that failure to "practice" is the mark of an immature Christian. He only sees the need for Scripture and prayer and fellowship when life is difficult. When life is going well, he seems content to read his Bible occasionally if at all, to pray only when publically called on to pray, and to miss fellowship with other Christians when something else comes up.
We can never be prepared to be used of God until we have practiced so that when game time comes, we are ready.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Weekly update
I am so grateful to know that you all pray for us. When obstacles arise or illness strikes or people disappoint, we rest on God's unfailing grace. But it's encouraging to know that you pray for us too.
I cannot share the details of one recent disappointment with you at this time. However, I would ask you to pray for wisdom and patience for us as we seek to do God's will and work to accomplish His will.
The Bible institute program has turned out better than I expected. We had seven Mongolians show up again last night. It looks like the Bible institute will consist of a core group of three Mongolian men and two Mongolian women. Let's pray that these three Mongolian men would grow to be men of character, mighty in spirit, and bold to preach God's word. I find great joy in seeing the Mongolians serving and studying to serve.
And to update those of you praying for Mandaa and Byambaa: there is still no word on him leaving the country. It seems to us as if the offer to work in Russia did not work out. I will keep you updated as I know more - Mandaa is not talking to his wife about it. However, let's also take time to thank the Lord for answering our prayers!
I cannot share the details of one recent disappointment with you at this time. However, I would ask you to pray for wisdom and patience for us as we seek to do God's will and work to accomplish His will.
The Bible institute program has turned out better than I expected. We had seven Mongolians show up again last night. It looks like the Bible institute will consist of a core group of three Mongolian men and two Mongolian women. Let's pray that these three Mongolian men would grow to be men of character, mighty in spirit, and bold to preach God's word. I find great joy in seeing the Mongolians serving and studying to serve.
And to update those of you praying for Mandaa and Byambaa: there is still no word on him leaving the country. It seems to us as if the offer to work in Russia did not work out. I will keep you updated as I know more - Mandaa is not talking to his wife about it. However, let's also take time to thank the Lord for answering our prayers!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Dealing with the police with only six months language training
Recently, John went to the airport with Mark Siekbert a fellow missionary in Mongolia to pick up a missionary who was coming into town. They were driving to the airport in a nine passenger van. On the way to the airport a policemen pulled them over. In Mongolia, a policeman sometimes stop drivers only to check their car registration and driver's license.
Mark was unaware that a nine passenger van requires a different endorsement on a driver's license. Seven passenger vans do not require such an endorsement. This causes no end of confusion as drivers wonder whether their van is considered a seven passenger van or a nine passenger van.
So the policeman checked the vehicle registration and Mark's driver's license and then confiscated his registration and license. Mark has only had a few lessons in Mongolian. John himself only has six months of Mongolian. So the responsibility fell on John to communicate with the police officer.
I was surprised to hear later that John was able to talk the policeman into allowing Mark to continue on out to the airport with the agreement that they would stop on the way back to clear up the confusion. So Mark and John went out to the airport, picked up their fellow missionary, and returned to discuss the issue with the policeman.
I was impressed that John was able to handle the situation as adroitly as he did. He's doing well with the language. On Sunday he spent some time talking with several Mongolians.
Mark was unaware that a nine passenger van requires a different endorsement on a driver's license. Seven passenger vans do not require such an endorsement. This causes no end of confusion as drivers wonder whether their van is considered a seven passenger van or a nine passenger van.
So the policeman checked the vehicle registration and Mark's driver's license and then confiscated his registration and license. Mark has only had a few lessons in Mongolian. John himself only has six months of Mongolian. So the responsibility fell on John to communicate with the police officer.
I was surprised to hear later that John was able to talk the policeman into allowing Mark to continue on out to the airport with the agreement that they would stop on the way back to clear up the confusion. So Mark and John went out to the airport, picked up their fellow missionary, and returned to discuss the issue with the policeman.
I was impressed that John was able to handle the situation as adroitly as he did. He's doing well with the language. On Sunday he spent some time talking with several Mongolians.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
God's protection while driving
This morning while driving to pick people up for the church's service, I had pedestrians scare me in two separate incidents.
The first incident occurred when I was still near home. I had just turned onto the main road and was headed north when a teenage boy and girl crossed to the middle of the street ahead of me. Once in the middle, they hesitated and then the young man ran in front of my vehicle. That was not a problem because plenty of space remained between me and him. The young lady however remained standing on the white line marking the middle of the street but looked as if she might run anytime. This became more of a problem as I approached her and continued to be unsure of her intentions. I slowed and moved towards the right shoulder to give myself more response time should she make a sudden move. As she stood in the middle, I passed her; after I passed I looked into my rear view mirror to notice what she did. She ran in front a car following behind me; the car braked sharply to avoid hitting her. I was thankful to the Lord that she did not run in front of my car.
The second incident occurred mere minutes later when I was traveling on a different street. My jeep was one vehicle in a line of perhaps six or seven cars all traveling in close proximity to each other. I noticed ahead of me that a young girl perhaps six or seven looked as if she was about to cross the road. I figured she would wait until all five or six cars passed before crossing since there did not seem to be much room between cars for a person to pass safely. Suddenly she darted behind the car that I was following which meant that she was trying to cross in front of me. I hit my brakes while moving towards the shoulder again in an effort to buy time to stop.
She hesitated in the middle of my lane as if she was now reconsidering her decision to cross the road in front of my car. By God's grace I was able to stop in time, and she finished crossing the street in front of my car.
Sometimes the safety God provides from day to day is so providential that we don't even notice it. Today it was strikingly apparent that God was protecting me and enabling me to drive safely despite the careless pedestrians around me.
The first incident occurred when I was still near home. I had just turned onto the main road and was headed north when a teenage boy and girl crossed to the middle of the street ahead of me. Once in the middle, they hesitated and then the young man ran in front of my vehicle. That was not a problem because plenty of space remained between me and him. The young lady however remained standing on the white line marking the middle of the street but looked as if she might run anytime. This became more of a problem as I approached her and continued to be unsure of her intentions. I slowed and moved towards the right shoulder to give myself more response time should she make a sudden move. As she stood in the middle, I passed her; after I passed I looked into my rear view mirror to notice what she did. She ran in front a car following behind me; the car braked sharply to avoid hitting her. I was thankful to the Lord that she did not run in front of my car.
The second incident occurred mere minutes later when I was traveling on a different street. My jeep was one vehicle in a line of perhaps six or seven cars all traveling in close proximity to each other. I noticed ahead of me that a young girl perhaps six or seven looked as if she was about to cross the road. I figured she would wait until all five or six cars passed before crossing since there did not seem to be much room between cars for a person to pass safely. Suddenly she darted behind the car that I was following which meant that she was trying to cross in front of me. I hit my brakes while moving towards the shoulder again in an effort to buy time to stop.
She hesitated in the middle of my lane as if she was now reconsidering her decision to cross the road in front of my car. By God's grace I was able to stop in time, and she finished crossing the street in front of my car.
Sometimes the safety God provides from day to day is so providential that we don't even notice it. Today it was strikingly apparent that God was protecting me and enabling me to drive safely despite the careless pedestrians around me.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Local religion
This week's picture was taken by one of the young men during a speaking practice trip to the most famous Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. This is one of the small building there. It contains several idols within. Outside are some prayer wheels. People believe that by spinning these prayer wheels they obtain favor from the gods. Please pray that we will be a bright light in this land of darkness.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Purpose of the Bible institute
The Bible institute work that I do in Mongolia by God's grace will have the greatest impact of any of the ministries with which I have been involved since coming to this country. The Bible institute will be an incubator where Mongolian men can be trained to serve their own people and take the Gospel to the rest of the world.
It is because of the Biblical injunction to train faithful men who shall be able to teach others also in II Timothy 2:2 that I was challenged to start these classes. Of course, there is teaching on Sundays and Wednesdays. Also, I have had basic Bible studies with many of these men in their homes. However, the Bible institute is designed in such a way that it places a greater burden on men to be diligent in their studies. The Bible institute has tuition; it is a small amount but enough to make the men ask themselves what they expect to get out of the class. There are quizzes each week and a final examination at the end of the term. Those whose marks merit such will receive a certificate showing that they have completed the course. It is my goal to offer enough courses over the next several years to enable a man who studies diligently to be granted a certificate of completion in Biblical studies. Because all official schools and their curriculum must be approved by the government it is unlikely that we will ever be able to offer a diploma. However, by having some sort of documentation of their work I hope to encourage men to stick with the program for several years and increase their knowledge of the Bible.
The Bible institute will also provide training for the translators necessary to work on a faithful translation of God's word into beautiful Mongolian. The current translation is something with which we can and do work. We encourage all Mongolians to read their Bible daily, to study it
faithfully, and to obey it. However, those of us with access to the Bible in other languages can see the current translations deficiencies. You must remember that from the first translation of the Bible in English by John Wycliffe to the publication of the King James Version in 1611 was nearly 230 years. We should expect that initial translations of God's word into Mongolian will need some help.
The Bible institute provides a formal way to give some of the necessary help. Every good Bible translation should have a wealth of knowledge about the Bible at his fingertips and an excellent understanding of Biblical doctrines. Such doctrinal preparation will be invaluable to them as they approach the translation of Scripture.
A rigorous study of Bible doctrine will also enable Mongolians Christians to challenge error when they hear it. Many Christians in Mongolia when talking of false doctrine will say something to the effect, "I don't believe that but ..." and offer some excuse as to why they do not confront false doctrine. I believe that many Mongolian Christians see the Bible as a mysterious book whose teachings cannot be known exactly. Rather they believe that there is wide latitude for various understandings. While the human mind because of its finite capacity cannot comprehend all that God has for us, the Bible is a book that God wants us to understand. Too often Mongolians will refuse to engage teachers of false doctrines because they simply do not know their Bible well enough. So error proliferates at an alarming rate while truth seemingly grows slowly. The Bible institute will contribute to the growth of truth and equip believers to confront error when they hear it.
The Bible institute by requiring attendance, charging a nominal fee, encouraging note-taking, and examining the students' retention of doctrine will illustrate to Mongolian Christians the seriousness of Bible study and research. It is not enough for Christians to have a superficial knowledge of the Bible.
The Bible institute has also been a help to me as I prepare and translate materials. Many theological words remain undefined in Mongolian. Teaching at a Bible institute level grants me the opportunity and privilege to study more myself as I prepare to teach others.
Our first Bible institute class, we had eight Mongolians. At our second Bible institute class, five returned and a new Mongolian who had previously expressed an interest came. Another Mongolian came to me later to apologize for missing the class. Please pray for Bill and I as we teach and pray for the Mongolians as they study the most important work ever written because it was penned by God.
It is because of the Biblical injunction to train faithful men who shall be able to teach others also in II Timothy 2:2 that I was challenged to start these classes. Of course, there is teaching on Sundays and Wednesdays. Also, I have had basic Bible studies with many of these men in their homes. However, the Bible institute is designed in such a way that it places a greater burden on men to be diligent in their studies. The Bible institute has tuition; it is a small amount but enough to make the men ask themselves what they expect to get out of the class. There are quizzes each week and a final examination at the end of the term. Those whose marks merit such will receive a certificate showing that they have completed the course. It is my goal to offer enough courses over the next several years to enable a man who studies diligently to be granted a certificate of completion in Biblical studies. Because all official schools and their curriculum must be approved by the government it is unlikely that we will ever be able to offer a diploma. However, by having some sort of documentation of their work I hope to encourage men to stick with the program for several years and increase their knowledge of the Bible.
The Bible institute will also provide training for the translators necessary to work on a faithful translation of God's word into beautiful Mongolian. The current translation is something with which we can and do work. We encourage all Mongolians to read their Bible daily, to study it
faithfully, and to obey it. However, those of us with access to the Bible in other languages can see the current translations deficiencies. You must remember that from the first translation of the Bible in English by John Wycliffe to the publication of the King James Version in 1611 was nearly 230 years. We should expect that initial translations of God's word into Mongolian will need some help.The Bible institute provides a formal way to give some of the necessary help. Every good Bible translation should have a wealth of knowledge about the Bible at his fingertips and an excellent understanding of Biblical doctrines. Such doctrinal preparation will be invaluable to them as they approach the translation of Scripture.
A rigorous study of Bible doctrine will also enable Mongolians Christians to challenge error when they hear it. Many Christians in Mongolia when talking of false doctrine will say something to the effect, "I don't believe that but ..." and offer some excuse as to why they do not confront false doctrine. I believe that many Mongolian Christians see the Bible as a mysterious book whose teachings cannot be known exactly. Rather they believe that there is wide latitude for various understandings. While the human mind because of its finite capacity cannot comprehend all that God has for us, the Bible is a book that God wants us to understand. Too often Mongolians will refuse to engage teachers of false doctrines because they simply do not know their Bible well enough. So error proliferates at an alarming rate while truth seemingly grows slowly. The Bible institute will contribute to the growth of truth and equip believers to confront error when they hear it.
The Bible institute by requiring attendance, charging a nominal fee, encouraging note-taking, and examining the students' retention of doctrine will illustrate to Mongolian Christians the seriousness of Bible study and research. It is not enough for Christians to have a superficial knowledge of the Bible.
The Bible institute has also been a help to me as I prepare and translate materials. Many theological words remain undefined in Mongolian. Teaching at a Bible institute level grants me the opportunity and privilege to study more myself as I prepare to teach others.
Our first Bible institute class, we had eight Mongolians. At our second Bible institute class, five returned and a new Mongolian who had previously expressed an interest came. Another Mongolian came to me later to apologize for missing the class. Please pray for Bill and I as we teach and pray for the Mongolians as they study the most important work ever written because it was penned by God.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Weekly update
This past week has been very busy since Roland Gay from the US has been here. The church has had some extra meetings, and Roland, Bill, and I have been meeting a lot to discuss translation. Sometimes I wish that there were two of me or even three of me to accomplish all the things that need to be done.
Sunday's turnout was excellent. We had five first-time visitors and heard a good message from Roland.
At the Bible institute class on Tuesday, we had five returning Mongolians and one new student who had talked to me earlier about coming but was unable to attend the first class.
Please continue to pray for these "mixed" families where one spouse is saved and the other is not. I specifically asked you to pray a few weeks ago for Byambaa's husband Mandaa who was hoping to got to Kalmyk Republic in Russia to work. Byambaa does not know any details because her husband is not talking to her about it anymore. However, he was supposed to leave last week sometime and is still here. So maybe that is a good sign.
Sunday's turnout was excellent. We had five first-time visitors and heard a good message from Roland.
At the Bible institute class on Tuesday, we had five returning Mongolians and one new student who had talked to me earlier about coming but was unable to attend the first class.
Please continue to pray for these "mixed" families where one spouse is saved and the other is not. I specifically asked you to pray a few weeks ago for Byambaa's husband Mandaa who was hoping to got to Kalmyk Republic in Russia to work. Byambaa does not know any details because her husband is not talking to her about it anymore. However, he was supposed to leave last week sometime and is still here. So maybe that is a good sign.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday update
We had a good turnout in the morning service. Roland and Ganpurev preached. I was not sure where Ganpurev was going when he opened his sermon with the question, "When was the Holy Spirit created?" He went on to tell us that the Holy Spirit was a member of the Trinity and therefore was not a created being. It was a decent sermon for a difficult topic such as the Holy Spirit.
Oyungerel, the mother who came in with her children Saturday night, was back with her children. Her children attended the children's Sunday school class while she stayed with the adults.
Bob was back too for the first time in a while. I think he is making a serious effort to do right and read his Bible everyday. Let's pray for God's protection and help. To me, he seems like a young plant that needs sunlight and water in proper proportion and some protection from the elements to grow. He is still a greenhouse-type of plant.
Oyungerel, the mother who came in with her children Saturday night, was back with her children. Her children attended the children's Sunday school class while she stayed with the adults.
Bob was back too for the first time in a while. I think he is making a serious effort to do right and read his Bible everyday. Let's pray for God's protection and help. To me, he seems like a young plant that needs sunlight and water in proper proportion and some protection from the elements to grow. He is still a greenhouse-type of plant.
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