Deans' weekly update

This past weekend we enjoyed a great Sunday. We had strong attendance in the morning, one of the best days we have had since we returned. In the evening, J.B. Godfrey spoke. He is one of those servants of God with so much experience that he has probably forgotten more about serving God than I know. He has stories from Africa, from Asia, from the United States. Not stories that he has heard from others, mind you. Stories in which he has had some participation. It was very encouraging to hear him speak.

Concerning the church, my goal for this spring is to reach out to the new community in which we are meeting. Yesterday a neighbor came for the second time. Togsoo (took'•so) brought a neighbor also. There was a fellowship afterwards that gave us an opportunity to deepen friendships.

There are many obstacles at present amongst the church members: stubbornness, sickness, unemployment, lack of love. I am so glad to be serving a God Who does not fret because of obstacles. Spend some time praising God this week for His goodness.

Quote of the week

"I may place on record my conviction that the needs of the mission field are always greater than the needs of the church at home, that no human qualifications, however high, render a man or woman more than adequate for missionary work, that there is no career that affords such scope for enterprise and creative work, and that in comparison with the slight sacrifice demanded, the reward is great beyond all measuring." — Stephen Neil in Builders of the Indian Church

First day above freezing in 2011

Yesterday was the first day of 2011 that temperatures rose above freezing, reaching a high of 39. For me, this signals the beginning of spring. Ulan Bator will still have more days of cold and wind, snow and ice. But we can now officially start to thaw out.

First Youth Activity at Faith Baptist Church

We had our first ever youth activity at Faith Baptist Church last night. Previously, we have had few or no teenage children. But as the children of some of our families grow up we decided to host an activity for them. We had six Mongolian teens and four American teens in attendance last night. We ate pizza—what's a youth activity without pizza, played ping-pong, and had some other games. Bill preached in English, and Dashka translated into Mongolian.

Charissa and Heather (Bill's daughter) made the pizza for the teens. I am glad that they took responsibility for the food.

The teens had a good time, heard good preaching, and deepened their friendships. Many of these teens have intense temptations. Some have parents who are uninvolved in their lives. They need a place to interact with other teens and adults who are concerned about their spiritual growth.

If you want to test out the ultimate motorhome ...

... then you come to Mongolia. We have Mercedes-Benz newest motorhome here. Check it out. Thank you to Dick Siemers who sent the link.

Deans' weekly update

There are two prayer requests that I have for you this week. First, we have several visitors coming in the next month. Later this week a missionary and his field administrator will be coming to Mongolia. It will not be the first time for either one of them. However, it will mean some adjustments for both of them. I will be helping the missionary to find housing and other arrangements because he plans to bring his family back to Mongolia soon.

A single missionary will be moving here permanently at the beginning of April. He has plans to study the language for a year in the city before moving to the countryside. Please pray for him to quickly adjust.

My parents plan to arrive in the middle of April. I have an order of wood and tools from China paid for with my father's money that I really would like to arrive before they do. My father has plans to teach some of the men of the church his woodworking skills. The order from China has been delayed by paperwork. Please pray that it will arrive in a timely manner.

Kristie and I have been feeling unwell but not quite sick the last few days. I became extremely dizzy on Sunday during my preaching and had to sit down. The Lord restored my sense of balance, and I was able to finish my sermon. Please pray that we would discern God's will in our illness.

Picture of the week

They are building a mosque here in Ulaanbaatar (variously spelled Ulan Bator and Ulaan Bator). There are not a large number of Muslims in our city. The Kazakhs in the west are often Muslims, and there is a group of Muslims who live in a town not far from us.

I have heard that the mosque is being build with money from outside Mongolia. There are a number of expatriates who are Muslim who live in Ulaanbaatar, and there are a few Mongolian citizens who are Muslims who will worship at this mosque. I am certain that a well-built mosque will also attract the attention of other Mongolians. After all, this is being built at a prominent intersection.

Another quote of the week

The art of listening is indispensable for the right use of the mind. It is also the most gracious, the most open, and the most generous of human habits.

Quote of the week

“If they ask you what promise of ultimate success is here, tell them, ‘as much as that there is an Almighty and Faithful God Who will perform His promises.’… And if that does not satisfy them, beg them to let me stay here and try it.” — Adoniram Judson

Warm weather is coming!

It's windy today, typical spring weather in Mongolia. However, it's not yet above freezing. I checked and the forecast says our first day of temperatures above freezing will occur in about ten days. I can't wait!