Sunday update

Sunday is coming to a close, my final full day in Mongolia. I had the privilege and joy of preaching in English and Mongolian again today. I must say that my Mongolian was much improved this week over last. And I certainly felt as if the Mongolians were tracking closely both in my Mongolian preaching this morning and in the adult Bible study lesson.

Something unusual happened in my Mongolian preaching this morning. As the singing was coming to a close, I was contemplating the best way to open the message when a Mongolian saying came to my mind. I realized that years ago, I had been pondering that with a few small adjustments a well-known Mongolian proverb could be made to say, and I paraphrase, "If you will attempt great things for God, He will do great things for you." This was in line with the quote from William Carey that I used when preaching a similar message in English in Oregon, "Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God." The major difference was that Mongolians would easily identify the origin of the saying and, with God's help, remember the main point of the lesson more thoroughly.

I then proceeded to preach the message, weaving the modified Mongolian maxim throughout. The Mongolians responded with interest and much nodding of heads. I must say that it was one of the most well-followed sermons I have ever preached in Mongolian.

The reason that I say this was unusual is that I cannot remember another time when I have added a piece to the message minute before I was to preach in Mongolian and woven it throughout in which it was effective. I know that many of you are praying for me. God in His grace and goodness gave me a proverb on which to hang the message and leave the Mongolians with a memorable quote. To God be the glory!

The church service ended with an adult Bible study. Again, the Mongolians showed much interest. One Mongolian even blurted out an answer after I had called on another Mongolian by name. She was so excited to share the answer that she did not give her Christian brother a chance to answer. That rarely happens in a Mongolian setting. Again, I attribute the deep interest in the topic of spiritual maturity to your prayers and God's goodness.

During my entire time here, I have let Mongolians and Americans alike know that Caleb is planning to return to Mongolia next summer after he completes high school to study the Mongolian language and re-acquaint himself with Mongolia culture. He plans to stay for as much as a year. Considering what he believes God has called him to do, I think this is an excellent idea. I mention it here because Jason Ritchie told the people of Khan-Uul Baptist Church that when I come back next summer with Caleb, he wants me to preach at nightly meetings for a week!

I look forward to beginning the long trip home tomorrow. I have much of Monday in Mongolia and will use it to encourage Ganpurev and meet with the missionaries here. Please pray for more of God's grace and assistance for my final day in Mongolia and for the trip home.
God is certainly at work in Mongolia! Thank you for your prayers.

My fickle heart

Today is one of those days when I wonder why I ever left Mongolia. I open my mouth, and words – Mongolian words – come tumbling out. Mongolians remark on how well I am speaking the language. One says to me that you must have a Mongolian to speak with in the United States because otherwise how do you remember the language so well when you only come once a year. Traffic flows, and I can get from one place to another quickly and without fuss. I walk into Millie's Café and order a coffee. The barista whom I have known for years hands a coffee to me and as I reach to get out my Mongolian togrogs to pay for it says, "Don't worry about it. This one is free."

I visit Ganaa; and she says, "Now that you are back, I will attend church." Later in the conversation as we are discussing my job change, she says, "Why don't you come back to Mongolia and pastor a church?" Keep in mind that Mongolians often are wary of foreigners in positions of leadership. And now one of them says to me, "Come and be a pastor here." Bright days, indeed.

It is hard to say no. But I did. I have no doubt that the Mongolians are sincere when they say such things to me. But I also know that the Mongolians do need to lead! The Mongolians do need to serve! And, as I told Ganaa, there is a church in the United States that needs me to shepherd them.

And then there are days like yesterday when it took me an hour to get across town. Selfish drivers block streets, horns blare, taxis run up on the sidewalk in a vain attempt to create a new street, pedestrians risk their lives to cross the road. Or my taxi driver this afternoon who asked me if I ever visited Dari Ekh before where Ganaa lives. I had no idea what he was saying, and told him so. Later, when he tried to take a wrong turn, I said, "Keep going straight," in at least passible Mongolian because he swerved back into traffic and headed straight. He said to me, "I thought you didn't know where you were going!"

"I'm sorry, I didn't understand you," I replied sheepishly.

These are the times when I am glad that I do not live here. When my friends remind me that it is -40 in the winter. Is that Celsius or Fahrenheit, you ask. It does not matter. At 40 below Fahrenheit and Celsius are the same.

Our hearts are so fickle. It is important to follow God's lead and not one's feelings. As Martin Luther said,
    Feelings come and feelings go,
    And feelings are deceiving;
    My warrant is the Word of God–
    Naught else is worth believing.

    Though all my heart should feel condemned
    For want of some sweet token,
    There is One greater than my heart
    Whose Word cannot be broken.

    I’ll trust in God’s unchanging Word
    Till soul and body sever,
    For, though all things shall pass away,
    HIS WORD SHALL STAND FOREVER!

But for today, I will thank the Lord for blessed visits with grateful Mongolians.

Wednesday update

I have thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Mongolia. My goals for this trip included encouraging Mongolian Christians. I have eaten meals with six families and have several more scheduled. Additionally, I have several families yet to schedule. Many Mongolians have confided problems to me, and we have been able to look into God's word to find answers, comfort, and hope.

One of these was entirely unexpected. Tuesday I went to visit Chuck Webber and his family. They arrived in Mongolia in October and are still learning the language. To learn the language they often have Mongolian guests to their house. Tammy Webber fixed us a delicious meal which we shared with five Mongolians! One of those Mongolians was Monkhuu (pronounced monk•oo). At the age of two his hip was damaged in an accident. He later had a series of surgeries performed to increase his mobility. But instead of increasing his mobility, the surgeries left his hip locked into socket. His hip no longer moves at all. He admitted that although he is a Christian he sometimes becomes depressed by his physical condition. Along with other encouraging words, I shared with him Romans 8:35-37. I was not even planning that visit with Monkhuu but merely met him incidentally in the course of my day.

I also came to assist with the Mongolian Old Testament translation work. The past two mornings, I have met with the translators. They have done the work, but I have had the opportunity to hear what they have done and give advice in solving some of the riddles the translation team has encountered when they bring the Bible from Hebrew to Mongolian.

I had the opportunity to preach on Sunday, once in English and once in Mongolian. After that I led a Mongolian adult Bible study. We looked at what it means for every man to be swift to hear (James 1:19) and how we can be better listeners. Already this week in my visits people have shared with me how they are implementing that lesson. Tonight I am preaching in Mongolian again-this time I will preach that God is worthy of our praise. Often our prayers are filled with requests; we certainly have much for which to pray. But we must take time in our prayers to worship God for His incredible, awe-inspiring attributes and thank Him for His innumerable good gifts.

Continue to pray for me as I finish my visit to Mongolia next Monday. Tomorrow, I will have a chance to see Dashka whom I have not seen in several years. In previous visits he has been busy or in the countryside. I suspect that he is not going to church anywhere. I want to exhort and admonish him as a Christian brother. Pray for me.

Scott Dean

Sunday update

Sunday is coming to a close in Mongolia. Thank you for praying for my trip.

I preached in English and Mongolian this morning. After a Mongolian meal, I led an adult Bible study in Mongolian. Speaking in Mongolian for prolonged periods of time as when one preaches is a chore. But God gave me grace. After the message a Mongolian lady who has been saved since our departure remarked that my messages were interesting.

I have already begun to work on the book of Ruth in Mongolian. It has already been translated into Mongolian; I am checking the translation for accuracy.

Please pray for Ganpurev and his family. I need to have a heart to heart talk with Ganpurev. Sometimes people just need to be prodded in the right direction, encouraged to know that their work matters, and given a fresh vision for what God has for them.

Jason Ritchie and his family have been sick, and then the church meeting place flooded. There has been a significant amount of rain here but not so much that the building would flood. It is probably a good thing that he did not need to preach today. This week I will lead two more Bible studies, meet with the translation team, visit and encourage Mongolian Christians, and converse with some new missionaries. Keep praying for me.

Purpose of my trip to Mongolia

I made it safely to Mongolia on Wednesday night, the first day of the Mongolian summer celebration called Naadam. The route from the airport to the room where I am staying led past the stadium. Despite the fact that it was 10:30 some of the roads were packed with cars filled people making their way home from the Naadam events. We were not delayed long, however; and I arrived to my room about 11.

I am staying near the heart of the city, south of downtown. I am about the same distance from downtown as I was when we lived here. Being in the center of the city is nice for transportation. Last time when Kristie, Caleb, and I visited we were some distance from downtown and had occasional delays getting a taxi. I am also across the street from the location where the church meets on Sundays. I will be speaking to the church in English and Mongolian on Sunday. I will be able to walk across the street to attend services.

I have three purposes in my trip. First, to exhort and encourage the church through preaching. I will be preaching both Sundays that I am here as well as speaking at some Bible studies during the week. Second, I will assist the Old Testament translation team next week with some of their work. The comfortable room in which I am staying is attached to the office where the Old Testament translation team meets. They are on holiday this week because of Naadam but will be back in the office next week. I have set aside a few days to help them. I will be checking a draft of the book of Ruth, giving my opinion on the transliteration of names, and discussing questions of Mongolian vocabulary and grammar.

Additionally, I want to encourage Christians by visiting their homes. Already I have been in Ganpurev's home and will be visiting Baysaa this evening. The people of Westgate Baptist Church were so gracious to provide gifts which along with items my family prepared I will be giving to each family that I visit. I not only want to encourage my Mongolian brothers and sisters, I also want to encourage the missionary families that are here. Ulaanbaatar can be a lonely place. I hope to bring some companionship. Unfortunately, Jason Ritchie whom I hoped to meet last night has come down with illness. He hopes to be better tomorrow.

Pray for these purposes and check back often to see how my trip is progressing.

We went to Mongolia to participate in the dedication of the Mongolian New Testament. I was thrilled to see years of prayer and effort become reality. We all praise God for enabling us to have a small part in putting God's word into people's hands. The Mongolians were impressed with the quality of the printing. Several of them remarked positively to me about the readability of the text. All of which encouraged me and other members of the translation team. I was also able to participate in several meetings to chart the course for the translation of the Old Testament into Mongolian.

In order to enable more missionaries to use the company as a pathway into Mongolia, I needed to take some legal steps that required my presence in Mongolia. In a nutshell, I signed over my company to Jason Ritchie. That action opens up the possibility of another missionary taking his spot in the company. Pray that God will continue to use the company I founded to enable his work in the country.

We also wanted to encourage Mongolians. Before our trip, Jason mentioned that Ganpurev seemed very discouraged. A combination of church apathy, lack of work, health issues, and family stresses have been avenues for Satan's attacks on Ganpurev and his ministry. by the end of our visit, we noticed a new spirit of joy and peace. Jason remarked that Ganpurev seemed to be ready to continue the work both in the shop and in the church. Pray for God's power to be evident in his life.

Finally, Caleb returned to Mongolia for the first time since 2012. Before the trip he was excited about the chance to use his language skills and reacquaint himself with Mongolian food which he claimed to really enjoy.  I knew that after five years of pizza, hamburgers, tater chips, and soda pop – those staples of the American diet – his tastebuds would have changed. I anticipated that a few Mongolian meals would satisfy his desire for buuz, khuushuur, and aaruul.

But I was wrong! Caleb ate every Mongolia meal put before him with gusto. A meal was provided at the Mongolian New Testament dedication ceremony. However, there was no Mongolian food. Caleb was annoyed. "If we are in Mongolia, we should be eating Mongolian food," he said as if eating Mongolian food were as appetizing to the foreigners in attendance as it was to him.

Because of the intricate  nature of the Mongolian language, I expected that Caleb would find it hard to communicate. Again, I was pleasantly surprised. Caleb understood much of the conversations between me and other Mongolians. He also used his own language ability to good effect. By the end of the trip, Caleb and I were conspiring about ways that he could visit Mongolia and stay for months instead of weeks.

In short, God was good to bless us and fulfill the desires of our heart on this trip. Continue to pray for the Christians in Mongolia, the ongoing translation work in the Old Testament, and direction for Caleb as he considers what God has for his life.

Pictures from Mongolia

Where has time gone?!

Our trip to Mongolia is over. I did not post nearly all the things I wanted to post. First of all, my Internet access in Mongolia was sporadic and slow. Some days I could easily access my blog, other days I could not. Second, I had trouble posting pictures. So for the next few days, I will post some more pictures and updates from our trip to Mongolia even though I am already home.

This is a picture of me with Pastor Ganpurev and Baysaa.

Update & prayer requests

We have packed our 10 days here so far with much exhortation and encouragement. Usually visiting two, sometimes three families in a day, Mongolians and Americans, we have reached out to bring a message of hope. 

One important reason for this trip was to encourage and strengthen Pastor Ganpurev and his wife Ulzee in order to energize Faith Baptist Church. I cannot say how much we energized Faith Baptist Church (more on that in a moment), but Ganpurev and Ulzee are noticeably encouraged. Our good friend, Jason Ritchie, remarked on how encouraged and positive Ganpurev has been this past week that we have been here.

Two of the families whom we saw saved and baptized during our time in Mongolia have started to grow in ways that we did not see when we were here. Gantsetseg came to us when she was estranged from her husband and had no where to go. God arranged a meeting between her and my friend Bilgee. Bilgee brought her to a church meeting on an unusually wet Sunday. I have often wondered if Gantsetseg came to the meeting because she wanted to know more about Jesus or if she came to the meeting with her little daughter to stay dry.

She kept coming because our family aided her when she had no place to go. Eventually, she became a Christian. I baptized her, and she became a member of Faith Baptist Church. In the last few years she has begun to change. One evidence of this was that she has stopped drinking alcohol despite the pressure at work to drink. (She is an elementary school teacher.) Recently, she had an argument with a Christian woman who attends another church. After the argument, she called the other woman to admit her fault and apologize. This is a huge change for her. Unfortunately, she has been attending another church that is geographically closer to her.

We also visited Togsoo & Gantuya. You may remember their little son who when still a crawler stuck his arm in a pail of just-boiled water and was severely burned. The Lord providentially used that experience to bring Togsoo to saving faith in Jesus some time later.

Three years ago when my wife and I visited their home to encourage them they had quit attending church. When we left Gantuya started crying. At the time, my wife and I both considered it and thought that it was perhaps a melodramatic reaction to our visit. She told Kristie during this visit that she was crying because she knew that at that time she was doing wrong. She was sinning and knew that we would not approve. She was under conviction but did not want to talk about it.

About a year later after Elsie and I visited their home, her husband became serious about his relationship with God. They both confessed to God and to one another their various sins and agreed to serve God. How they have grown since that time! They still admit that they have their problems but not like they used to have.

Pray for a massive project of gers (yurts) to be shipped to the United States to come through. It would provide about six months of work for the carpenter shop. If that order goes well, it may initiate another order. All told, it could mean much work over the next few years for these men. But it starts with this first order. Pray by name that our carpenter shop would have favor with Bill, the Mongolian side liaison, and Richard, the man in the United States to place this order with our shop.

Pray for Mary Ritchie. She has been quite sick since before we arrived. We brought a few things to alleviate the symptoms, but nothing seems to help. When we visited last night, we really enjoyed our time with the family, but Mary was unable to join us.

We leave on Friday. I have a couple more important events yet. Today, we will visit a former friend who is at the hospital with his daughter. Then we have a dinner scheduled with Ganpurev and his family. Tomorrow, Jason and I will have a meeting with the carpenter shop. We also have a farewell fellowship with anyone who wishes to join us on Thursday ahead of our departure the next morning. 

Thank you all for your prayers.

Caleb is really doing well with the language

Thursday Kristie and I spent some hours with Bill & Marcy Patterson. They are good friends! We left Caleb at our room. There are other people in the building including Noah Kruchkow a missionary kid about Caleb's age. We told Caleb to talk to Noah, read his book, and get some rest.

While we were gone, Caleb went out, found a little Mongolian cafe, and ordered himself some khuushuur. It is one of my favorite Mongolian dishes. He said he waited for a while, and no khuushuur came for him. So he finally asked the cafe how long he would have to wait. They told him thirty minutes. So he left, came back thirty minutes later, and got his khuushuur. 

My wife and I are amazed at his ability in the Mongolian language after being away for five years. He never spoke it much when we lived here only using a few phrases and simple sentences. But on this trip he has been answering questions and following conversations.

Also on Thursday, we had dinner at Bob & Ganaa's house. They are one of our oldest friends in Mongolia. Ganaa was a help to my wife particularly, helping with the issues of running a household in Mongolia. She also taught my wife Mongolian which is one reason that my wife speaks the language so well. They seem to be doing better than they have in the past. Bob has a bum knee. The doctors say that surgery would be the best way to treat it. He injured it thirty years ago playing soccer. At that time, he did not seek treatment for it. After a few months it seemed better. But recently it has been troubling him again.

On the way home last night, I told Caleb to go ahead and tell the taxi driver where we wanted to go. So when we got in the taxi, Caleb told the driver the directions. I spoke to my family in English but was tired and said nothing in Mongolian to the driver. We were most of the way to our destination when the driver as traffic slowed rolled down his window and asked a Mongolia a particular about Caleb's directions as if he did not know exactly where to go.

At that moment it occurred to me: the driver clearly understood what Caleb said; he just did not know that district well enough to make it to the end. He waited until he reached the district Caleb mentioned to ask a Mongolian if he was going the correct way. (He was.) Second, the driver, who had never heard my wife or I speak a word of Mongolian, assumed that Caleb was the Mongolian speaker for the family. 

As soon as I heard the driver asking for directions, I spoke up in Mongolian. "Keep going straight," I said. "You're on the right road."