MONGOLIA
Whats with the title Melanie?
‘Coming soon, dog sound’ or ‘oirtokh nokhoin duu’ is a common phrase here in Mongolia, and means 80% complete. As we enter our last week of ministry here in Mongolia this phrase becomes is very fitting.
I see a common theme forming on the race. There is always a rush to the finish. It seems that in the last week we are in a country more opportunities arise, relationships deepen, and I honestly wonder how we will get everything done. Thank God for having a plan for it all, and somehow everything is finished. Before I dig in deeper to ministry specifics, I am going to give an overview of some neat things that have happened.
Similar to last month’s ministry in China, a large part of our ministry has been ‘friendship evangelism’ :Making friends and inviting them to the English lessons, and game nights we host out at the church where we are staying.
A Big City in a Nomadic Horse Land
nomad [noh-mad] noun:
- a member of a people or tribe that has no permanent abode but moves about from place to place, usually seasonally and often following a traditional route or circuit according to the state of the pasturage or food supply.
This month our ministry in is based in Mongolia’s capitol, Ulan Bator. As the center hub of Mongolia, this city contains 46% of Mongolia’s population at 1.3 million people. Over the years an influx of nomads moved to Ulan Bator from the surrounding areas of this vast country.
Horses play a large role in the daily and national life of the Mongols; “To appreciate the Mongol you must see him on horseback,—and indeed you rarely see him otherwise, for he does not put foot to ground if he can help it. The Mongol without his pony is only half a Mongol, but with his pony he is as good as two men. It is a fine sight to see him tearing over the plain, loose bridle, easy seat, much like the Western cowboy, but with less sprawl.” (wikipedia)
Mongolia holds more than 3 million horses, an equine population which outnumbers the country’s human population.
Overlooking the nomadic country side + living out my dream of riding a horse, in the country known for their horses!
Mongolian Saddle & Horse Ranch
In 1990 Mongolia became the only Asian country to successfully transition from communist rule to a democratic government system. Although, The prior soviet influence and communism can easily be seen in the buildings, language, and traditional food dishes. It is said that during the communist rule showing emotion, especially being outwardly happy was not viewed as culturally acceptable. This lack of emotion can still be felt on the streets of Mongolia today, and adds a new ‘twist’ to our prior ministry work in China.
Breaking the Bible Belt
One of our ministry tasks this month is to help with church service on Sundays. We help lead worship, give testimonies, serve tea, and one of us will give a sermon. Guess who is helping lead the english singing worship this month? Moi, little flute player Melanie, not singer Melanie. I have never sang in front of anyone seriously, ever.
As our first service began my nerves ran high. We had just learned one of the songs we would be singing the night before/morning of, and they like to sing an octave higher here than my alto voice can handle… Falsetto it is thought (which I obviously know how to do… so well).
As the music began, our Mongolian friend on the worship team, MJ, began to pray out loud. All of a sudden my nerves began to disappear. As I listened to MJ I could not understand a word she was saying. But what transcended was the Holy Spirit flowing from her lips. As she spoke out came boldness, passion, a love, and desire for Jesus that was unquestionable. With shivers running up my spine, I opened my eyes to glance at the microphone in my hands, and noticed the goosebumps and all the hair standing up straight on my arms.
It was in this moment I gave it to God. I gave Him my fear, my vocal chords, my memory for the lyrics; everything. Most of all I felt blessed. God was using me in a way He never had, and I loved EVERY second of it.
Worship Team, woot! MJ, Batra, Mark, and Me!
Without any fancy Christian words, English, or audibly understanding anything other than ‘Jesus’, the Holy Spirit transcended. Unlike the North American ‘Bible Belt’ where if your religion goes unstated it assumed you are a Christian (my friends I know this is a different case in the GTA), only 10% of the Mongolian population follow Christ. As the minority the Christians we have met have taken a stand in faith with their family, and in their community. Their passion, their authenticity is powerful.
Members of our church praying after service
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Our church family
MORE TO COME!
Stay tuned for my next blog about the relationships we have made here in Mongolia:)
Thanks for reading friends
Mel
