Mongolia is in East Asia, sandwiched between China and Russia. It was founded by Genghis Khan in the early 1200s and became the largest empire in the history of the world! In 1921, a Russian-supported Communist government was installed, and the country remained Communist until 1990.
At the time that Communism left Mongolia, only 4 people were reported to be Christian. Today, there are over 40,000 Christians throughout the country, making up 1.72% of the population. The Mongolian church is only one generation old, but has matured quickly, already developing its own culturally appropriate worship style. The church is sending out its own missionaries to unreached areas of the country.
Historically, Mongolia is a Buddhist nation. Shamanism and Islam are also officially recognized. There are certain freedoms granted to all religions, however, there is some interference from the government in Christian work. Buddhist and Shamanist beliefs, including superstitions and occult practices, have experienced a resurgence since the fall of Communism.
Mongolians were traditionally a nomadic people, mostly herding sheep, goats, cattle, camels, and horses. Thirty percent of the population is still nomadic, living in round tents made of animal skins, called “Gers”. The Gobi dessert is in the south of the country and 3 major mountain ranges are in the north, making for extreme differences of climate.
The official language is Mongolian, followed by Russian, English, and Korean, due to Mongolians working and studying abroad in South Korea.
Mongolian cuisine is basically meat, especially mutton, and milk products, such as cheese and yogurt. Vegetables are limited, due to the extreme climate.
When I think of Mongolia, I always think of this picture from an Operation Christmas Child newsletter, picturing boxes being carried by yaks. These gift-filled shoe boxes are given to children, to tell of God’s gift to the world, Jesus.
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Sources:
Operation World by Jason Mandryk
