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Mongolia
Approximately 50 per cent of Mongolia’s population of 3.5 million people live in Ulaanbaatar, and so it is perhaps unsurprising that 90 per cent of missionaries currently working in Mongolia are active in its crowded capital city.
But what of the other 50 per cent, who live a largely nomadic existence in the world’s most sparsely populated sovereign state where an average of just six people inhabit each of its 600,000 square miles?
What of those who have never heard the Gospel?
Previously, those who have endeavoured to reach the Mongolian people for Christ have not always managed to do so in a way that reflects Mongolian culture, and churches that were set up were not infrequently led by individuals from another country. More recently, with the departure of previously active missionary organizations as a result of the pandemic, Mongolian churches have sought to take responsibility for themselves and interpret the Gospel in a way that reflects their own culture.Â
Even so, in order to grow in a sustainable manner, they do need help – help that is now being provided by two SGA sponsored Russian pastors.
One, Mikhail Medvedev, is supporting churches in the west of Mongolia in the running of children’s camps which, through the young people who attend, are reaching families with the Gospel. This July, 13 such camps, partly funded by SGA, will be led by indigenous believers who have been specifically trained for this ministry. Furthermore, campers who have heard God’s Word in the summer will be able to receive ongoing spiritual support during the winter through a follow-up programme which is already in place.Â
The other SGA-supported pastor is Oleg Sinyakov who, as the director of a Preachers’ School in the east of Mongolia, is helping to train the 25 students who are currently enrolled there. With proposals for the future development of the school already under consideration, the focus will always be on Gospel ministry with the aim of yet more Mongolian-style churches being established in that far-off land.Â
Other projects include funding for radio programmes broadcast by Trans World Radio, the building of Hope Centres off ering support to struggling families, and the production of systematic Bible Study material to teach young people sound doctrine in a way that is understandable to those brought up within the Mongolian culture.Â
The preparation of these resources is now almost complete, but work continues so that a family Bible in the Mongolian language can be made available to the Mongolian people. Already, 3,400 Family Bibles have been printed, with hopes of printing a great many more.
Mongolia may be a long way away, but it is not so far off that it cannot be reached with the Gospel. Pray for these Gospel Expansion endeavours, as the Good News continues to be taken to the very ends of the earth.