Tom and Nancy Lin

Host to unrivalled natural splendor and a proud people, Mongolia is a newly open country emerging from 70 years of Communist rule. In a few short years, Christianity has taken root and is rapidly growing – but so have poverty, alcoholism, homelessness and other social concerns. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital and cultural, social and political center is home to numerous museums and historically important spots. The nearby mountains and forests (such as Bogd Khaan Mountain National Park and Terelj) provide a quick getaway to the fresh air of the countryside.

The country

Mongolia lies sandwiched between China and Russia. One of its most famous leaders was Genghis Khan who was around during the 13th century. During that time the Mongolian empire grew to be the biggest the world has ever known, stretching right the way across Asia as far as Central Europe. 40% of the population live a nomadic lifestyle, moving around with their houses and animals. This lifestyle means that many have been massively affected by devastating snowfalls and harsh winters in recent years. Thousands of animals have died and many people are living on the brink of starvation.

The Mongols have a long prehistory and a most remarkable history. Their ancestors were the Huns, a people who lived in Central Asia from the 3rd to the 1st century BC. A single Mongolian feudal state eventually was formed in the early 13th century AD from nomadic tribal groupings. Its leader, Genghis Khan, and his successors in the 13th century controlled a vast empire that included much of China, Russia, and Central Asia. Because of its location between China and Russia, Mongolia subsequently was dominated first by one and then the other, but mainly by the Manchurian Chinese (1691-1921). Damdiny SŸhbaatar, the national hero of modern Mongolia, was profoundly influenced by the October Revolution (1917) in Russia and later, with Soviet assistance, drove out both the White Russians and the Chinese. SŸhbaatar's forces achieved power on July 11, 1921, traditionally the founding date of the present state.

From its independence from China in 1921, Mongolia was closely tied to the Soviet Union until the end of the 1980s. It received technical, economic, and military assistance from the Soviet Union and generally followed Soviet guidance in political and cultural matters, both domestic and international. In the period 1990-92, however, Mongolia moved away from a monopoly of political power by the communist party to free multiparty elections, a coalition government, a new constitution, greater cultural and religious freedom with more emphasis on national Mongol traditions, and a neutral position in international relations, as well as toward some elements of a market economy.

The society

• Dramatic increase in crime and divorce in 1990’s
• 33 mil animals total (sheep, horse, cow, camel, and goat are top 5)
• People’s homes: 1% live in houses, 33% in gers, 22% apartments, 44% wood shacks (in UB, 49% live in apartments, the rest in gers/shacks)
• Due to housing shortage, 3 generations of families often share 1 small apt. (2-3 rooms). They also often go to gers in the countryside to “rest” in the summers.

The church

Mongolia used to be one of the most difficult countries for Christians to enter. Now, after the fall of communism, things are much more open. The number of Christians in Mongolia has grown rapidly – there may have been only 1 believer in 1989, and that number grew to 21,588 in 2004! There are now over 200 churches in the country. Thank God for the growth of His church in Mongolia!

There are Christians meeting in nearly every one of Mongolia's provinces, with most churches planted in Ulaanbaatar. A majority of Christians are young in age (high school and college students), and often face persecution from their own families. Pray for these first-generation Christians, and that these Christians would be equipped to tell their families about Jesus and reach other generations.

Tibetan Buddhism has a strong hold in Mongolia – and much of this is rooted in even older traditions of Shamanism. Pray for effective evangelism, especially in the countryside areas where older traditions prevail. Pray for the Mongolian churches, who are now preparing to send workers into these difficult countryside areas.