Missions, albeit short-term, is something I'd encourage every Christian to participate in. That kind of concentrated ministry attached to the challenge of working and living with your team is something truly life-transforming. For some, it's immediate and palpalble, for others, it's a process.

I praise God for the privilege to be a part of the church in Mongolia. It's growing and I anticipate great, great things in the next 10-20 years.

The experience was, summed up in one word: awesome. I learned, yet again, how much God loves me and His people, He revealed a lot of myself to me (sins and strengths), He showed me what works and what works even better in ministry. Again, He reminded me where His heart breaks- for the poor, the fatherless, the orphans and widows. And again, He told me... "Esther, it's not for you to understand, it's for you to do something about..."

My team was pretty amazing. Some of the most talented people I've ever worked with. I can't imagine a more perfectly hand-picked team. Sure, there were times we were challenged to be flexible (either ourselves or with other teammates), times when we discouraged each other, and times when, before we even knew it, group tension seeped in. Warfare, perhaps. It happened when we least anticipated, when we were the most relieved, and when we didn't even know it. Tricky, that evil one. Still, God is sovereign over any tension. I learned a lot from each teammate. We worked really well with each other... and more than a team, we were family.

Speaking of family, I got to stop in Korea for 2 days to hang out with my parents before coming home last night. Those 2 days were it's own story and adventure. I think seeing my parents and being at "home" was probably one of the best post-missions places to be. I got to see relatives I haven't seen in over 10 years. And I saw my 95 year old grandfather, the sole remaining grandparent. That was probably one of the hardest visits, but also one of the most impactful of my life. He shared morsels of wisdom, all centered on God, prayer, and the Word. How blessed I am to be a part of a long lineage of believers.

I miss the students we worked with a lot. I even got an email from Zaya today. I fell in love with my class: Munkhuu, Naraa, Zaya, and Odko. They were beautiful, kind-hearted, humble, servants to each other and to God. Their understanding of God's love is often child-like. Even though I'm growing in age, I think God wants me on my knees like a baby aching for its Father. He loves me very much. He loves you more than you could ever imagine.

Praise Him!

THANK YOU FOR THE PRAYERS AND SUPPORT!
-Esther

6-28-04- Got up around 7:00am this morning. Can't say I slept too well as I didn't have a pillow and couldn't sleep on one side of my body too long because of the hard wood floors. The shower situation is interesting because we have to use a bucket and the shower stall itself is very small - almost like something I'd find in a Hong Kong apartment. I'm really excited right now and just looking forward to meeting the students.
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We had a full first day at the FCS 1 center. It didn't take us long to realize that the students command of English was very diverse depending on whom we were teaching. The day started with some large group activites. We sang, "My Life Is In You Lord" - a song the students were familiar with. Afterwards, we played a few rounds of "pachi san", but with so many people in the circle, it was difficult to get the pattern even halfway around the circle. Next, it was time for the Bible study and a lesson on trials and temptations taken from chapter 1 of the book of James. We used an English-to-Mongolian dictionary as well as a Mongolian phrasebook extensively. We also found out that using picture illustrations on the white board helped tremendously. Jenn and I were partnered in a group with three other FCS 1 students. Two from the group were missing and we expect them to show up tomorrow. The main concepts we tried to convey was the distinction between trials and tempations and why/how we should remain joyful toward trials. The illustration we used was of a seed (us) and trials as the storm and rain. The temptation was for us to always pray/hope for sunshine to the point that we cannot withstand any storm. After the Bible study, we reached headed out to lunch with the study group. Tom joined us and we had "broshki" which is a deep-fried pastry with ground meat and onions stuffed in the middle- very delicious (I kept saying "goy"). We returned back to the FCS 1 center for the afternoon English lesson and used the lesson to study salutations. We finished early and even played two icebreaker games - "telephone pictionary" and "never". By then it was around 3:00pm and we did our specialized breakout sessions. The students could choose from four options. Chun and I helped to lead the origami sessions and we had the students learn to design a box (bottom and top separately) and embellish the boxes with cut out designs. We spent the last fifteen minutes folding a fish and hope to use that for Wednesday's project. There are a total of five breakout sessions (M, W, F on the first week and W, F on the second). We lift up the students to you. It was nice just to spend time with them eating together, learning Mongolian, teaching English, playing basketball, praise, etc. I can sense that many there cannot find the words in English to express to us their faith. Let all our words be few and the music fade at times so that we are drawn back to the heart of worship. I really got a lot of insight into the lives of Christians who live in a society so different from where I come from. All of us in the team have been so fortunate with all that we have been given. It’s just an amazing testimony to the power of your Word. In Mark 4:26-27, the Kingdom of God is described as a seed that sprouts and grows and yet we do not know why. I do not profess to comprehend how the FCS students came to accept you and be filled with joy despite their uncertain futures and the poverty they face (some even have to drop out of school because they could not afford the tuition costs). Lord you have kept your promise to the people and I know someday that these FCS students will celebrate in the riches of your Kingdom. I pray now that they remain rooted in the Word and use the trials they face to grow in spirit and truth and bear fruit to others in Mongolia.

6-29-04 – Day two and already so much has happened. The Bible lesson was a bit difficult at first without Ariunbold who showed up late. Nymka and Bayarmaa seem really shy and don’t like to speak until they are certain of their words. The study on James focused on listening and doing and Jenn and I tried to convey that doing is not as easy as listening, but with God it is possible. We had the students read the section of James in Mongolian before we got into the questions and that seemed to help. The English lesson was on body parts and we played hokey pokey in a large group. Jenn did a great job of involving the students and getting them to participate. There was no breakout session today, but our group teamed up with Cindy and Erica’s group to cook dinner for the FCS group and the rest of the Mongolia team. We made spaghetti with a sausage meat and onions, garlic, mushrooms, tomatoes and tomato paste. The sauce was a bit bland so we wound up adding sugar, salt and paprika to spice it up. The evening program consisted of a group prayer time, a sermon by John, praise the “human chain” icebreaker game and body worship to the song “Unchanging.” I was really touched by the students’ willingness to lend a hand. Some of them were very adept with the knife and could slice and mince garlic with a small knife. As I reflect upon the last two days here there is a sense of frustration knowing that there are so many marginalized people here in the city- orphans, elderly, students with limited education because their family could not afford tuition and/or their parents were not as educated. As I was walking back with Chun and Markus I even some some kids fighting and one seemed to have a cut on his upper left cheek. I felt like I should have stepped in to break it up and there was a feeling of hypocrisy as I turned my eyes from the situation. On a side note we seem to have been a lot more comfortable with each other and have spent of a lot of time making jokes and poking fun at ourselves. Let us not lose focus Lord and may our speech and actions be uplifting and wholesome to you. Markus, Chun and John have said that I seem to have difficulty breathing and that my breathing is strenuous at times. Lord I pray for a good night of rest. Tomorrow will be another full day of activities and teaching. May our love and joy spring forth. I also lift up the prayers of tonight for the FCS students to use the student center as a beacon to the city and disciple others through the resources there.

6-30-04 – We are sitting at the Internet café now and there was a lot more in my journal I wanted to enter that I didn’t get the chance to. Day three was awesome! Sanaa joined our group for the first time and it really helped us to get our teaching across to the students. Today’s lesson centered on favoritism and the main point we got across was that God has a heart for the poor (it sounds like an oxymoron if you were to associate God’s favor with wealth and material blessings). By showing favoritism to the rich we turn our focus and our own hearts away from God’s. In retrospect it seems as if the day went by so quickly- I was really absorbed into the lessons and teaching that I didn’t have much time to rest or break. I paid extra attention to Nymka because it seemed as if she is really struggling to just understand the fundamentals of the English language. Today we shared prayer requests and all the students wanted prayer for their parents and friends who do not have a relationship with God. Ariunbold is studying for his drivers exam and will miss class tomorrow. We prayed for his exam and brother who is a devout Buddhist.

7-1-04 – I couldn’t complete my entry last night as my eyes started bothering me again and progressively got worse. My left eye in particular is really bothering me. The team seems to have been suffering from emotional, physical and spiritual struggles.
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I spent most of the day alone at the apartment recovering from my eye infection. I went to the student center earlier in the morning and after praise and a time of prayer, I went to the Friendship hospital with Martha, Nancy and Erica. I saw a Korean doctor, but he was not an ophthalmologist. He gave me another bottle of Ocuflox and prescribed some antibiotics for me. The cost of the hospital visit including medication was less than $10. Even my co-pay for a Kaiser visit costs more! I really wanted to go back to the student center, but could hardly even open my left eye and I was extremely sensitive to any light. Worse yet, I could get another student sick and that would have been horrible because $10 is a lot of money for them to visit the doctor. I hate this. It was certainly not what I had expected. After I got back to the apartment I slept from around noon to 4pm. Some people even came back during lunchtime, but I did not hear them. They dropped off some food for me and unlocked the door to the guy’s room (the door is locked when we’re not in because that is the room we use to store our passports, wallets, cell phones and other valuables). I spent the latter half of the afternoon and early evening cleaning up the apartment – it was the least I could do to help the team. Even as I write now, I’m still a bit disappointed that I could not be at the student center today. The rest of the team is out visiting a landmark that overlooks the city. Jenn and Eleanor will be spending the night at a student’s (Pujee) home so that should be a treat. They are going to learn how to make botz (a sort of dumpling with meat that is either steamed with bread or fried with a wrap).
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Some Mongolian students came over for dinner tonight and we had spaghetti with a carrot coleslaw mix. We played a bunch of group games which were very fun – the students seemed to have been familiar with our games and even led some of their own. Towards the end we even sang, “Ice Ice Baby” and “I Want It That Way” together. Well I’m ready to head back to the center tomorrow – can’t wait to celebrate Fourth of July with them. We thank God for all that He has done and continues to do for us. It’s never easy to accept our weaknesses and infirmities, but in the end we turn to you and rely upon you for healing. Already four days have passed and I’ve seen and learned so much. I also appreciate my team so much – we are so blessed with talent and gifts. It would be great to do another missions trip together in the near future.

7-2-04 – I’m ready to head back to the center this morning. Got up and read a few Bible passages and a few pages from “Let The Nations Be Glad.” Of significance was Henry Martyn’s story and forsaking of a life of academic pursuits for a life as a missionary. Martyn’s life was cut short at the age of 31 when he succumbed to illness on his way back to England for treatment. One week here and it’s already easy to indulge about comforts back in the states that I don’t have here- an oven, seafood, my television and laptop, etc. And to trade all this for say a four-year commitment to Mongolia? This would a lot of prayer and a heart planted firmly in the Word of God. The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed- the smallest seed that grows to a large tree and shelters other birds. In Luke we also find out that there are many seeds that are scattered in different environments. The good seed is the one that is rooted with a “noble and good heart” and perseveres through trials and temptations to produce a good crop. My prayer is for such a heart that rests in your truth. I do not know how the mustard seed becomes one of the largest trees – that is God’s will – His Word will not depart from His lips without impact. We are getting ready to head out to the center now and today we will have a chance to learn Mongolian from the students. I’m so happy to be able to rejoin the team after a morning and afternoon of seclusion yesterday.
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It was a good day today. For the first time the group went over all the questions in the Bible study. Having Sanaa has definitely helped tremendously. The students opened up a lot more and spoke candidly about the criticism they faced from family and friends regarding their Christian beliefs and activities with FCS. We treated our study group to ice cream after lunch and Jenn and I even shared a can of coke. Instead of our afternoon English lesson we had the students give us a Mongolian cultural lesson. They showed us some of their greeting customs and attired. The New Years festival and Nadaam festival was also discussed. We ended up playing games with pieces of cleaned and dried sheep ankle bone. The bone pieces land in one of four ways and it was hard to tell the difference at first, but soon I found myself engaged in a horse racing game and won easily. We had our third special interest class and Chun led the group in making a crane and lily. I ended with a card design and wanted them to make cards for other students at FCS to encourage them about the love of Jesus. The highlight of the day was a Fourth of July celebration we put on for the students. We made coleslaw, corn and hamburgers. The meat costs were cheap (10,300 Tugug or about $9). The “Star Spangled Banner” anthem was also sung many times including once with the entire FCS class. God is doing some amazing things here in Mongolia. Friends of the students have been visiting and many are going through some difficulties, but desire to learn about God and believe in this Trinity being. I forsee next week’s of Bible studies to be much more intense and personal. It’s always more powerful to hear first hand about this transformation we have experienced through Christ and so my prayer is that the team share with conviction. Well it’s time to get some shut eye now. If it does not rain tomorrow, we will head to the countryside with the FCS students; otherwise, we may grab a movie and play sports. Chun and I will spend the night at Huiga’s apartment. We don’t know him well and his English seems elementary. We pray that we may have the opportunity to share our faith with his family and encourage him in his personal walk. We lean not to our own understanding, but yours Lord.

7-4-04 – The past two days have been very active. Yesterday we went over to the FCS center in the morning with the intention of just staying indoors and around the city. It was cloudy in the morning so we figured that the trip to the countryside could wait till next Saturday. However, the conditions did not worsen and so we decided to make a trip out to the countryside after all. There were 35 of us who crammed into a tiny bus. It was seriously jammed packed to capacity – some people even had to share seats while others stood. It was about a 40 minute drive out to this family’s house and we had lunch indoors at their guest house. Afterwards, we played several games – including some outdoor games the FCS students taught us. Somehow Chun bore the brunt of the pain from the game – he slipped and fell in some mud while chasing someone and also had to do his “pregnant woman” impersonation for all of us. The highlight of the countryside trip was an hour or so long hike we took. We reached a lookout point with spectacular views of the villages nestled between the looming mountains. The landscape was lush with trees and many beautiful flowers could be seen on the path along the walk. We took many pictures there and I got to spend time talking with Ariunbold, Soko and Sannaa. The rain (boroo) started to fall as we made our way back tot the country home. We left shortly afterwards and went back to the FCS student center. In the evening, the Mongolia team went different directions to spend the night with a host family. Jenn and Eleanor stayed back at the apartment, but invited six of the female students to come along. Christine did not have a partner and went to Borgio’s apartment. The guys all went to Muunkuu’s apartment and had dinner there – a soup made of potatoes, beets, carrots and lamb meat. We even got to taste some cheese which was a bit sour for me. After dinner we walked over to a nearby high school gym and spent about two hours there playing three-on-three basketball (there were nine of us total). On a side note, I must commend the Mongolian students for being in extremely great shape. The thing is they walk a lot everyday and most live in apartments that are five stories high and without elevators. You can imagine then that a lot of their furniture is compact. The television sets I saw were no larger than 20 inches. After basketball, Chun and I went off with Huiga to his apartment. Huiga speaks fluent Korean and has traveled to Seoul to study there. He currently teaches Korean at a university. His apartment was small, but very clean and well decorated. He even had a laundry machine and a microwave. We spent the rest of the night snacking, looking at photos, sharing Bible passages and watching television. The Mongolian stations carry some programming from China so they actually have movies on public TV that aren’t even available at Blockbuster yet. For example, one station was showing “Cold Mountain.” In the morning Huiga got up early to make us breakfast – grilled potatoes, sausage, rice and cucumber. We visited his church (Emmanuel church). The service there lasted about 2.5 hours. Someone there was kind enough to sit next to Chun and I and translate the sermon for us. The pastor preached on 1 Kings 21 – Naboth’s vineyard, Ahab, Jezreel and Elijah. I don’t remember much of the sermon, but I recall him mentioning that God is our father and if we don’t get what we ask from Him we should remain faithful and trusting. He ended with a reference to Revelation 21:5-8 and an exhortation to remain pure. Some observations on the church are 1) people there are more open with their praise styles – a lot of them were dancing and doing body worship 2) there are a lot more females than males 3) they have praise songs from America, Korea and some original Mongolia songs. As I reflect upon the past week, I feel like I have learned so much from the people here. It is a poor country and many people here struggle to just make ends meet. There are so many basic needs that could be addressed it could be hard to look past such needs and into something more visionary and far-reaching. So we pray for that Lord. Right now we are getting ready to head out to the department store here and do some shopping as a team. I feel like there’s nothing here I need to purchase for myself just gifts to folks back home who supported me in prayer and finances and art supplies for the FCS students.
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We wound up doing most of our shopping at a large department store. Most of us spend the majority of our time on the fifth floor where souvenirs were sold. I purchased a few dozen small paintings as gifts for supporters and friends back home. Afterwards, we stopped by an internet café for about an hour before eating at a nice dining café that served international styles of food (mainly Russian) and delicious botz. We spent the latter end of the night doing devotions as a team and preparing for the week ahead. I also spent some time prototyping some watercolor drawings I want to do and give to my students.

7-5-04 – I got up early this morning and read from “Let The Nations Be Glad.” I’m starting to appreciate the book more and Piper’s extensive reference of scripture. Of primary concern this morning was suffering for God.
“So Jesus suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go forth with him outside the camp and bear the abuse he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come.” – Hebrews 13:12-14
One of the arguments Piper makes is that Christ and only He could bear the suffering for sin, but that does not absolve us from suffering and dying daily on the cross for His sake. I don’t think God needs me to suffer, but perhaps I learn more about His character this way and His power is glorified in my weakness. “Outside the camp” reads to me clearly that we have to lay down our comforts and shelter we retreat to and make a concerted effort to seek justice and proclaim the gospel. I confess that often times I am simply grateful that I have access to forgiveness and ultimately to God through the suffering Jesus bore, but let it end there and forget (even run away from having to endure suffering for Him). Why me? Seems like such a naïve question. And I know in the back of my mind I should be asking, “How may I?” Sometimes the difference between the camps is blurred as simply being around Christians and non-Christians. I don’t claim that being in Mongolia for one week radically alters my perspective, but it does cause me to think about these things more… and I say lovingly that fellow Christians should consider such things more. Jesus would have wanted it that way so that we grasp more fully the privilege to identify ourselves with His camp and lean more to His understanding and not our own. We are getting ready now for another five straight days of teaching/learning at the FCS center. I pray that the gravity of the situation to make the most of our remaining time here be impressed upon our hearts. If it means less sleep, food and more prayer so be it. The sun is shining brightly this morning after a weekend of storms – oh may You be exalted through our trials and sufferings and radiate in our lives so that we may be light unto the world!
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It was a good day. The Bible study lesson covered wisdom and arguments. In terms of material, it was the most packed study – we covered concepts of the Trinity, Holy Spirit, resolution vs. reconciliation and prayer (using example of the Lord’s prayer). By the afternoon Jenn and I were exhausted and our students seemed very tired as well. Mondays are always difficult for me. After the English lesson team Mongolia branched out to two different groups – the first group went to visit an orphanage where they did some manual labor (moving soil and digging). The second group stayed behind to take care of laundry duties (we group the team’s clothes together and wound up doing five loads of laundry at a nearby laundromat). The price of washing all five loads came out to roughly 20,000 Tugug which is an extremely large sum of money for most of the Mongolians. My guess is that this laundry site services clothes from foreign visitors mostly. Jenn and I were in this laundry group and I also got to spend some time doing some artwork with the FCS students. Sanaa drew me a nice picture of a Mongolian countryside landscape. We purchased a bunch of mini paintings at the department store yesterday and now I really want to make each FCS a similar mini drawing depicting landscapes of Hawaii and the Bay Area. Right now our team is in need of rest – many mentioned tonight that they were fatigued. Eleanor went to bed early and Cindy continues to feel a little sick. We’ve crossed the halfway mark now and it’s time to kick it up a notch. There will be a lot of mental and spiritual battles from here on out. Sometimes I wish the hands of time could just freeze. The days are so long here and the sun does not set till really late. It seems that I should be out doing more, but I’ve learned that rest is also important and something I should not neglect. This evening Ariunbold expressed to me (over the course of dinner) that he really wanted to study abroad in Germany or the United States. It seems like a miracle now, but I remain hopeful. Perhaps FCS is the gateway where he can use his English and get on missions and maybe even be a staff member someday. We pray Lord for a faith that grants us heavenly wisdom; one that puts unity in the body of believers and practices forgiveness.

7-6-04 – We had a full day packed with activities. The Bible study time was really fruitful as the students asked some challenging questions. Soko asked for advice on how to share the gospel with a friend. Bayarmaa wanted to know how we can really discern God’s will. I remember thinking how great it was to see everything come together in terms of all the preparation and previous Bible studies I’ve participated in. I’ve been integrating a lot of the material from the Sermon on The Mount studies, Holy Spirit and His Gifts studies and Effective Prayer series. The one theme I noticed all the students shared in regards to future aspirations is that they planned to further their education either abroad or at another graduate program in Ulaanbaatar. I realize my experience here would be incomplete (perhaps even taken out of context) if the message I communicated about missions is that we realize how blessed we are in America and how others around the world face dire situations because of poverty. Missions and the life-changing experience cannot be about this. Imagine experiencing the church in the early days after Jesus’ ascension. We see and have the privilege to help a church in its infancy. And amidst this work, we feel closer to God knowing that His words did not depart from His lips in vain. We commune and rejoice in the believers victories trusting that God has great plans in store for the people. And we also appreciate how valuable time is and how impactful we can be if we focused on God’s work without the distractions of television, instant messaging, project deadlines, or other indulgences. Oh Lord may your harvest be abundant here in Mongolia. The students here are so powerful when they unite as one body to praise you. Many have expressed a desire for their family to know you God and it is our hope that they will continue to be bold in declaring your glory. I can sense that they have gone through so much and their cups of suffering are overflowing. What hope God that they may use their backgrounds and trials and lead others to you. Tomorrow we will meet with Tom and Nancy to hear about opportunities in Mongolia. May your Spirit lead God.

7-7-04 – Wednesday morning and we’re waiting to start the day’s activities again. Two more Bible studies left on James and I’m hoping that they will both be as fruitful for the students as they were yesterday. I just found out that FCS stands for (Fellowship of Christian Students). This group is not tied to a particular university, but instead draws students from all over Ulaanbaatar’s 200 or so university institutions (most are very small and contained within one building). Nymka missed the day yesterday as she had to work late. It’s not uncommon for the students to work in the late evening as employment opportunities are scarce. There’s a sense that I will take a few days to get my gears back on pace when I return to the Bay Area. Already I feel as if I should spend and commit a portion of my time each week to keep in touch with some of the students here. Chun and I were also talking about taking the Perspectives course if time permits. I’m thankful I’ve had the opportunity to be with the guys – John, Markus and Chun have been all strong leaders (though in different ways).
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Back at the apartment now and feeling a little tired. I was fighting stomach aches throughout the day. This morning’s Bible study wasn’t as interactive. Ariunbold informed me that today would be his last day at FCS camp. His father called last night and wanted him to come out to the countryside to help out. The news caught Jenn and I off guard. We prayed for him and the Mongolia team bid him farewell shortly after lunch. I do hope that he may realize his dream to study abroad someday. Muggie offered me some horse milk after lunch and it was very difficult to take. It left a burning sensation in my throat afterwards and some of the students said that horse milk could potentially become addictive because of this affect. In the afternoon we had an English lesson game. My team came in last place, but John decided that the last shall be first and allowed my team to pick prizes first. My guess was that the women would have picked the beanie babies and stuffed animals, but most of them opted for more practical items instead (stationary paper, pens, socks, etc.). The rest of the afternoon was spend in special interest groups. Chun and I had them create collages using magazines we brought along with us. Some of the students came up with very creative designs. We also devised a quick skit for Friday evening’s program. The students and Chun and I will depict the sharing of the gospel as living water by having students successively teach others how to fold an origami cup and pretend to drink from it. In the evening the Mongolia team went over to a nice Korean shopping center and purchased some snacks before heading over to Tom and Nancy’s apartment. We had takeout pizza at their apartment and another couple from Hope church stopped by to help fundraise for a woman in their congregation who is saving up money for a hip replacement. The team purchased several purses made of Khasik fabric (the type you would find hung up on a Ger or a Mongolian family’s apartment). The rest of the time there was spent hearing Tom and Nancy’s story and asking questions about how we may continue to support FCS. It would appear that there is a huge need for more Christian male leadership in the fellowship and Mongolia in general. Tom and Nancy did describe a few long-term opportunities. Of noteworthy mention was their sharing that the two largest obstacles missionaries face are team conflicts and marriage problems. I am sure the Mongolia team has had its moments of potential conflicts and the fact that we only have one bathroom has caused others to shuffle their showering times and be patient with waiting to take turns. And of course there is the difference in tolerance levels of cleanliness that we’ve had to adjust and cope with. I thought about my personality and how I would manage with a long-term commitment. Really I don’t know right now. And once I’m back in the grind at home in the Bay Area, it would be easy to push exploring this to the back of my mind. Maybe I should scale down with commitments and just be still and reflect on it… I felt so old today looking down the FCS roster. Most of them have birthdays in the mid/early 80s. And my experience with Bible studies in college fellowships have usually been with people of the same age or older. So much to pray for with just three full days left. I want to finish strong so God my prayer is for energy and focus with the tasks at hand. I finished the suffering section in Piper’s book and found the stories of some of the missionaries there to be very moving- one guy was beaten three times by the occupants of a village, but his persistence eventually led the town to Christ. What can this body offer you God? I’m just one man. I know there are others and there will be more in the future. What an incredible blessing this has been! I hope to see the small groups aligned with a passion and vision for a cause worthy and pleasing to God. Hear our prayers Lord and teach us your ways and the Spirit of your heart.

7-8-04 – We wrapped up our studies on James with the ninth lesson today. A lot of time was spent wrapping up previous lessons and talking about prayer in more detail. One highlight was the sharing of favorite Bible verses. Sanaa’s favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. Jenn shared 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. I think Bayarmaa mentioned that James 1:19 was her favorite. I told them that I liked Isaiah 40:31. In the afternoon the entire Mongolia team took the bus with some FCS students to an orphanage (the same one that a few groups went to on Monday). I spent most of my time there doing yard labor – mostly digging, transporting and leveling dirt as well as picking up trash. The group was divided into three – one stayed inside the orphanage to spend time with the infants and toddlers, another layered cement on the walls surrounding the orphanage while the third group did the aforementioned yard work. I did get to spend ten minutes playing with the orphans afterwards and one in particular was just absolutely adorable. The staff there actually emphasized that they wanted the men to spend some time with the infants. It seems that the orphans there don’t have much contact with male adults and so the staff thought that it would be beneficial for them to have that experience.
In Mongolia there is a shortage of male Christian leaders. Even at FCS camp there are only four males out of a total of twenty or so attendees. Our team has been praying for a generation of male Christians to arise and lead the ministry there into the next phase. Somewhere in the middle of all this the men on the Mongolia team also realized that we have to fulfill our roles as leaders. We did share that being in Mongolia we felt that the women here held men in admiration maybe more so (at least publicly) than women in the Bay Area. Through it all though, we agreed that we should not be influenced by the need for recognition and admiration from females. Overall, the discussions and sharing were really uplifting. We took a different approach to debriefing and broke off to two groups – men and women only. It was a powerful time of prayer. I realize how valuable prayer is to fuel missions. We have been praying quite frequently-> during the morning devotional time, before/after morning praise, before the Bible study, before meals and during debriefing sessions as well as our own personal prayer time. We have one more day of camp tomorrow… I pray for the camp attendees who haven’t accepted Christ; that they may experience a conviction tomorrow and believe in you. As for myself, there are the post-mission adjustments to make. I know that my perspective and understanding of God has already changed in many ways and I hope that God will continue revealing His heart to me even when I’m back in the daily grind.

7-9-04 – FCS camp is now officially over. I have fought the good fight and ran the race. Around lunchtime I felt really sick and could not finish my meal. I threw up shortly after getting back to the office. My guess is that I had a case of food poisoning. Even now I’m still feeling a little sick. The origami class prayed for me in the afternoon and that really helped tremendously. I’m very proud of the students who came- Zaya and Chimgee are not Christians and yet they always played the role of a servant in cleaning dishes after our large group meeting dinners. They also spent a lot of time during the breakout session today creating cards and writing notes for others. In every facet- spiritual, physical, mental and emotional was I challenged today.
We had a large group celebration tonight and it was just an amazing and touching experience. My teaching group got to perform a brief skit in which we illustrated the “living water” of the gospel of Jesus. It was done to the tune of “I Can Only Imagine” in the background. The skit was non-verbal and started with everyone except Chun kneeling/sitting on the floor. Chun got Nemhee to stand up first and taught him how to fold a cup and the two proceeded to drink from it. Next Nemhee got Soko and Muggie to rise up and he taught them how to fold and drink the cup. Soko proceeded to teach Zaya, Sanna (not the one in my Bible/English class) and Chimgee while Muggie assisted Brumdari and I. We tried to convey the multiplication of the gospel, its brevity and its accessibility as well. The remainder of the students showcased what they learned, but combined it all into one performance – one group played “Here I Am To Worhsip” on guitar, another sang the song and the third performed body worship to the song. Afterwards, we had a time of prayer for Mongolia, FCS, the men, the women, the GRX team and finally the FCS staff. As expected we took a ton of pictures before we bid our farewells and most of the students lingered around until about 10:30pm or so. I don’t even know where to begin as I convey all that I have learned and experienced. I remember praying that the FCS students may continue to use their pains, trials, temptations and suffering in their ministry. In many ways their cup of suffering is filled to the brim. As young adults many of them have demonstrated a high level of maturity and genuine faith. Right now I don’t want to get myself all bogged down and depressed thinking abou the grind of life back in the Bay Area. I was also challenged with prayer at times. Sometimes I feel like I could spend so much time mumbling prayers in an attempt to be eloquent that the earnest pleas of prayer itself are lost. It’s an interesting struggle for myself personally- on the one hand it’s almost cliché in the Christian circles to say that you can never pray enough and yet there’s scripture about praying alone to God with the door shut. I noticed myself feeling distracted when prayers seemingly take too long and others were just repeating themselves over and over again. So I lift that up to you God- sometimes I get so anxious and restless like Martha in the gospel that I forget to pray. Most important on my list of prayer requests right now is FCS and the students and leaders. My heart goes out to the students there and I hope that they all not wander from you, but remain rooted and in a vibrant relationship with you.

7-10-04 – Our last full day at Mongolia. We slept in until 8:30am or so and had a time of devotions this morning. Our team has been experiencing some conflicts and the leaders were battling with struggles that it caused. I’m thankful they could be honest and share their thoughts with the rest of us. Afterwards, we spent some time packing our personal belongings and cleaning up the apartment in preparation for the Korean team who will be coming next week for a healing seminar retreat. It made me wonder just how impacting we were personally. Not that I doubt it, but rather that the FCS students now have another group of missionaries to meet and bid farewell to. The team got to spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs/clothing, cruising the city and visiting museums, landmarks. We divided into three teams- I went with Markus and Chun to visit the museums and landmarks (the other two groups were divided into a shopping group and another that just cruised the city). Sanaa came along with us and Bayarmaa heard that we would be at the museum and met up with us outside. I visited the national museum on Tuesday so Markus, Sanaa and I went to the natural history museum while Chun went to the national. Mongolia is known to be an archaeological goldmine with numerous fossils of dinosaurs excavated, large meteors, etc. It’s theorized that dinosaurs may have been wiped off from existence by large volcanic explosions caused by meteors. It’s always hard to come into grips with creationism sometimes when you try to rationalize dinosaurs, evolution discoveries, etc. I remember Sanaa expressing that it is difficult when we try to come to grips with it. I also thought (as Paul wrote) that should Christianity be a hoax, then we are to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19)… I couldn’t agree more.
We had dinner with Tom, Nancy, Doctor Lee and his six-year old son, Martha, Sanaa, Borgio and Undra at the same Korean restaurant we ate at a week and a half ago. Oops, I forgot to mention that I wound up going to the famous lookout point after the trip to the museum. The scenery there was beautiful. They had little goats running around and one of them even came up to us and we took a picture with it. I thought about the Pali Lookout, Twin Peaks and Half Dome. I gave the students some drawings of places in Hawaii and the Bay Area and if I lived in Mongolia, I would have drawn this one. Sanaa and Bayarmaa even got to point out to me where they lived. Back to dinner… it was nice to be able to spend time with Borgio and Sanaa. I asked them about their plans for the future and suggested some books for them to read. I found out that Borgio also liked the same Bible passage in 1 Thessalonians as Jenn. I forget the details of the other conversations, but I recall giving them two pieces of advice: 1) invest in others and 2) not to compromise in choosing a boyfriend. Funny because I have compromised before and could have saved myself a lot of unnecessary heartache and stress by not compromising. As we exchanged our final farewells Esther gave Borgio the same tidbit of advice in regards to dating relationships. I spent the remainder of the night finishing up the OMF debriefing questionnaire. It was very comprehensive and the questions had me really considering so much about what life/expectations will be like when I’m back in the Bay Area. There are some points about being alienated, assimilating or integrating the experience. Right now I’m tempted to retreat and isolate myself. In some ways I feel like I need to remove myself from existing habits that have not been as purposeful. The questionnaire really got me pondering about the future. I know that I don’t want to simply give the fifteen second response when people ask me how the trip went. I want to invite others to sit down and ask me questions. It will also give me a chance to share in more detail. I pray that others will be open to finding out more about the trip this way. I don’t imagine that there could have been a more impacting thing I did for my growth as a Christian than go on this trip. I thank you God for this opportunity and I lift up the team to you for a safe trip home and an effective application of what we have witnessed and learned about you. I look around the room now- our command post where the guys and I have spent the past two weeks. These are brothers that I would lay my life down for. Suddenly the lights seem dim almost as if the sunset is approaching. If I could soak up the last rays, I would ask that I remember the people, my team members and my time here as a turning point of my life. Give thanks to the Lord!

7-11-04 – Got up early at 4:30am to prepare for leaving. The bus to take us to the airport was late so we had extra time to do another round of sweeping. A group of the FCS students spent the night at the office so they could ride with us to the airport and send us off. Sanaa wound up spending the night as well and I got to sit with her and Bayarmaa on the way to the airport. I was also glad to see the others like Martha, Muggie, Otko, Zaya, Chimgee, Nemhee, Urlee, Undra and Muunkuu. I’m especially encouraged by Zaya and Chimgee and will keep them both in my prayers that they accept Christ in the future. Now that I’m catching my final glimpse of Mongolia from the airplane, I see a country so big, but mostly arid with deserts that stretch far out into the horizon. I wonder about the living water in Ulaanbaatar and how it was able to transform the lives of the students there. I realize that our interactions and people we were surrounded by consisted of Christians mostly. I think my experience would have been dramatically different had there been interest in the informal English camp consisting of non-Christians at another university fellowship. I had volunteered to help with such a group and was expecting to do so until we found out shortly before the trip that we would stick with the original plans of one FCS English/Bible camp (as there wasn’t any interest in the other). It worked out well because our class size was small enough to offer personalized attention and teaching.
…
As I’m thinking about the debriefing session I pray for open, honest sharing. Where rebuking is needed, may it be done with love. It’s time to put reconciliation before resolution. A lot of spiritual warfare has resulted in mounting tensions and escalated divisions amongst the men and women. I could offer up many theories as to how this developed. For one thing, our team covenant states that we would serve God first, the Mongolians/local second and our team third. Perhaps the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual effort to serve God and the Mongolians/local left little in reserve for us to honor and lift up one another in the team. Another hypothesis of mine is that the men on the team were blessed tremendously by the women of FCS and especially held the women leaders (most of the leaders at FCS are female) like Borgio, Martha, Naraa. Sanaa, etc. in high regard. We may have enjoyed their admiration of all of us so much that we started wishing more women back home would treat us the same way and make our roes as leaders in ministry easier. Further, the lack of men at FCS may have drawn the women on the team closer to the women at FCS and conjure up latent sentiment that a good male Christian leader is hard to find. I can recall a few conversations I’ve had with women back at home and testify to this belief that some have. The quote, “the odds are good, but the goods are odd” has become cliché. It’s easy to laugh off, but when you experience so much adoration from women in a foreign country you could be tempted to feel that you aren’t respected as a man back home. And if you’re thinking that our identity is in Christ and we have the gift of sonship in God, all I can say is that is how spiritual warfare works- it attacks your sense of worth. Finally, a third guess I would offer is that we had such high expectations of one another that it became unrealistic. Looking back on the covenant now, I notice that we had correctly listed team disunity as a struggle during missions. Our pride caused us to project our expectations upon others and made us forget how far God has brought each of us to this point. The fact that we sacrificed so much of our own time and comfort the last four months and that God really allowed us to minister to the students at FCS was overlooked at times. I even taught my class the “big” words resolution and reconciliation and how important it is to place the latter ahead of the former. We prayed a lot about God’s ministry to FCS, our personal growth, health and emotional issues, spiritual warfare, servanthood, etc., but we neglected forgiveness often times. In no way am I discounting the majesty of God’s glory revealed to all of us during this trip, but I need to be honest in telling others that spiritual warfare is ever more pronounced mentally and at the same time covert spiritually during missions. I don’t want to give the standard fifteen second response that the trip was fun and that God is great. Even as I head to Korea now, I realize that there is a bigger mission on hand- one that allows others to catch a glimpse of our team’s experience and hopefully kindles a fire within their hearts to do something similar at home or abroad in the near future. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” – Ephesians 4:32.

7-12-04 – As I reflect upon my experience I have to testify that nothing has shaped my perspective of missions and our roles as Christians more than the events of the past two weeks. I didn’t shed a tear last Friday night as some of the students said their farewells. Nor did I cry at the airport last Sunday morning as we bid our farewells to the group that came out. It wasn’t until I was home alone by myself that I felt a sense of despair and sorrow. I had returned to a society that mottos itself on technological advances (like Moore’s law and the speed of computer chips doubling every 18 months), but was and feels very much the same when it comes to people’s faith and actions. I wondered what it would have been like if people like Sanaa had the opportunities I often take for granted. Most of all, I cried because I missed them and experiencing the level of fellowship I had with them. Even as I wandered into Gospel Books in the evening waiting for my photos at Walmart to develop, I stared blankly at the section of literature along the walls and aisles. I could read the books there, go through the devotions, complete the study guides, but I don’t think any of that could compare with the nearness of God while I was in Mongolia. You read about the hall of Tyrannus in Acts 19… it’s almost as if I was there with the FCS students. To see a faith so pure from them and how strong their convictions despite so little... So perhaps that’s where some of the sorrow also stems from. I know lives are being transformed here in the Bay Area and that is actually incredible given the distractions we have. So much has changed and I pray that I not only vividly remember the lessons I learned, but that I can tell others about it and exemplify the heart of God when it comes to the unreached and the marginalized. I thought about the kids collecting bags and bags of plastic and glass bottles as I disposed a fruit juice container. I remember the walks we had to the FCS center and food market and decided to walk to Alberstons from Walmart and back instead of driving. And I saw their faces in the first two batches of photos and remembered how they were so fascinated to see pictures of us. Hear our prayers Lord and reveal yourself to the students. No eyes on earth have seen your true face and yet we fix our sights upon the cross and look to your Word. May you bring restoration and forgiveness to those who are attending the healing seminar this week. Through we are thousands of miles apart; the students may they be close to our hearts. “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:11

my thoughts after spending 2 weeks with some of the most inspiring people i have ever met, i was lucky to be a part of a movement that is real, as real as the bible itself.

the students are abused, they have no money, they were the same clothes all the time, there are so few jobs, and yet, they have the purest example of faith and fellowship i have ever seen in my life.

the missionaries would stress to us how we shouldnt give them elaborate gifts, pay for them, give them money, or spoil them in any way. its so easy for people from america to shower the less fortunate with gifts. but little do we know how detrimental such actions are. the bible, christianty can never be related or coupled with wealth, the two are oil and water.

id say the biggest culture shock was just not being able to spend freely like i do. some students save the 10 cents they have to ride the bus rather than eat a meal. then it hit me. wealth and materialism is the enemy. i remember sharing with some brothers, dont give, cuz if you do, you do them a disservice by tainting the pure faith they have.

i realized they are truly free in Christ more so than me because they have to live like a discple. hate the mother and father that tell you not to go to church, some forsaking money in order to do translations for chrisitan books, and not knowing what material wealth is.

more blessed are they. ive seen the 1st century church in this century.

Until they arrive, and bring us their latest updates, here's something to keep you busy... presenting our new photo gallery, including the first team pictures from within Mongolia itself!

Enjoy! =)

I want to thank you for your prayers thus far... I can truly feel your
prayers for this team and the events of our day!

We made it through one whole week and it's been exciting yet draining
- physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally... but the students
have really been warming up to us and our daily encounters have been
sweet. As I hear the team members share each day, I am encouraged and
overjoyed to see such strong fellowship. It's amazing the amount that
these students go through, and the depth at which they are willing to
share with us. I look forward to going into more detail later.. right
now there's not enough time to do them justice.

As an overview, here are some highlights from the week:
- FCS adopted a puppy for a day - actually she was found outside the
center, all alone, so at the end of the day she went home with a
student (she was only one week old! sooooo cute)
- visit to the "mountain" with our students - Russian monument built
for the Mongolians at the top of a hill, outside of the city... we
climbed 700+ steps to catch the beautiful view and pray together for
the city!
- 4th of July party on Friday for the students - share some culture,
make some burgers (a real treat for the American teachers as well as
the students!)
- visit to the countryside - games and awesome fellowship time with
the students, hike to the top of another mountain (ok, maybe more like
a really really tall hill, but with rocks.. so does that count as a
mountain?)... another beautiful view!
- overnight stay in a 'ger' - will have to show you the pictures to
explain it properly...
- sharing worship time with Mongolians at a church service

Prayer requests:
- renewed energy for ALL - as the week progresses, our energy and the
students' energy is tested... this causes students to arrive later,
classes to start later, etc.
- this coming week - please pray for our packed schedule of events
- health - some getting better, but still others getting sick
- spiritual wellness - that we're all finding time in the busy and
tiring day to reflect on what the Lord is doing
- J-O-Y in our hearts!!

Thanks again!!
Cindy

Geez! I can't believe I hafta leave this place in a week. So much has happened.

Again, the times during the Biblestudies have been filled with blessings and altho I had reservations about leading the studies, I've enjoyed them so much.

I've also gotten a chance to share with a few students about my journey as a Christian and have tried to encourage them in what little ways I could. I wish I could fix their lives and make everything easy for them but I know that God is preparing them for things that is beyond their imagination and will reveal His glory through them.

It so clear that God's plan is filled with awesome things as I have noticed that He has often chosen the eldest sibling in the families to come to Christ first. In this way, the Spirit is moving and drawing families, this city-Ulaanbatuur, and these people closer to Him.

I know that we are here for such a short time but I've been soooo encouraged through our times of worship together as one body. Please continue to keep us in prayer.

Prayer requests:
Health- collin needs prayer for eyes that are recovering from infection; cindy and john our leaders are both feelin the beginnings of a cold; and generally, that the rest of us can keep the food in us long enuf to nourish us.

Protection- we've already felt attacks and have been in prayer-- praise God that He is our Victor and Banner over us. But please continue to pray for our protection as this week offers more opportunities to build the body on believers.

Empowerment- I really sense that this is what the students in FCS really need. to know the love of God so deeply and know that they have the power of the Holy Spirit working in them as sons and daughters in Christ to be conquerers in any struggle to all victory and glory. Please pray that God will use us to teach and empower them in whatever way we can.

Thank you soooo much for all the support as I know that I've been blessed by you all.

In His hands,
Eleanor

We're sitting in the internet cafe now and I don't have my journal with me... it'd probably take too long to copy over. Besides, the rest of the team is doing a great job keeping everyone posted about the details. Just some thoughts and prayer requests to share...

I've learned so much from the FCS 1 students this past week and have been humbled by their generosity despite their limited possessions. I can't believe how fast one week has gone by already. Whereas eating out at a fast food joint for us is an inexpensive way to grab a quick meal, most of the students here don't have the finances to do so. The average income is $30 a month and the conversion rate is approximately 1200 Tugug for $1 so that's about 36,000 Tugug a month. The typical lunch budget we're allocating for the FCS 1 students is 600 Tugug or 1/60th of one month's salary. If your monthly gross salary is $3,600 then that comes out to $60 a lunch! If lunch costs us $60 a trip then I doubt many of us would be eating out as well. 600 Tugug would get you approximately three Hoorshuu (fried meat wrapped in bread) and a can of 12oz Coke. Back home I usually have so much left over soda that it gets flat and stale that I have to dump it. Here in Mongolia, I've only had the luxury to drink soda twice so far. I'm very blessed to be living in the United Sates and have the modern conveniences and luxuries I take for granted.

The Mongolian Christians are still a minority, but very hungry and passionte for God and Truth. Chun and I spent the night over at Huiga's (a graduate of the FCS fellowship and a Mongolian who teaches Korean here in Ulaanbaatar) apartment and went to service today with him. The people there enjoy dancing and body worship freely and the length of the service was approximately 2.5 hours. Chun and I were fortunate to have a translator sit next to us so we understood most of the sermon. They even used the word "multiply" for the cell groups that are springing up there and growing. A lot of the students in the Bible study group Jen and I lead have told us they face a lot of criticisms from their family and friends who aren't Christian about their faith.

Pray for the students and our team. We did a great job last week and everyone went full speed. A lot of us were feeling sick the past few days and tomorrow we're back at it again. This week I intend to strive for more depth and really seek out training and equipping future leaders there.

There's something special going on here that is ineffable. If I could give you a glimpse into their lives then I'd say to consider what it would be like to pay $60 a meal for lunch. I'd also tell you folks to drive less and walk more and get involved with the community service projects and share Christ in those situations. Maybe I'd also suggest you not watch television for a week or just spend two days online this week and don't use your IM. But alas these still paint a fuzzy picture into the lives of the folks here. Above all else consider what God has blessed you with and what you are doing with all that you have.

The week of studies and lessons went well. I had a chance to have the students in my class that are Christian share with the others how they became Christian and how others can become saved. Zaya, who is not a Christian, got a chance to listen. On Friday, we asked for their prayer requests, and Zaya shared that she wants to believe in God. HELLO! Praise God! Please pray for the Spirit to really work in her heart this week.

Friday night we made hamburgers and coleslaw to celebrate 4th of July with the students. Granted, the food wasn't exactly the same, but you woulda never seen some of our team members so overjoyed to be eating a hamburger. =)

We spent Saturday out in the countryside up in the mountains. It was a little piece of heaven. So beautiful, and being with the students out in the fields with the mountains covered with green, lush trees and the bluest of skies.... God's creation is breathtaking.

At night, Sophey and I spent the night at Odko's home. Her older sister is an FCS staff worker, and one of her older bro's is a Christian, but the rest of her family is not. Her oldest brother was killed 7 months ago, and her father drinks a lot of vodka and spent most of our time there sleeping. Even though Odko's home was large in size (compared to other's homes) the facilities were certainly near 3rd worldish. I kept on thinking, "What would these kids think if they saw the way we lived in the States...."

This morning we attended service at Hope Church. The worship/praise time was awesome... really passionate worshippers and people who are on fire for God. Several people accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. I sat next to Odko and was broken by how lovingly she praised our Lord. I thought about her trials, especially her older brother being killed and her father. I pray that the Lord continues to heal her and her family... and am encouraged that, despite her struggles, her love for God is so genuine and passionate.

We had lunch with the kids and it started to rain outside. So we rode the microbus (a van where they squish about 24 people!) home. We spent the afternoon resting and then we just went to the marketplace to buy some souvenirs. While we were sitting around, we talked about how one of our handbags (for some) could buy 4 village-type homes (called "geres"). We are humbled.....

Prayer requests:
-This week we will continue with our regular schedule and also visit an orphanage. Please pray that we will pour out Christ's love and compassion on these children.
-That Zaya (the non-Christian) will be stirred to receive the Gospel. And that she connect with other FCS students so that she'll continue to attend the fellowship when we leave.
-Strength and sustained patience through this next week. Week 2, I anticipate, will be hard. Pray that God give us Christ-like patience.
-That we will begin thinking and praying about our return... what fruits this will bear to GrX and the kingdom at home...

THANK YOU for praying for my voice-- woohoo. It's definitely sustained and I can sing in key. ;)
We're praying for you, Team Thailand!
Women's Group-- I miss you! I'm glad yall are having fun!

We want to plant seeds and water them... but it is God who makes it grow. Please pray that He will grow the students we're serving, that he'll grow our team, and grow GrX and the Bay Area.... All Glory to God!
Love,
Esther

it's Sunday, and our one free day for the team! so good to have a relaxed day after being blessed w/ the opportunity to sleepover in a student's Mongolian home! cindy and i got to stay in a ger! we helped make our dinner and breakfast, and we got to sleep in a traditional ger! no running water. there was an outhouse. being outside was beautiful. feel like i've been couped up in apts everyday and night so it was a refreshing change of scenery. instead of cars honking, there were dogs barking all night! and the sky! it cleared up after so much rain! we had a great view of the evening city, and there was a gorgeous full moon. felt like i stepped back in time (except for the city view). the students were so sweet. love them so much. our student and host, Zodtloh, wanted to speak Korean b/c it's easier, and they love Korean culture. we had fun insisting she practice her English. one week has come and gone so fast! *sigh* miss you all.

love, erica

We thank our supporters for all your prayers - please continue to pray with us as we head into our second week. I've definitely been tired but my heart is fighting not to be. Relationships are being built and opportunities to encourage the students are abundant. I hope our team can finish the camp on a strong note so thanks again!

Howdy from Mongolia :o) I look forward to sharing all that's going
on with you, but this may be the only day I get to email. So here
goes... I'll try to write what I can before I get kicked off!

First thing was to find out how we could best serve the ministry while
we're here. We quickly learned that our focus is to fellowship with
and disciple the students of this fellowship. For the most part they
are all believers, but there are a few non-believers. How appropriate
that we have been going through Acts in the months leading up to the
trip, as we read the stories of Paul travelling and encouraging
churches and believers along the way, disciples in turn discipling
others, etc... it's been exciting to learn from his experiences and
see similar things on our end.

It's Day 4 now and boy am I pooped. We're getting 8+ hours of sleep
per night (which is more than most of us get normally!), but the days
are full and the schedule is packed! I must say, though, it has been
a great 4 days so far!

The team is awesome. I'm so blessed to be here, halfway across the
world, serving alongside this bunch of goonies. ;o) There are 11 of
us sharing one apartment with one bathroom... imagine the problems
that could arise! But everyone has been sensitive to that and things
have been smooth so far. We have awesome team time in the morning,
praying and singing praises to the Lord, and in the evening during
devotion and sharing time. So far so good... please pray for John and
me as we co-lead this team that we will be positive examples, support,
and encouragement for the team, despite our weariness and busyness.
Also, please pray for patience and love as it sometimes gets hard to
try and herd all our ducklings from place to place. :o) Everyone
wants to do their own thing, and it's tricky to get around.

The students have been great so far! Of course, things are not as
anticipated, but we adjusted... they have a lower level of English
proficiency than we were told, so we've had to adjust all the English
lessons and the Bible studies accordingly. Sometimes it comes down to
drawing stick figures on our white boards and making "oo-oo" sounds.
But praise God for He works despite our inabilities! Erica and I
teach a group together, and we typically have 4 students, all
believers. Today we got a new student who is not a believer, and the
lesson (James 2) lended itself as an excellent intro to the Gospel!
Erica and I started, and we asked a student (one of the leaders of the
fellowship group) to continue and finish. It was exciting to see her
go at it! I'll be sure to share how things turn out with this new
gal. :o)

Of course I have to talk about the food --
So far it's been pretty yummy. Salty for sure, but definitely tasty.
One of the tricky things is that the written language here uses
Russian (or Greek?) characters, so we can't just spell and pronounce
things out. So for food it's tricky because even if I know the name
of something, I can't find it on the menu. So basically I just trust
my students to order me "something yummy". The system hasn't failed
me yet!

I mentioned our website on my last update - www.grxmissions.org. We
decided as a team that this one guy, Collin, would blog on behalf of
the team. If others get a chance they may do so as well, but feel
free to read his rendition of our experiences here. (It'll probably
be more meaty and cover more serious matters than mine!)

Ok, I'm getting kicked off now. I appreciate your support and am so
excited that you chose to share this experience this with me! I hope
you're blessed by the update, and I'll be sure to give you the more
meaty details when I return. ;o) We know the Lord will do great
things through these two weeks, not just in the fellowship but in our
lives as well, so we'll definitely share our experiences with you!

Take care!
Cindy

On our layover to Mongolia, I got to stop in Korea. My parents came out and seeing them to send us off before our final leg was awesome. Parents are a good thing.

The weather here is sort've like Cal, though right now it's raining a bit. Our facilities are certainly nothing like the US. It's 12 of us in a 2.5 room apartment. 1 bathroom. But thankfully, everyone is super courteous about the space. And actually, now that I've been here a few days, Mongolia and our living facilities remind me of Korea when I lived their in '89-'92. Funny how God used that challenging experience of living in Korea to seemingly prepare me for Mongolia....

We are Bible and English teachers to about 30 students. In my group, my co-leader is Sophey (John's helping too) and we have Odko, Muunkkuu, Zaya, Naraa, and Uugii. Zaya and Uugii are not Christians, so please pray for them. Naraa, Munnkuu, and Odko all want to be a part of ministry, either in missions, worship leader, or being staff members in their current fellowship. When they told me this, I was so overjoyed. God is awesome.

We're eating tons of botz, hoshot, piroshgi... all forms of dumpings, fried and filled with meat. It's not too bad, and the students are really great about changing up the menu options. And so far, no digestion problems! Woohoo! =)

Please pray for:
-Sustained energy throughout the rest of the trip.
-My voice-- I'm leading praise and I'm already starting to lose it.
-Team Unity. That our love for each other would set an example of how Christ loves us, and how we want them to love each other.
-That the joy of the Lord (in our service and offering here) would be our strength.

We are praying for you too, our supporters! Thank you for your prayers. I can tell we're being prayed for. Can't wait to see you all when we return. I love you and thank God for you!

It's only the 3rd full day and I wish I could go into detail with what I've seen and heard in Mongolia. I wish I could describe every struggle and surprise I've experienced. However, time is short so let me just tell you a little bit about my students.

Markus and I are leading a class of 4 people. Borgio is a staff leader at FCS and she is our main translator. Her smile and sweetness greets me every morning, and her passion for the ministry is admirable. Bumdarii is full of questions about the Bible and always willing to share with me how she feels. Altai is shy about her English but won't hesitate to try her Korean skills with me. And finally, Muugii, our only male, is the deep thinker whose birthday we celebrated today.

These students, along with all the rest, are full of God's love and so friendly. The girls have already latched on to the girls on our team and even the guys, though few in number, have bonded through wrestling and other manly pursuits. The sound of Monglians praying is a sweetness that touches me and their heart of worship is encouraging.

Please pray as we continue to build our relationships. It's not the easiest experience because of the language barrier but I know the Lord is with all of us.