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.
About Mongolia
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 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)
- Not many worthwhile jobs available after graduation: government professionals and teachers may make $30-40/month, cabinet ministers only $50/month, and doctors only $50/month. They may subsidize their income by driving a taxi.
- 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, things are a lot easier and there are around 4,000 Christians from around the world working in Mongolia.
The number of Christians in Mongolia has grown rapidly – there may have been only 4 in 1989 and that number grew to 10,000 by the year 2000! Thank God for the growth of His church in Mongolia!
The country is in desperate need of courageous leadership – to begin to overcome Mongolia’s widespread poverty and unemployment.
There are Christians meeting in nearly every one of Mongolia’s provinces. Pray for effective discipleship – that helps people to understand the Bible and get to know Jesus personally.
The churches are mostly made up of loads of young people together with a few grannies and grandads! Pray that these Christians would be equipped to tell their families about Jesus and reach other generations.
Buddhism has a strong hold in Mongolia – and much of this is rooted in even older traditions of using witch doctors and the occult. Pray that Mongolians would find total freedom in following Jesus.
The number of Christians in Mongolia has grown rapidly – there may have been only 4 in 1989 and that number grew to 10,000 by the year 2000! Thank God for the growth of His church in Mongolia!
The country is in desperate need of courageous leadership – to begin to overcome Mongolia’s widespread poverty and unemployment.
There are Christians meeting in nearly every one of Mongolia’s provinces. Pray for effective discipleship – that helps people to understand the Bible and get to know Jesus personally.
The churches are mostly made up of loads of young people together with a few grannies and grandads! Pray that these Christians would be equipped to tell their families about Jesus and reach other generations.
Buddhism has a strong hold in Mongolia – and much of this is rooted in even older traditions of using witch doctors and the occult. Pray that Mongolians would find total freedom in following Jesus.