Mongolia

Praise Points

Unity in Christ: Christians must embrace unity, setting aside doctrinal differences for the sake of the Gospel. Ephesians 4:3 encourages Believers to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Discipleship and Mentorship: Investing in the spiritual growth of young Believers is crucial. 2 Timothy 2:2 highlights the importance of passing on teachings to reliable individuals who can teach others.

Cultural Relevance: Christianity should be contextualized to resonate with Mongolian culture, without compromising core doctrines. Paul’s approach in 1 Corinthians 9:22, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some,” serves as a model for cultural adaptation.

Missionary Activity: Mongolia has become one of the leading per-capita missionary-sending countries, reflecting a growing passion for evangelism.

Biblical Translation: Completing the Old Testament in the Mongolian Standard Version is a significant milestone, providing Believers with access to Scripture in their native language.

Prayer Points

Cultural Resistance: Deep-rooted Buddhist traditions pose challenges to the acceptance of Christianity, with many viewing it as incompatible with Mongolian identity.

Materialism: The increasing focus on material wealth and success has led to a decline in spiritual values among the youth.

Legal Restrictions: While religious freedom is constitutionally guaranteed, practical limitations on missionary activities and church operations hinder the growth of Christianity.

A Call to Salvation

Unity: Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Discipleship: 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

Cultural Relevance: 1 Corinthians 9:22 – “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”

Youth Investment: 1 Timothy 4:12 – “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

Cultural Engagement: Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Mongolia’s history with Christianity dates back to the 7th century when the Nestorian Church of the East found its way among the Mongol tribes. Under leaders like Kublai Khan, the Mongol Empire’s vast expanse in the 13th century saw Christian influence grow, primarily through figures such as Sorghaghtani Beki, Kublai’s mother, who was a devout Nestorian Christian. However, after the empire’s decline, Christianity faded from the region.

Modern Christianity began to take root in Mongolia in the early 1990s following the country’s shift from communism to democracy. The 1992 constitution enshrined religious freedom, allowing missionaries to enter and share the Gospel. Notable figures like Filipino Bishop Wenceslao Padilla played pivotal roles in establishing the Catholic presence, becoming the first Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar in 2003. His social services and community outreach efforts were instrumental in nurturing the fledgling Christian community.

In 2023, Pope Francis made a historic visit to Mongolia, marking the first papal visit to the country. During his visit, he praised Mongolia’s deep-rooted tradition of religious freedom, a legacy dating back to Genghis Khan, and encouraged the small Catholic population.