24 April 2024

Asia-Pacific Region

Mongolia

Mongolia, once a great Eurasian empire under the leadership of Chinggis Khaan in the 13th century, broke into smaller Mongol states in the 14th century. The Mongols eventually returned to their original steppe homelands (grassy hillside plains) in the 17th century and have come under Chinese rule several times since then. Mongolia declared its independence in 1911, though this has often been unstable. Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. The Church of the Nazarene established its work in Mongolia in 2017 and is actively planting new churches, often in homes (called yurts—round structures of stretched fabric of hides over wooden lattices or poles). The spirit of hospitality and grace grows the churches in Mongolia as you will read in the story that follows.

60 Members

7 Fully Organized Churches

29 District Licensed Ministers

The Church of the Nazarene has grown rapidly in Mongolia over the past seven years. One of the first Nazarene churches is the Shining Grace Community Center in a small village outside Ulaanbaatar. This center was started by a Mongolian pastor, Reegii. After she graduated from Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, Reegii wanted to serve the children in her homeland. Reegii and the East Asia Field partnered to establish a community center where children learn English, participate in summer camps, and encounter the living God.

As the children continue to learn about Jesus, many have decided to follow Jesus and be his disciples. This compelled them to share God’s love with their families. Over time, several parents have come to follow Jesus and now come to church. Shining Grace is becoming an effective training center for disciple-makers.

Reegii disciples the mothers in the church and encourages them to enroll in the Course of Study for ordination. Dolgor is one of them. Because Shining Grace is an hour’s drive from her home, she looked for a church near her village, but she was not able to find one. She wondered if God could use her to start a church, even in their own home. After much prayer, God answered her. In June 2023, the Hailast Church of the Nazarene was opened in Dolgor’s home.

Seven years ago, there was one Nazarene church in Mongolia. Today, there are seven organized churches, which have been instrumental in starting three other churches that hope to be organized soon—including Hailast Church. God is raising disciple-makers—young and old alike—who are courageously and creatively reaching out to their neighbors to share the Gospel and plant new churches. God is growing his Church in Mongolia!

Could You Serve?

Is God calling you to serve on the Asia-Pacific Region? For more information, click here.

NMI Central is available in a curated PDF archive.
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