From: Iman Zholy Church (Marat, Asem, Clara)
Trip Purpose:
Visit believing Kazaks in the city of Uhlan Bator with the purpose of encouragement, evangelize and develop ministry to the elderly.
How does this trip fit our vision and purpose:
Kazakh ministry – know new groups and churches in unreached areas and further development of partnership with them. The purpose of this visit was to teach Kazakhs in Mongolia evangelism through a meeting of friends to help them in opening of groups.
Situation:
Because there is no direct flight from Oskemen to Mongolia and it is impossible to buy tickets in Kazakhstan, our route lay through the city of Novosibirsk. When we arrived at the station we had only three hours before our train departure remains, and the international cash desks were almost closed. It is a big two-story station and we had to run some times from one floor on another to find the necessary cash desk. All cash desks were packed, and cashiers shouted to turn back since they were taking nobody else. Thanks to the hand of the Lord, in the last 10 minutes we were able to buy the final two tickets to Uhlan Bator.
But that was only the beginning of our test. Because now we had to get our cargo across 7 railways to reach our desired Mongolian train. Praise God we were in time and safely began the three-day journey from Russia in Mogoliju.
Our God was very kind to us and our fellow travellers. In our car there were many Chinese. Of them we could get acquainted with some and have told them about Jesus. One of the Chinese works as a doctor in Irkutsk and has a business bringing in medicine. Another is engaged in transportation of building materials. A third works as a translator at a university. As we found out, all of them were heading home for the holiday.
In our car were alson some Russians and we could build a relationship with two Russian women and have shared with them about God’s love. In the end we exchanged addresses with everyone.
In Uhlan Bator we stayed with one sister named Saule. Her husband Shampan while yet a non-believer, is very open to dialogue. He works as a geologist, is very hospitable and a very kind soul. Our fed and clean bodies wished to sleep. But our spirit was invigorated and we visited until almost to two o'clock in the morning on spiritual themes.
All our time was spent in one church for Kazakhs. We saw firsthand their need to develop a system of ministry. Because they need training in even elementary things, as for example how to conduct a Sunday service. In this church there are many women over forty and widows. We taught the sisters how to minister with women. We helped conduct Sunday school for children. There are approximately 15 children and only one teacher with no assistance. There is a need to learn how to evangelize, to build groups.
There are also many physical difficulties. The house where they gather has only two rooms and it is very cold.
But despite these deprivations they do not focus on the problems but wish to serve others who as yet do not come. Sister Saule has told about their ministry at a Hospice where there are many Kazakhs without any hope of their healing.
Personal testimonty or story:
As we returned back to Kazakhstan there was with us another family in our compartment. Evidently the husband had once visited a church in the Mongolian language. He began to study the Koran because he had no Scripture in the Kazakh (local) language he left that church. Then he went to attend a medresse in Shymkent to become a religious man. After he completed his study he has obtained Kazakhstan citizenship and began working in one Turkish company.
We established an excellent relationship. He had many questions and was very opened. Upon arrival in Oskemen they have invited us and we could continue our relationship.
One of episodes of this of stories was that they could test on themselves wonderful healing of the Lord. When we had only gotten on train his wife fell very ill with the flu and we prayed for her. The next morning she awoke completely healthy and vigorous and was full of gratitude, testifying that we truly are children of God.
Prayer requests:
- Praise God for the family family which has completely footed the bill for our trip
- Please pray for churches in the Kazakh language. For their formation and ministry to Kazakhs which live in Mongolia
- Pray for the church where we were, and others like it, for needed ministers.
- Pray our church has the possibility to make periodic trips to this region for encouragement and to offer help.
- Sister Saule asks for prayer regarding the possibility to purchase a house for ministry to people from the Hospice
- May the Lord will bless you, Asem and Clara.
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