Now that we are down to our last week in Mongolia, I guess I will weigh in with my take on our time here. Proverbs 16:9 says "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." I adopted this as a sort of "focus verse" for the trip this summer. Past experience and human wisdom (whatever that is worth) confirm that the truth of this verse holds for any endeavor; but it seems especially true when you add in the "Mongolian Factor".
Some of our experience went way beyond the goals we set. I believe the coaches' training week and the 3 weeks of camp that followed were tremendously successful. Many of the Mongolian coaches and leaders seem to have personally "caught" the vision of living sacrificially and loving kids in order to present Christ to them in a camp environment. Our prayer is that the seeds sown will be watered and fruit will be produced. Seeing some of those kids here at church on Sundays, when they were not there before Camp, gives me hope.
"Camp on the Road" as we followed the medical team was a spontaneous, unplanned program that spread the gospel all over the region. Some of these villages have churches and some have never heard the gospel before. We can only pray that God will use the gospel bracelets and His Word that were left in those places to bring people to Himself.
The tennis courts that we had hoped to complete in Khongor never materialized - victim of the air freight embargo and shortage of funds. However, we were able to be present at the grand opening of the Darkhan courts ant the first ever tournament held there. We were able to teach several clinics there and forge relationships with people that might never see us at the Khongor campus.
The embargo prevented any of the goat milking supplies from arriving while I am here. The barn project was completed and it pleases me to say that I believe that it is functional, well-designed, and well constructed. Unfortunately, I won't be here for the purchasing of any goats or sheep - if, indeed, any are purchased this year. Caitlin and I had hoped to obtain soil samples for testing at A&M; but that will have to wait due to lack of transportation and translation support.
Our involvement with the children in LifeQwest's care has been far more intense than before and we have grown much closer to them. Caitlin and I continue to sense a particular burden for the girls and God has provided a closer contact with them than ever. The result is a clearer picture of how to help and minister to them. Pray for us as we look for ways to follow through.
Ultimately, the current issues facing the ministry here may determine, more than anything else, the future of LifeQwest and the spread of Christianity itself in Mongolia. Opposition to the message of Christ continues to grow among political leaders. Some of them are using this issue to promote themselves in government positions. It is there contention that Christianity is a "foreign" religion and UN-Mongolian. By standing on this platform of nationalism and Mongolian identity, they present the message of Jesus - and anyone who preaches it - as a threat. Less than a week ago, a figure form the Mongolian parliament appeared on TV accusing Christianity in general and LifeQwest staff in particular of political bribery and espionage.I can't share details here, but it all culminates in an attempt to force the LifeQwest ministry out of Mongolia as they recently have others.
I believe that our time is short - not just here, but all over the world. I love America with all my heart and I love being an American; but while we casually attend church and go take the family to lunch on Sundays, Christians all over the world pay dearly for what they believe. Sudan, Morocco, Nigeria, India, China, Indonesia, and more legally deny Christians equal rights and protection afforded other citizens. Whether they are ruled by democracies or despots, the world seems to be gathering in an effort to "put out the Light."
I hope we have many more years to come here; but while our hearts plan our way, the Lord determines our steps. Whatever happens, that is actually a good thing. I've read the end of the Book, and He wins.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Camp Connections and Lots of Prayer Needed
Well the last 4 (or 5) days were spent being a house mother for Jerry's kids while the staff got
time off to celebrate Nadaam as I mentioned before. Mom and I took care of his 10 girls, and
Dad and Kari cared for his 16 boys. We switched off staying in their bashins every night
waking them up, feeding them meals, teaching them little lessons of sports, art, music,
science, and Bible stories on the fruit of the Spirit. One of the hardest lessons to teach, as is
for any child, is obedience. In my opinion, I think most of the regular house mom's don't
enforce many rules because it's just an easier job that way. For the girls, Mom and I made a
chart that reminded me fondly of The Legend of Zelda. Each girl receives 5 heart for each
day. Whenever they exhibited disobedience, they lost a heart which meant they lost 20
minutes of free time. Understanding that the language barrier is high, it had to be understood
on both sides that something that seems like disobedience may just be misunderstanding.
Luckily we had Rose and Kate who are in their fifth year of English in school so we weren't
totally without. Without those girls, we would have been practically helpless. If a girl lost all
their hearts, they lost all there free time for that day. If no hearts were lost for a girl, the
received a piece of gum at the end of the day. If no one ever loses all their hearts for a whole
day, the girls would get a big surprise the last night we had them, including nutella covered
cookies, dried fruits, nuts, kool aid, and watching finding nemo. Even though its in English,
they really get into the action. The girls reached their big surprise and enjoyed every bit of it.
Those 4 days reminded me so much of being a coach at camp. I feel like I've performed every
role possible that runs at camp here this summer, leadership, registrar, support and
encouragement, and coach. It blows my mind. God has prepared me for everything I was
needed for here. Now, I'm facing a battle I'm going to have to trust Him fully with. The last
night I stayed with the girls, I started to vomit once an hour starting at 1:15 am until 8:15 am. I
felt so miserable that I wanted any relief. I was really considering a visit to a doctor here, but
Mom and Dad were very wary of the idea. The best thing for me would be to have an IV, but
the medical told us how doctors here, reuse needles. Even when they are sealed, you don't
have any way to tell if its brand new and unused. So Mom and Dad have been caring for me,
and i was able to slowly take in ice chips, teaspoons of sprite, and little saltines. By 8:30 pm
however, i vomited again after trying to get up to brush my teeth. Then I slept for 10 hours,
and here I am, in bed, having to start over with ice chips. Pray for a quick recovery. Other
people here are also sick but not as much I seem to be.
Also pray for Life Qwest and other Christian organizations here. There has been clear attacks
by anti-Christianity politicians that went on TV and said that the politicians that support and
protect these organizations have been accepting bribes. Satan can attack in big ways but
God is always in control. Pray that this obstacle will be dealt with, and pray for the window
for Christians to stay active in Mongolia stay open as long as possible. Only about a week is
planned to have left here on this side of the globe. Pray also that God will use us well in our
last days here this year. Pray for relationships to grow, and show the fruit of the Spirit in all of us.
~Caitlin
time off to celebrate Nadaam as I mentioned before. Mom and I took care of his 10 girls, and
Dad and Kari cared for his 16 boys. We switched off staying in their bashins every night
waking them up, feeding them meals, teaching them little lessons of sports, art, music,
science, and Bible stories on the fruit of the Spirit. One of the hardest lessons to teach, as is
for any child, is obedience. In my opinion, I think most of the regular house mom's don't
enforce many rules because it's just an easier job that way. For the girls, Mom and I made a
chart that reminded me fondly of The Legend of Zelda. Each girl receives 5 heart for each
day. Whenever they exhibited disobedience, they lost a heart which meant they lost 20
minutes of free time. Understanding that the language barrier is high, it had to be understood
on both sides that something that seems like disobedience may just be misunderstanding.
Luckily we had Rose and Kate who are in their fifth year of English in school so we weren't
totally without. Without those girls, we would have been practically helpless. If a girl lost all
their hearts, they lost all there free time for that day. If no hearts were lost for a girl, the
received a piece of gum at the end of the day. If no one ever loses all their hearts for a whole
day, the girls would get a big surprise the last night we had them, including nutella covered
cookies, dried fruits, nuts, kool aid, and watching finding nemo. Even though its in English,
they really get into the action. The girls reached their big surprise and enjoyed every bit of it.
Those 4 days reminded me so much of being a coach at camp. I feel like I've performed every
role possible that runs at camp here this summer, leadership, registrar, support and
encouragement, and coach. It blows my mind. God has prepared me for everything I was
needed for here. Now, I'm facing a battle I'm going to have to trust Him fully with. The last
night I stayed with the girls, I started to vomit once an hour starting at 1:15 am until 8:15 am. I
felt so miserable that I wanted any relief. I was really considering a visit to a doctor here, but
Mom and Dad were very wary of the idea. The best thing for me would be to have an IV, but
the medical told us how doctors here, reuse needles. Even when they are sealed, you don't
have any way to tell if its brand new and unused. So Mom and Dad have been caring for me,
and i was able to slowly take in ice chips, teaspoons of sprite, and little saltines. By 8:30 pm
however, i vomited again after trying to get up to brush my teeth. Then I slept for 10 hours,
and here I am, in bed, having to start over with ice chips. Pray for a quick recovery. Other
people here are also sick but not as much I seem to be.
Also pray for Life Qwest and other Christian organizations here. There has been clear attacks
by anti-Christianity politicians that went on TV and said that the politicians that support and
protect these organizations have been accepting bribes. Satan can attack in big ways but
God is always in control. Pray that this obstacle will be dealt with, and pray for the window
for Christians to stay active in Mongolia stay open as long as possible. Only about a week is
planned to have left here on this side of the globe. Pray also that God will use us well in our
last days here this year. Pray for relationships to grow, and show the fruit of the Spirit in all of us.
~Caitlin
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Khongor Keepers
Since the Medical team is gone and Nadaam had begun in Darkhan and Ulaan Bataar, all the Mongolian staff is off for four days to celebrate their national holiday. All the Americans here are on duty to be House Mothers and Fathers for Jerry's kids to take care of them. I'll have more descriptions about these crazy fun four days, but I just wanted to start this now. At T Bar M, we have quotes called "Camp Keepers", or little phrases that campers are heard saying that are hilarious or show the childlike faith we should all have. Well these days have been full of those but Mongolia style. So here they are:
1) While telling me their English names and practicing their English, two boys came up to me and said "My English name is Jackson." And another boy comes to me and says, "My English name, Justin Bieber." (*sigh* the things we export.)
2) While showing me pictures of themselves at a field trip to the national museum. They pointed at the people and told me "This is me, and my friend, and my best friends, Bonya and Dala. (Then pointing at the statues behind them) "And that's Sukhbaatar and Lennon." :) I wanna have pets named Sukhbaatar and Lennon, I've decided.
1) While telling me their English names and practicing their English, two boys came up to me and said "My English name is Jackson." And another boy comes to me and says, "My English name, Justin Bieber." (*sigh* the things we export.)
2) While showing me pictures of themselves at a field trip to the national museum. They pointed at the people and told me "This is me, and my friend, and my best friends, Bonya and Dala. (Then pointing at the statues behind them) "And that's Sukhbaatar and Lennon." :) I wanna have pets named Sukhbaatar and Lennon, I've decided.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Surprise, this is Tommy
Hello everyone from Tommy in Khongor. Yes, I am finally doing my job and posting some information on the blog (or as I sometimes call it, the blob). With about 12 days to go the trip has definitely been one of all kinds of emotions and praise to God. We have been able to be here as God works in other peoples lives and in our lives. As we constantly search for exactly how God desires to use us in Mongolia we stay active in various kinds of ways. We have had disappointing and encouraging times. I have been discouraged about not getting the tennis courts built and not being able to have a schedule that is conducive for regular discipleship with the people here. The possibility of purchasing goats while we are here also looks slim, but the goat barn is finished and Debi has done a great job in designing and helping coordinate the renovation of the old barn. Baagii, the staff person that was going to go with Debi to buy the goats, will be on vacation until the 21st and we will be leaving here on the 20th and Mongolia on the 21st. We have also transplanted a number of plants from one part of the property to other parts and are trying to start some new lilac trees from the shoots of established ones. Some of these plants/trees are doing well and others are not. I guess it will take until next year to see what is successful. We have taught tennis, played tennis, and witnessed the grand opening of the two outdoor tennis courts at the sports center in Darkhan. We take time to chase cows, horses, goats, sheep, and any other kind of animal that does not belong off of the property. Sometimes we help prepare meals, wash dishes, mop, sweep, and always try to pick up trash. We have done some construction and some demolition. Each day seems to have new opportunities and trials.
Needless to say, the camp training, holding camps, and doing "mini" camps with kids at various villages as the medical team from Irving sees patients has been a great blessing and encouragement to all involved in the ministry here. As of right now, by my calculations (other people seem to have different numbers) 44 children have prayed to receive Christ as their Savior. The Gospel bracelets with the various colored beads seems to be able to used by the Holy Spirit to open the ears and eyes of the kids here in Mongolia so that they can understand our efforts to explain the Gospel to them. This is no doubt what we are really all about and it is so exciting to me be able to see how God could use this Christian Sports Camp system to reach Mongolia and beyond. Debi especially does a great job (in my opinion) explaining the beads and how they all fit together. It makes all of the cold showers, loss of electricity, walks in the rain, storms, wind, heat, long van rides, and the constant feeble attempts to speak Mongolian worthwhile.
We have had a good relationship with our translator, Bazo (no telling how his real name is spelled). He seems to have made a decision for Christ, but his questions and statements since then seems to show that he is still a little confused about "religion". He has both English and Mongolian bibles now and we continue to talk and try to answer his questions. Please pray for him (I did not count him as one of the 44).
Another situation that all of us have had to deal with the air embargo on Mongolia from Korea. Not only Jerry and us had things in the air freight shipment, but other people here also are having to adjust what can be done and how they can be done with the articles in the shipment not here. We had mainly goat and tennis equipment in the shipment. I believe it has been moved to a shipping container and it should arrive on August 15th. I guess we can use it next year, Lord willing.
On a little lighter side, I have caught two Mongolian fish and one was even big enough to eat. We had a ride on the train from here to Ulaam bataar and experienced a day of shopping until we returned by van that night. We have been on a horse and camel. We have seen gerbils and ground hogs.
One possibility has become apparent to us and Jerry and Susan on how we might be able to impact Mongolia in the future. We are working on details and it might not actually begin until December or next summer, but we are excited about the possibilities and will share the details with our family and friends when we return. The whole plan is in the infant/planing stages so we will see how God leads.
We are looking forward to seeing all of you soon.. Please continue to pray for us.
Tommy
Needless to say, the camp training, holding camps, and doing "mini" camps with kids at various villages as the medical team from Irving sees patients has been a great blessing and encouragement to all involved in the ministry here. As of right now, by my calculations (other people seem to have different numbers) 44 children have prayed to receive Christ as their Savior. The Gospel bracelets with the various colored beads seems to be able to used by the Holy Spirit to open the ears and eyes of the kids here in Mongolia so that they can understand our efforts to explain the Gospel to them. This is no doubt what we are really all about and it is so exciting to me be able to see how God could use this Christian Sports Camp system to reach Mongolia and beyond. Debi especially does a great job (in my opinion) explaining the beads and how they all fit together. It makes all of the cold showers, loss of electricity, walks in the rain, storms, wind, heat, long van rides, and the constant feeble attempts to speak Mongolian worthwhile.
We have had a good relationship with our translator, Bazo (no telling how his real name is spelled). He seems to have made a decision for Christ, but his questions and statements since then seems to show that he is still a little confused about "religion". He has both English and Mongolian bibles now and we continue to talk and try to answer his questions. Please pray for him (I did not count him as one of the 44).
Another situation that all of us have had to deal with the air embargo on Mongolia from Korea. Not only Jerry and us had things in the air freight shipment, but other people here also are having to adjust what can be done and how they can be done with the articles in the shipment not here. We had mainly goat and tennis equipment in the shipment. I believe it has been moved to a shipping container and it should arrive on August 15th. I guess we can use it next year, Lord willing.
On a little lighter side, I have caught two Mongolian fish and one was even big enough to eat. We had a ride on the train from here to Ulaam bataar and experienced a day of shopping until we returned by van that night. We have been on a horse and camel. We have seen gerbils and ground hogs.
One possibility has become apparent to us and Jerry and Susan on how we might be able to impact Mongolia in the future. We are working on details and it might not actually begin until December or next summer, but we are excited about the possibilities and will share the details with our family and friends when we return. The whole plan is in the infant/planing stages so we will see how God leads.
We are looking forward to seeing all of you soon.. Please continue to pray for us.
Tommy
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Tskterrrrrrrr, Tsaan Trip
Well, as I mentioned before, our new jobs this week is to travel with the medical team that have come from the Plymoth Park Baptist Church from Irving, Texas. The first trip taken since camp was completed, I had to miss because of bad feeling in my stomach. To quote Boston, it was more than a feeling. So I stayed back for a sick day and thus do not have much to say about that day besides that the commentary for Gladiator is alright.
So the next day I felt much better and ready to travel to what we were told was the farthest village we'd be traveling to. Basically, 2 hours north from Khongor so it was almost to the border of Russia. Well, we piled in the vans, being told that half the trip will be on the black top road and the other half on a dirt road. 2 hours past and we were still on the black top. Another hour on the black top and we reached the dirt road. None of the Mustangs had been to this village. No one had, except our driver who was leading the caravan because he had family in Tskterrrrrr *roll the r for 2-3 seconds*. As we drove on the dirt road, it became to feel like the tea cups from Disney world. The road was wide enough for 2 lanes but was filled with plenty of dips and mud pits the driver tried to avoid. We basically drove in in an S shape the entire way there...for 3 more hours. I was sitting in the front seat, I don't ever get motion sicknes, and I even felt so sick that I was hanging my head out the window. Once we got to Tskter at 1pm, it was perhaps the most beautiful countryside I had ever seen in my life. I had never been to a Taige ecosystem in the summer. The mountains, pine trees, wildflowers were all beautiful. In the little time we had to work there, 57 people were seen by the doctors and with the mini camp we had set up, 6 kids accepted Christ! I'm not sure how many did on the first day. It was just an awesome experience. Tsaan is known as the planting state because of its agricultural development. I would love to go back there again. The governor of Tsaan came to thank us for coming and hopes to work with us more in the future.
On the road back, we hurried to get back to the black top before dark. Our van was in front again and the only car trouble we had was that the engine seemed to quit on us for a bit. Boogii worked his magic and got it running. In the stop, Suki went out into the forest, picked up a red flower with a bulb-like root. Here is how the conversation went:
Suki: Eat! Its a potatoe.
Me: You sure? It looks like an onion.
NO! potatoe!
*as I peel the bulb like an onion* I really think its an onion.
No, this is a Mongolian potatoe.
Suki, I study plants. I'm pretty sure this is not a potatoe.
No, No, I know Mongolian plants. It's potatoe.
Anyways, we are still arguing about the root type controversy. We travelled on to pick up a boy that was walking on to a village we had to pass to go home. We took him into town, dropped him off at a convinient store that his family owned. We were able to buy ice cream there. :) My stomach was already beginning to feel just as nauseus as I did on the way up, and I really did not feel good enough to eat it. But it was melting so I decided to indulge. I think the bases in the milk really settled out my acidity in stomach. I felt like I could ride on the top of the van. We eventually got back by 11pm. We enjoyed the trip, and hope to go back for 2 or 3 days at a time. The long drive was unexpected but so were the blessings.
~Caitlin
So the next day I felt much better and ready to travel to what we were told was the farthest village we'd be traveling to. Basically, 2 hours north from Khongor so it was almost to the border of Russia. Well, we piled in the vans, being told that half the trip will be on the black top road and the other half on a dirt road. 2 hours past and we were still on the black top. Another hour on the black top and we reached the dirt road. None of the Mustangs had been to this village. No one had, except our driver who was leading the caravan because he had family in Tskterrrrrr *roll the r for 2-3 seconds*. As we drove on the dirt road, it became to feel like the tea cups from Disney world. The road was wide enough for 2 lanes but was filled with plenty of dips and mud pits the driver tried to avoid. We basically drove in in an S shape the entire way there...for 3 more hours. I was sitting in the front seat, I don't ever get motion sicknes, and I even felt so sick that I was hanging my head out the window. Once we got to Tskter at 1pm, it was perhaps the most beautiful countryside I had ever seen in my life. I had never been to a Taige ecosystem in the summer. The mountains, pine trees, wildflowers were all beautiful. In the little time we had to work there, 57 people were seen by the doctors and with the mini camp we had set up, 6 kids accepted Christ! I'm not sure how many did on the first day. It was just an awesome experience. Tsaan is known as the planting state because of its agricultural development. I would love to go back there again. The governor of Tsaan came to thank us for coming and hopes to work with us more in the future.
On the road back, we hurried to get back to the black top before dark. Our van was in front again and the only car trouble we had was that the engine seemed to quit on us for a bit. Boogii worked his magic and got it running. In the stop, Suki went out into the forest, picked up a red flower with a bulb-like root. Here is how the conversation went:
Suki: Eat! Its a potatoe.
Me: You sure? It looks like an onion.
NO! potatoe!
*as I peel the bulb like an onion* I really think its an onion.
No, this is a Mongolian potatoe.
Suki, I study plants. I'm pretty sure this is not a potatoe.
No, No, I know Mongolian plants. It's potatoe.
Anyways, we are still arguing about the root type controversy. We travelled on to pick up a boy that was walking on to a village we had to pass to go home. We took him into town, dropped him off at a convinient store that his family owned. We were able to buy ice cream there. :) My stomach was already beginning to feel just as nauseus as I did on the way up, and I really did not feel good enough to eat it. But it was melting so I decided to indulge. I think the bases in the milk really settled out my acidity in stomach. I felt like I could ride on the top of the van. We eventually got back by 11pm. We enjoyed the trip, and hope to go back for 2 or 3 days at a time. The long drive was unexpected but so were the blessings.
~Caitlin
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