by Chris Kraus, team member
June 18-30, 2007
Day One – Monday, June 18, 2007
“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go (China and Mongolia), and will bring you back to this land (Indiana); for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” – Genesis 28:15
A small band of 11 believers from Living Stones Fellowship flew out of Chicago’s O’Hare Airport on Saturday, June 18, bound for Beijing, China. Each team member carried two suitcases filled with precious cargo for nurturing and strengthening hungry Chinese Christians. Pastor Dick Bashta and his wife, Susie, served as veteran trip guides. The uneventful 13-hour flight began the bonding process among us, one which would deepen as the days ticked by.
Day Two – Tuesday, June 19, 2007
“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them” – Psalm 34:7
As our airplane approached Beijing International Airport, we couldn’t help but notice a blanket of smog cloaking this otherwise beautiful city. It was a prophetic picture of the oppression from communism that chokes the nation and its people. We made our way through the quarantine and immigration document check; then on to the baggage carousel to claim our luggage. The faithful prayers of our Living Stones family covered us, as did the heavenly host! We had no problem with any of our luggage getting through!
Two over-sized vans carried us and our luggage to the Capitol Hotel. The Chinese are gifted in serving, with each standing at their post, ready to help or respond to questions. We can learn much from them! They are a beautiful people.
After settling into our hotel rooms, we gathered together for a walk to Tiananmen Square where hordes of people were milling about, waiting for the changing of the guard and lowering of their national flag. Cameras flashed everywhere, as people took pictures of the event. The Chinese love their country.
We walked to a nearby restaurant for a wonderful sampling of several Chinese dishes, such as lemon chicken, sweet and sour pork, seasoned shrimp, flavorful duck tacos, rice pilaf and fried pumpkin patties. One of the waitresses cried nearly the whole time she served us. The Holy Spirit was wonderfully present!
We concluded the evening with rickshaw rides back to the hotel. The drivers tried to intimidate us into giving them more than what we bargained for. It’s just their way.
Day Three – Wednesday, June 20, 2007
“You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. You water its ridges abundantly, you settle its furrows; you make it soft with showers, you bless its growth. You crown the year with goodness, and your paths drip with abundance.” – Psalm 65:9-11
Our team devotionals (“devos”) focused on God’s Spirit falling on China like Niagara Falls. We called on God to pour out His Spirit on China as a mighty river, so powerful that all can’t help but get wet.
We returned to Tiananmen Square and prayer walked the area that in 1989 was the sight of demonstrations and a subsequent massacre. In the Spirit, we pulled down the strongholds of communism, pride, arrogance, deception, false religions and abortion. We spoke truth, freedom, life and peace, restoration and a downpour of God’s Spirit.
From Tiananmen Square we prayer walked the site where Chairman Mao Tse-Tung addressed masses of people, expounding on his revolutionary political theories. Pastor Dick spoke out Isaiah 27:1-2: “In that day the Lord with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea. In that day sing ye unto her, a vineyard of red wine.”
We also prayed while walking through the courtyard of the Forbidden City, now occupied by vendors selling souvenirs and trinkets. Young soldiers proudly stood guard everywhere. We weren’t permitted into the government building, so we prayed outside the iron fencing. Next, we taxied to the older Hutong district and strode the narrow streets where myriads of Chinese dwell in small tenement houses. One of our teams went by rickshaw deep into the community, all the while praying.
Back at the hotel, our precious cargo was finally picked up and strategically shot like arrows into the hungry villages of China. As it grew dark, we went into the university district for dinner, then walked the area in the hopes of finding students who could speak English. We seeded as we walked and noticed that a few “seedlings” were picked up and read. We prayed that the “light” from its pages would break through the darkness, and souls would be saved. It was a night of destiny for those who had never heard before.
Day Four – Thursday, June 21, 2007
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end (the uttermost part of) the earth.” – Acts 1:8
Our day began early as we boarded Air China to fly from Beijing to Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia. Pastor Mark Kocke, his assistant, Muugi, and his two adopted Mongolian daughters, met us at the airport. We began forging a bond with these beautiful people immediately. As we traveled the four-hour trip to Darkhan, we drank in the beautiful blue Mongolian sky, a stark difference from the dingy skies of Beijing. Hills and low-lying mountains, trees and the traditional Mongolian ger (pronounced gaire) dotted the countryside. Cattle and horses ranged free or in large fenced areas.
We settled into the Urtuuchin Hotel before visiting Pastor Mark’s home and church. Since the Mongolians are familiar with many “gods,” the church is specifically named, God’s Jesus Church. Along the way, we noticed buildings reflecting a Russian influence. All of Darkhan was built by the Russians who once occupied the area. We spotted a huge statue of Buddha on a hilltop, reflecting the Tibetan religious stronghold of Mongolia.
Day Five – Friday, June 22, 2007
“Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song …” – Revelation 5:8-9a
We began the day with “devos,” then headed over to the church by “metro” (an over-sized van) to conduct two workshops:
Between the two workshops, Susie Bashta introduced “Harp and Bowl” worship with Kirsten Johnson and Fran helping with vocals. An elderly Mongolian man was the first to breakthrough in heartfelt prayer. Young people followed his example, offering praise and prayer for their needs. At first the Mongols called it “Harp and Bull,” until the reference from Revelation clarified the translation!
On our way to the hotel for a rest, we stopped by the statue of Buddha and prayer walked around the idol seven times before giving a global roar for freedom.
Pastor Mark rented a large theater, capable of seating 600-700 people, for a two-night Signs and Wonders Evangelistic Service on Family Restoration. It was the first large meeting held for Jesus in Darkhan! As we gathered for team prayer in the lobby, Kirsten noticed a bat crawling on Pastor Dick’s bag. It hissed when Anthony Bunkowske tried to remove it! If Pastor Dick had picked up his bag with the bat attached, he could have been bitten. We gave thanks for God’s protection.
The worshippers went before us as the youth from God’s Jesus Church sang praises. Moving personal testimonies were given by our team members, Marcus Arnold, on his miraculous physical healing and Kirsten on her healing from father wounds.
Pastor Dick spoke a powerful message to a filled auditorium on God as Creator and Savior. Just under one hundred Mongolians responded to the call for salvation and for personal prayer. Short on interpreters, we did the best we could to minister to their needs. God’s grace was sufficient to save, touch, and encourage many. Key issues included marriage problems, addictions to alcohol, abortion and unemployment.
Day Six – Saturday, June 23, 2007
“On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” – Ezra 7:9-10
Pastor Mark led our “devos,” based on the passage from Ezra, and shared with us his inspiring call to the mission field. The first workshops for the day were:
The second set of workshops focused on:
Youth from the church again opened the evening service at the large auditorium with praise and worship. Anthony shared his inspiring personal testimony on deliverance from addictions and sexual sin.
Pastor Ron, Jr., spoke an impassioned message, calling for a commitment to see a move of God in Mongolia. More souls were saved and encouraged to find a local church, read the Bible, and pray daily. Many received personal prayer on the platform with some slain in the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, healed, and set free. Awesome God!
Day Seven – Sunday, June 24, 2007
“He lifts up a banner for the distant nations, He whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Here they come, swiftly and speedily!” – Isaiah 5:26
Ed led morning “devos” describing the unfurled banner on the face of the theater as a prophetic proclamation of what Pastor Mark and his church are doing in Mongolia. He took us to several passages on banners, personalizing each.
Sunday service at God’s Jesus Church was a joyful celebration! Nita Yarsh gave her personal testimony on how God lovingly wooed her back into His arms after she had wandered away. Pastor Ron, Jr., then focused on the Word of God as an essential weapon in our arsenal to help usher in a great move of God. Signs and wonders followed with an elderly woman saved and Davgah’s baby son healed of a fever.
After service, Bill and Fran went with Muugi to minister at the new church plant in Darkhan.
In the afternoon, we went to a river in the country to baptize seven members. Some of the men from our team helped in the baptism. Later, some of our team went to the church to encourage the Mongolian worship team as they took baby steps into the realm of “Harp and Bowl.” During the session, Bagi was attacked with stomach pains and another young man with throat problems. The enemy did not want these young people moving to another level of worship. Two LSF team members prayed and both were healed.
Day Eight – Monday, June 25, 2007
“Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.’” – Mark 6:31a
Today we celebrated Kirsten’s 23rd birthday. It was also a time to get off by ourselves and relax in the country. We attempted to go on camel rides (a personal favorite of Pastor Dick’s) but only found a group of young camels. They found us as interesting as we found them!
Traveling deeper into the countryside, we visited a “ger.” We experienced the hospitality of nomadic Mongolians as we drank goat milk with tea and salt, sampled homemade cheese, and fried bread. The interior of the ger was colorfully decorated with bold floral fabric and brightly painted furniture. Family pictures were displayed on dressers, some reflecting several generations past.
The men of the ger slaughtered a sheep from their flock then cooked the fresh pieces of meat in a large cylindrical container containing hot rocks. They rolled the cylinder by kicking it, until the meat was thoroughly steamed through. While the lamb cooked, we rode Mongolian horses – smaller than our Western horses – with high-backed wooden saddles. All the Mongolians are able to ride, a heritage from the days of warrior Genghis Khan.
When the lamb was done, we were given the rocks to pass around like “hot potatoes.” The lamb was delicious!
Our day’s celebration ended with dinner at a local restaurant, honoring Pastor Mark and Ginny and their team. It was a rare treat to eat out for them, especially for our five cooks, who faithfully served the team with delicious meals each day! When we returned to Pastor Mark’s, we prayed and prophesied encouraging words over each of them.
Day Nine – Tuesday, June 26, 2007
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” – Matthew 5:6
A new day! We traveled a few hours to Mongolia’s third largest city, Erdenet, where Russian Pastor Ramon and his wife, Sveta, minister to a small church. Pastor Dick and Susie had placed them there while directing another mission organization in LA.
Erdenet lies nestled in verdant rolling hills and low-lying mountains with rivulets of water spattered here and there. Copper mining is a large industry; goats and sheep abound. Russian influence is even more evident in the city’s architecture.
Pastor Ramon and a neighboring Mongolian pastor brought their churches together for a one-day meeting. Our team conducted three, two-hour workshops:
Day Ten – Wednesday, June 27, 2007
“One day Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.’ So they got into a boat and set out.” – Luke 8:22
We spent the day traveling by metro back to Darkhan, to pick up our luggage and say tearful goodbyes. Then on to Ulaan Baatar for the night.
We closed the day with a debriefing session. Everyone was eager to share what they had experienced on the trip and how God had touched and changed their life while in Mongolia. Several highlights of the evening were:
• Based on Genesis 21:2, Susie spoke a word to Pastor Mark and Ginny saying, “The time for Isaac has come.” The fruit of their labors in Darkhan is springing forth!
• Nita confirmed the word with a scripture from Hebrews 11:11
• Pastor Mark told the LSF team, “You brought good news, rest and encouragement to a foreign land. We are now adopted by you.”
• Ginny said her only regret is that she is getting older and doesn’t have enough time left to bring the Gospel to more places.
Day Eleven – Thursday, June 28, 2007
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:3-6
Again, we said tearful goodbyes at the airport to our new, dear friends. We thank God for them and will continue to pray for them and the church there. As we boarded Air China for Beijing, we all left a piece of our heart in Mongolia.
In the evening, we joined a team from Louisiana for a banquet honoring Pastor Moses and his wife. Pastor Moses, age 90, spent 24 years in prison for the Gospel. He refused to accept the revised Chinese Bible which leaves out the virgin birth, (saying Mary was simply a maiden) and omits references to the second coming of Jesus Christ. He also refused to join the Three-Self Church. When first in prison, Pastor Moses spent 176 days in confinement with his hands cuffed so tightly together that they cut into his skin and the flesh began to swell and rot. After the first 12 years in prison, the conditions were so awful that he longed to be with his Lord and Savior. Once he attempted suicide and then quickly repented. The Lord softly spoke to him three times: “My son, my grace is sufficient for you.” It was an honor just to be in the room with Pastor Moses and his dear wife.
In response to our questions, Pastor Moses said the greatest need of the Chinese Church is for Bibles. He asked the American Church to pray for the Chinese Church and for the laborers who risk their lives. We were humbled. We ended the evening with seeding.
Day 12 – Friday, June 29, 2007
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
We climbed one of the seven Wonders of the World – The Great Wall of China – warring for souls and taking dominion over each step, laboring as we climbed. God’s Word, whether printed or voice-activated, is not chained, but will bring forth that which He sets out to accomplish.
Next, we power-shopped at the Silk Market. We were all amazed by Anthony’s bargaining antics and how much Pastor/Dr. Ron, Jr. learned from him by the end of the shopping trip. We then ate at a Tex Mex Restaurant in preparation for returning to Western food (the first time we had seen a fork while in China!). Not wanting to come back with one unsown seed, we went out late at night to “plant” our remaining seedlings wherever possible. The code word to alert each other of possible danger was: “What time is it?” Some of us, caught up with seeding, forgot to heed the code and needed clearer warnings such as, “Get over here, right now!”
Day 13 – Saturday, June 30, 2007
“When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad … Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” – Psalm 126
Our last morning “devos” were spent praising the Lord and encouraging each other in the many personal giftings that we had seen operating on the trip. Pastor Dick and Susie prepared us for possible “kickbacks” from the enemy on our return. They encouraged us by asking us to set goals of what we would do when we got home, and they challenged us not to lose our passion, as well as to get on the right track for preparation and training, for wherever God may call us to “touch the fields.” It was an amazing trip, and we all agreed that our lives would be forever changed, for God’s glory! I encourage you to pray about going on a mission trip with Living Stones. It will be well worth every sacrifice that you make!
China/Mongolia
China-Mongolia Mission Trip Journalby Chris Kraus, team member
June 18-30, 2007
Day One – Monday, June 18, 2007
“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go (China and Mongolia), and will bring you back to this land (Indiana); for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” – Genesis 28:15
A small band of 11 believers from Living Stones Fellowship flew out of Chicago’s O’Hare Airport on Saturday, June 18, bound for Beijing, China. Each team member carried two suitcases filled with precious cargo for nurturing and strengthening hungry Chinese Christians. Pastor Dick Bashta and his wife, Susie, served as veteran trip guides. The uneventful 13-hour flight began the bonding process among us, one which would deepen as the days ticked by.
Day Two – Tuesday, June 19, 2007
“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them” – Psalm 34:7
As our airplane approached Beijing International Airport, we couldn’t help but notice a blanket of smog cloaking this otherwise beautiful city. It was a prophetic picture of the oppression from communism that chokes the nation and its people. We made our way through the quarantine and immigration document check; then on to the baggage carousel to claim our luggage. The faithful prayers of our Living Stones family covered us, as did the heavenly host! We had no problem with any of our luggage getting through!
Two over-sized vans carried us and our luggage to the Capitol Hotel. The Chinese are gifted in serving, with each standing at their post, ready to help or respond to questions. We can learn much from them! They are a beautiful people.
After settling into our hotel rooms, we gathered together for a walk to Tiananmen Square where hordes of people were milling about, waiting for the changing of the guard and lowering of their national flag. Cameras flashed everywhere, as people took pictures of the event. The Chinese love their country.
We walked to a nearby restaurant for a wonderful sampling of several Chinese dishes, such as lemon chicken, sweet and sour pork, seasoned shrimp, flavorful duck tacos, rice pilaf and fried pumpkin patties. One of the waitresses cried nearly the whole time she served us. The Holy Spirit was wonderfully present!
We concluded the evening with rickshaw rides back to the hotel. The drivers tried to intimidate us into giving them more than what we bargained for. It’s just their way.
Day Three – Wednesday, June 20, 2007
“You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. You water its ridges abundantly, you settle its furrows; you make it soft with showers, you bless its growth. You crown the year with goodness, and your paths drip with abundance.” – Psalm 65:9-11
Our team devotionals (“devos”) focused on God’s Spirit falling on China like Niagara Falls. We called on God to pour out His Spirit on China as a mighty river, so powerful that all can’t help but get wet.
We returned to Tiananmen Square and prayer walked the area that in 1989 was the sight of demonstrations and a subsequent massacre. In the Spirit, we pulled down the strongholds of communism, pride, arrogance, deception, false religions and abortion. We spoke truth, freedom, life and peace, restoration and a downpour of God’s Spirit.
From Tiananmen Square we prayer walked the site where Chairman Mao Tse-Tung addressed masses of people, expounding on his revolutionary political theories. Pastor Dick spoke out Isaiah 27:1-2: “In that day the Lord with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea. In that day sing ye unto her, a vineyard of red wine.”
We also prayed while walking through the courtyard of the Forbidden City, now occupied by vendors selling souvenirs and trinkets. Young soldiers proudly stood guard everywhere. We weren’t permitted into the government building, so we prayed outside the iron fencing. Next, we taxied to the older Hutong district and strode the narrow streets where myriads of Chinese dwell in small tenement houses. One of our teams went by rickshaw deep into the community, all the while praying.
Back at the hotel, our precious cargo was finally picked up and strategically shot like arrows into the hungry villages of China. As it grew dark, we went into the university district for dinner, then walked the area in the hopes of finding students who could speak English. We seeded as we walked and noticed that a few “seedlings” were picked up and read. We prayed that the “light” from its pages would break through the darkness, and souls would be saved. It was a night of destiny for those who had never heard before.
Day Four – Thursday, June 21, 2007
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end (the uttermost part of) the earth.” – Acts 1:8
Our day began early as we boarded Air China to fly from Beijing to Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia. Pastor Mark Kocke, his assistant, Muugi, and his two adopted Mongolian daughters, met us at the airport. We began forging a bond with these beautiful people immediately. As we traveled the four-hour trip to Darkhan, we drank in the beautiful blue Mongolian sky, a stark difference from the dingy skies of Beijing. Hills and low-lying mountains, trees and the traditional Mongolian ger (pronounced gaire) dotted the countryside. Cattle and horses ranged free or in large fenced areas.
We settled into the Urtuuchin Hotel before visiting Pastor Mark’s home and church. Since the Mongolians are familiar with many “gods,” the church is specifically named, God’s Jesus Church. Along the way, we noticed buildings reflecting a Russian influence. All of Darkhan was built by the Russians who once occupied the area. We spotted a huge statue of Buddha on a hilltop, reflecting the Tibetan religious stronghold of Mongolia.
Day Five – Friday, June 22, 2007
“Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song …” – Revelation 5:8-9a
We began the day with “devos,” then headed over to the church by “metro” (an over-sized van) to conduct two workshops:
- Praise and Worship – led by Bill and Fran Goldie.
- Prayer and Intercession – led by Ed and Chris Kraus. Hearts responded to the call to intercede for their families, city and nation.
Between the two workshops, Susie Bashta introduced “Harp and Bowl” worship with Kirsten Johnson and Fran helping with vocals. An elderly Mongolian man was the first to breakthrough in heartfelt prayer. Young people followed his example, offering praise and prayer for their needs. At first the Mongols called it “Harp and Bull,” until the reference from Revelation clarified the translation!
On our way to the hotel for a rest, we stopped by the statue of Buddha and prayer walked around the idol seven times before giving a global roar for freedom.
Pastor Mark rented a large theater, capable of seating 600-700 people, for a two-night Signs and Wonders Evangelistic Service on Family Restoration. It was the first large meeting held for Jesus in Darkhan! As we gathered for team prayer in the lobby, Kirsten noticed a bat crawling on Pastor Dick’s bag. It hissed when Anthony Bunkowske tried to remove it! If Pastor Dick had picked up his bag with the bat attached, he could have been bitten. We gave thanks for God’s protection.
The worshippers went before us as the youth from God’s Jesus Church sang praises. Moving personal testimonies were given by our team members, Marcus Arnold, on his miraculous physical healing and Kirsten on her healing from father wounds.
Pastor Dick spoke a powerful message to a filled auditorium on God as Creator and Savior. Just under one hundred Mongolians responded to the call for salvation and for personal prayer. Short on interpreters, we did the best we could to minister to their needs. God’s grace was sufficient to save, touch, and encourage many. Key issues included marriage problems, addictions to alcohol, abortion and unemployment.
Day Six – Saturday, June 23, 2007
“On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” – Ezra 7:9-10
Pastor Mark led our “devos,” based on the passage from Ezra, and shared with us his inspiring call to the mission field. The first workshops for the day were:
- Marriage and Parenting – led by Pastor Dick and Susie. Those attending were most interested in parenting. As in America there are many single parent homes.
- Singles – led by Bill and Fran
- Youth – led by Pastor Ron Johnson, Jr.
The second set of workshops focused on:
- Deliverance – led by Pastor Dick
- Youth – led by Pastor Ron, Jr. Pastor Ron stood in as a repentant father for each of the young people. Many were wounded and/or abandoned by one or both parents. Tears flowed as Pastor Ron prophesied over each young person; women team members loved on them as well.
Youth from the church again opened the evening service at the large auditorium with praise and worship. Anthony shared his inspiring personal testimony on deliverance from addictions and sexual sin.
Pastor Ron, Jr., spoke an impassioned message, calling for a commitment to see a move of God in Mongolia. More souls were saved and encouraged to find a local church, read the Bible, and pray daily. Many received personal prayer on the platform with some slain in the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, healed, and set free. Awesome God!
Day Seven – Sunday, June 24, 2007
“He lifts up a banner for the distant nations, He whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Here they come, swiftly and speedily!” – Isaiah 5:26
Ed led morning “devos” describing the unfurled banner on the face of the theater as a prophetic proclamation of what Pastor Mark and his church are doing in Mongolia. He took us to several passages on banners, personalizing each.
Sunday service at God’s Jesus Church was a joyful celebration! Nita Yarsh gave her personal testimony on how God lovingly wooed her back into His arms after she had wandered away. Pastor Ron, Jr., then focused on the Word of God as an essential weapon in our arsenal to help usher in a great move of God. Signs and wonders followed with an elderly woman saved and Davgah’s baby son healed of a fever.
After service, Bill and Fran went with Muugi to minister at the new church plant in Darkhan.
In the afternoon, we went to a river in the country to baptize seven members. Some of the men from our team helped in the baptism. Later, some of our team went to the church to encourage the Mongolian worship team as they took baby steps into the realm of “Harp and Bowl.” During the session, Bagi was attacked with stomach pains and another young man with throat problems. The enemy did not want these young people moving to another level of worship. Two LSF team members prayed and both were healed.
Day Eight – Monday, June 25, 2007
“Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.’” – Mark 6:31a
Today we celebrated Kirsten’s 23rd birthday. It was also a time to get off by ourselves and relax in the country. We attempted to go on camel rides (a personal favorite of Pastor Dick’s) but only found a group of young camels. They found us as interesting as we found them!
Traveling deeper into the countryside, we visited a “ger.” We experienced the hospitality of nomadic Mongolians as we drank goat milk with tea and salt, sampled homemade cheese, and fried bread. The interior of the ger was colorfully decorated with bold floral fabric and brightly painted furniture. Family pictures were displayed on dressers, some reflecting several generations past.
The men of the ger slaughtered a sheep from their flock then cooked the fresh pieces of meat in a large cylindrical container containing hot rocks. They rolled the cylinder by kicking it, until the meat was thoroughly steamed through. While the lamb cooked, we rode Mongolian horses – smaller than our Western horses – with high-backed wooden saddles. All the Mongolians are able to ride, a heritage from the days of warrior Genghis Khan.
When the lamb was done, we were given the rocks to pass around like “hot potatoes.” The lamb was delicious!
Our day’s celebration ended with dinner at a local restaurant, honoring Pastor Mark and Ginny and their team. It was a rare treat to eat out for them, especially for our five cooks, who faithfully served the team with delicious meals each day! When we returned to Pastor Mark’s, we prayed and prophesied encouraging words over each of them.
Day Nine – Tuesday, June 26, 2007
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” – Matthew 5:6
A new day! We traveled a few hours to Mongolia’s third largest city, Erdenet, where Russian Pastor Ramon and his wife, Sveta, minister to a small church. Pastor Dick and Susie had placed them there while directing another mission organization in LA.
Erdenet lies nestled in verdant rolling hills and low-lying mountains with rivulets of water spattered here and there. Copper mining is a large industry; goats and sheep abound. Russian influence is even more evident in the city’s architecture.
Pastor Ramon and a neighboring Mongolian pastor brought their churches together for a one-day meeting. Our team conducted three, two-hour workshops:
- Marriage and Parenting – led by Pastor Dick and Susie, along with Marcus
- Youth Focus – directed by Pastor Ron, Jr., with Kirsten and Anthony assisting
- Prayer and Intercession – led by Ed and Chris, with Bill, Fran and Nita assisting
Day Ten – Wednesday, June 27, 2007
“One day Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.’ So they got into a boat and set out.” – Luke 8:22
We spent the day traveling by metro back to Darkhan, to pick up our luggage and say tearful goodbyes. Then on to Ulaan Baatar for the night.
We closed the day with a debriefing session. Everyone was eager to share what they had experienced on the trip and how God had touched and changed their life while in Mongolia. Several highlights of the evening were:
• Based on Genesis 21:2, Susie spoke a word to Pastor Mark and Ginny saying, “The time for Isaac has come.” The fruit of their labors in Darkhan is springing forth!
• Nita confirmed the word with a scripture from Hebrews 11:11
• Pastor Mark told the LSF team, “You brought good news, rest and encouragement to a foreign land. We are now adopted by you.”
• Ginny said her only regret is that she is getting older and doesn’t have enough time left to bring the Gospel to more places.
Day Eleven – Thursday, June 28, 2007
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:3-6
Again, we said tearful goodbyes at the airport to our new, dear friends. We thank God for them and will continue to pray for them and the church there. As we boarded Air China for Beijing, we all left a piece of our heart in Mongolia.
In the evening, we joined a team from Louisiana for a banquet honoring Pastor Moses and his wife. Pastor Moses, age 90, spent 24 years in prison for the Gospel. He refused to accept the revised Chinese Bible which leaves out the virgin birth, (saying Mary was simply a maiden) and omits references to the second coming of Jesus Christ. He also refused to join the Three-Self Church. When first in prison, Pastor Moses spent 176 days in confinement with his hands cuffed so tightly together that they cut into his skin and the flesh began to swell and rot. After the first 12 years in prison, the conditions were so awful that he longed to be with his Lord and Savior. Once he attempted suicide and then quickly repented. The Lord softly spoke to him three times: “My son, my grace is sufficient for you.” It was an honor just to be in the room with Pastor Moses and his dear wife.
In response to our questions, Pastor Moses said the greatest need of the Chinese Church is for Bibles. He asked the American Church to pray for the Chinese Church and for the laborers who risk their lives. We were humbled. We ended the evening with seeding.
Day 12 – Friday, June 29, 2007
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
We climbed one of the seven Wonders of the World – The Great Wall of China – warring for souls and taking dominion over each step, laboring as we climbed. God’s Word, whether printed or voice-activated, is not chained, but will bring forth that which He sets out to accomplish.
Next, we power-shopped at the Silk Market. We were all amazed by Anthony’s bargaining antics and how much Pastor/Dr. Ron, Jr. learned from him by the end of the shopping trip. We then ate at a Tex Mex Restaurant in preparation for returning to Western food (the first time we had seen a fork while in China!). Not wanting to come back with one unsown seed, we went out late at night to “plant” our remaining seedlings wherever possible. The code word to alert each other of possible danger was: “What time is it?” Some of us, caught up with seeding, forgot to heed the code and needed clearer warnings such as, “Get over here, right now!”
Day 13 – Saturday, June 30, 2007
“When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad … Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” – Psalm 126
Our last morning “devos” were spent praising the Lord and encouraging each other in the many personal giftings that we had seen operating on the trip. Pastor Dick and Susie prepared us for possible “kickbacks” from the enemy on our return. They encouraged us by asking us to set goals of what we would do when we got home, and they challenged us not to lose our passion, as well as to get on the right track for preparation and training, for wherever God may call us to “touch the fields.” It was an amazing trip, and we all agreed that our lives would be forever changed, for God’s glory! I encourage you to pray about going on a mission trip with Living Stones. It will be well worth every sacrifice that you make!
