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After centuries of darkness, Mongolia has allowed
Christian witness over the last 20 years, and many
have come to Christ. Other religions remain strong, and there is a large
nonreligious group. The people are extremely poor
and providing aid is a daunting task for
Christians. Mongolia is located between Russia and
China. Mongolia covers a large area, and the terrain
ranges from desert to rugged mountains.
Just under 3 million people live in Mongolia. 90% are
native Mongols, and nearly half are nomadic. The
land is sparsely populated.
Although blessed with natural resources, Mongolia has
struggled economically. At one point, aid from the
former Soviet Union constituted one third of the economy. The break-up
of the Soviet Union brought an abrupt end to the
aid and extreme poverty. Little improvement has
occurred over the last decade.
A world power in the 13th century, Mongolia
disintegrated and was part of China for centuries.
In the early 1900's it became an independent territory and eventually fell
into the Communist bloc. Mongolia gained
independence in 1990 as a multiparty democracy. The
opposition party gained control in 1996, but the Communist party
regained a large majority in the 2000 elections.
The government officially recognizes 3 religions: Buddhism,
Shamanism, and Islam. Those 3 groups account for
well over 50% of the population. Those who consider themselves nonreligious
comprise the largest single group with more the 40% of the people.
Although only 3 religions are recognized, others are
permitted limited religious freedom..Mongolia was
closed to the gospel for centuries. Only in the last 20 years has the gospel
beenpreached in a significant way. Fifteen years ago there were essentially
no Mongol Christians.
Today there are several thousand. Pray for these new
believers and their growing churches. Pray for
missionaries as they seek to reach people with the gospel. Pray also for
Christians involved in aid ministries. The
economic conditions are very difficult. Some agencies attempt
to prevent Christians from sharing their faith. Pray that these
Christians may successfully meet the physical
needs and wisely point people to Christ.
Pray for the printing and distribution of Bibles and
Christian literature. Mission Aviation Fellowship
is now allowed to fly in Mongolia - pray for their ministry. Pray also for
the effective use of Christian Radio and
Television programs to reach people.
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Copyright 2007 by Brad Garrison - Permission to use has been requested
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The Grace World View is a ministry of The King's
Chapel, West Chester, Ohio USA |
