Mission Blog
Mongolia #6
Written by Pastor Jon
Wednesday, 17 June 2009 17:15
Hello Friends & Living Stones Family,
It's early Thursday morning, and we're nearly half way through our ministry time here in Darkhan, Mongolia. Most have recovered from jet lag and are now sleeping normally while you're still awake on the other side world just wrapping up your Wednesday. Somehow, my body still hasn't adjusted, and I'm up writing to you at 4:30 AM. It's actually beautiful to wake up at this time of day with worship music playing in our room to look out the windows and see the sun gently rising in the distance casting it's light and shadows on the mountains on the horizon. Words can't really express the beauty of this country. You all must come and experience it for yourselves! We have been having an incredible time here. Our hearts have been captured with love for the Mongolian church. We will never be the same!
Yesterday, we finished Day Two of our intensive ministry. The children's ministry team had an incredible day with Vacation Bible School. They had nearly 90 children. It was so exciting to pull up to the church 45 minutes before the start and already see children gathering at the gate eager to learn about Jesus. Debbie Aguilera and her team are doing an incredible job of loving the children with great fruit. The most exciting part was when the children were asked if they wanted to receive Jesus. Over 20 children immediately stood up and responded unashamedly. Today, they're expecting more children and even greater fruit! Continue to pray for them.
The construction team is moving along with great leaps and bounds. Yesterday they worked over a 12-hour day but were incredibly pleased to be able to get all of the walls up. Tim Deluca, team leader, reported to our leaders last night that they're right on schedule to completely finish the project. The weather has been beautiful for them in
particular — not too hot and not too cold. Today, they'll start on the roof. Tim also said last night that the greatest blessing has been that all of the men have incredible servant hearts and wonderful attitudes preferring one another in love. He also said that Tuesday when they started most of them didn't have much experience in construction. By the end of yesterday, they were working independently with little direction from him. Tim has been a huge blessing and is a natural servant leader. It's incredible exciting to watch him lead his team.
particular — not too hot and not too cold. Today, they'll start on the roof. Tim also said last night that the greatest blessing has been that all of the men have incredible servant hearts and wonderful attitudes preferring one another in love. He also said that Tuesday when they started most of them didn't have much experience in construction. By the end of yesterday, they were working independently with little direction from him. Tim has been a huge blessing and is a natural servant leader. It's incredible exciting to watch him lead his team.Dr. Brent and the medical team have had two remarkable days of ministry to the community. They have seen over 100 patients each day and expect to see about that many again the next two days. It's amazing how quickly word spreads that two American doctors and a nurse are treating patients and giving them
medicine for free with no strings attached. I have been on several mission trips over the years but have never been on a trip with Dr. Brent and a medical team. It really is amazing to see your own family doctor serving and ministering to the poorest of poor on the other side of the world. One of my favorite moments was going into the ger on Monday with him at the countryside and watching him check over the family crowded into that small circular room in the middle of the desert. I could see his compassion and love for these people in his eyes. It was truly moving for me personally. On Friday, they'll be traveling to a small village on the edge of town and taking their medical clinic "on the road."
medicine for free with no strings attached. I have been on several mission trips over the years but have never been on a trip with Dr. Brent and a medical team. It really is amazing to see your own family doctor serving and ministering to the poorest of poor on the other side of the world. One of my favorite moments was going into the ger on Monday with him at the countryside and watching him check over the family crowded into that small circular room in the middle of the desert. I could see his compassion and love for these people in his eyes. It was truly moving for me personally. On Friday, they'll be traveling to a small village on the edge of town and taking their medical clinic "on the road."Cathy Grabowski, our Living Stones chef, has been having a wonderful time working alongside the Mongolian cooks. Some of the dishes they have been cooking here are amazing! I keep telling Cathy, "Make sure you get the recipe for this one!" She just smiles and says, "I will." She is an amazing servant back home and that translates very well here in Mongolia. Her heart has definitely been captured by these people. Frank, you'd better get your passport ready because I think she would love to come back here (with you) next time.
I have had the humbling privilege of working with the worship team here at Pastor Mark & Ginny's church during the last two days. In the mornings I've been teaching a shortened version of the Worship As a Lifestyle class that I recently taught at our own Living Stones College. It's been very exciting to watch their eyes light up when they understand and get fresh revelation. It's actually very encouraging because it is very obvious that Pastor Mark has done a wonderful job of mentoring and teaching these
young ones. They have a great foundation of Biblical truth. What amazed me the most is that their team is very young. They range in age from 13 to 23! John Staub has been working alongside me as well and has done a great job of serving them and teaching them small things all along the way. They couldn't wait to get the drum set assembled that we brought from the United States. In the afternoons we've been doing more practical, hands-on training with them. Yesterday we taught them our song, Great Big God, which they loved, and then began some specific harp and bowl training which we'll follow up with today. On the first day, the most amazing part was for me was to just let them begin to ask us questions. Sometimes you don't realize all that God is doing around you until you get away from your normal routine and surroundings. One of them asked, "You don't give all these people lessons and teach them how to play instruments do you?" I kind of sat there stunned as I began to answer and said, "Well, actually, yes we do." From there I began to explain the School of Worship Arts (SOWA) to them. It was a moment of incredible thankfulness for me. I am realizing that God is using Living Stones to be a training ground for worshipers not only for our local church and future stateside church plants, but also to be used throughout the world. A side note — God is still raising up worship leaders here on the other side of the world. Ben Horjus is part of the construction team but also a part of worship team in Gary back home. I asked him to lead worship yesterday morning for the first time with his construction team. He did an amazing job — another worship leader is emerging!
young ones. They have a great foundation of Biblical truth. What amazed me the most is that their team is very young. They range in age from 13 to 23! John Staub has been working alongside me as well and has done a great job of serving them and teaching them small things all along the way. They couldn't wait to get the drum set assembled that we brought from the United States. In the afternoons we've been doing more practical, hands-on training with them. Yesterday we taught them our song, Great Big God, which they loved, and then began some specific harp and bowl training which we'll follow up with today. On the first day, the most amazing part was for me was to just let them begin to ask us questions. Sometimes you don't realize all that God is doing around you until you get away from your normal routine and surroundings. One of them asked, "You don't give all these people lessons and teach them how to play instruments do you?" I kind of sat there stunned as I began to answer and said, "Well, actually, yes we do." From there I began to explain the School of Worship Arts (SOWA) to them. It was a moment of incredible thankfulness for me. I am realizing that God is using Living Stones to be a training ground for worshipers not only for our local church and future stateside church plants, but also to be used throughout the world. A side note — God is still raising up worship leaders here on the other side of the world. Ben Horjus is part of the construction team but also a part of worship team in Gary back home. I asked him to lead worship yesterday morning for the first time with his construction team. He did an amazing job — another worship leader is emerging!Finally, as I close out, one thing really stuck out to me while I was teaching the worship team on the first day. As I was answering so many questions, one of the students began to look at the others in the group and tell them something. They all looked at him, then at us, and they all nodded. I asked the interpreter what he had said. She said, "He said you all are so humble." At the moment I was speechless and could have cried. (I didn't then but am now rehearsing the scene in my mind.) When you travel to the other side of the world and see the conditions of this country yet the amazing open hearts of the people, you really aren't thinking much about what you have to offer. Rather, you are humbled that God would even choose you or allow you to be a part of what He is doing here. One thing that God has been screaming to me since the beginning of the year is how important a heart of humility is. He's been really dealing with me personally and those around me about areas of pride in our own lives. I am learning that we can do NOTHING without God helping us. We are completely dependent upon him. As we've been learning in our lifeGROUPs, we are poor in spirit. Here in Mongolia, we are learning that first hand. We are poor in the spirit. But in our weakness, He is strong.
Thank you to all of our friends and Living Stones family for praying for us and sending us. We are blessed to have you back home covering our backs in prayer. We love you all so much.
Pastor Jon (for the entire team)
Mongolia #5
Written by Pastor Susie
Tuesday, 16 June 2009 20:09
Hi Everyone!
Well, you strategize and plan for about nine months for a mission trip, praying that God will direct the vision, the details, the finances, the people going, and the preparations that the missionaries are making on the field. And it's only when you actually get to the country, realize that everything has come together perfectly and it's going to be AWESOME, that you take a deep breath, feel His extreme pleasure, and say "Thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness! Only YOU could have done this!"
Pastor Mark and Ginny were so glad to see us and the intern team. They have said that we are like a breath of fresh air for them and the church. This first week has been filled with getting them acquainted with our interns (individual interviews with each student), having team meetings, showing the team around the city and countryside, beginning language lessons, visiting cell groups (that's where everyone is right now - as most of the cells meet on Friday night and all day Saturday), having a great night of worship and prayer for revival in Mongolia, Harvest and Hannah being part of worship team practise, and everyone learning how to manuever using foreign currency, new types of transportation, and a total turn around in sleep patterns. A lot has been accomplished already!!!
In a few hours, Pastor Dick and I will leave for Ulaanbaatar to pick up the team that is coming in tonight. Anticipation is running high! Thanks to Pastor Brock's mentoring and allowing our students to flourish in youth leadership, Harvest is preaching at the youth group meeting this afternoon (they meet from 2 - 4 PM on Saturdays), and Paul is preaching at the church service tomorrow morning, allowing Pastor Mark to be able to come with us to meet the team. The church is now up to about 150 people with plans for two Sunday services starting in the near future. We can sense the maturing in the leadership team since the first Encounter a little less than two years ago. We can't wait to see what will happen after this trip and our interns serving and mentoring young leaders all summer. We believe that the breaker anointing that Pastor Ron Sr. has been prophesying over the team will surely come to pass!
As we prayed for the church back home this morning, our students were so thankful for the pastoral leadership, the training they have received at LSC, and the mission vision that permeates through all that we do in REACHING NATIONS at Living Stones. One more time, thanks to all who are praying, have given, and have sacrificed family members to come on this trip. I believe that God will continue to bless you in more ways that you could ever imagine!!!
Much love to all,
Pastor Susie (for the team)
Well, you strategize and plan for about nine months for a mission trip, praying that God will direct the vision, the details, the finances, the people going, and the preparations that the missionaries are making on the field. And it's only when you actually get to the country, realize that everything has come together perfectly and it's going to be AWESOME, that you take a deep breath, feel His extreme pleasure, and say "Thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness! Only YOU could have done this!"
Pastor Mark and Ginny were so glad to see us and the intern team. They have said that we are like a breath of fresh air for them and the church. This first week has been filled with getting them acquainted with our interns (individual interviews with each student), having team meetings, showing the team around the city and countryside, beginning language lessons, visiting cell groups (that's where everyone is right now - as most of the cells meet on Friday night and all day Saturday), having a great night of worship and prayer for revival in Mongolia, Harvest and Hannah being part of worship team practise, and everyone learning how to manuever using foreign currency, new types of transportation, and a total turn around in sleep patterns. A lot has been accomplished already!!!
In a few hours, Pastor Dick and I will leave for Ulaanbaatar to pick up the team that is coming in tonight. Anticipation is running high! Thanks to Pastor Brock's mentoring and allowing our students to flourish in youth leadership, Harvest is preaching at the youth group meeting this afternoon (they meet from 2 - 4 PM on Saturdays), and Paul is preaching at the church service tomorrow morning, allowing Pastor Mark to be able to come with us to meet the team. The church is now up to about 150 people with plans for two Sunday services starting in the near future. We can sense the maturing in the leadership team since the first Encounter a little less than two years ago. We can't wait to see what will happen after this trip and our interns serving and mentoring young leaders all summer. We believe that the breaker anointing that Pastor Ron Sr. has been prophesying over the team will surely come to pass!
As we prayed for the church back home this morning, our students were so thankful for the pastoral leadership, the training they have received at LSC, and the mission vision that permeates through all that we do in REACHING NATIONS at Living Stones. One more time, thanks to all who are praying, have given, and have sacrificed family members to come on this trip. I believe that God will continue to bless you in more ways that you could ever imagine!!!
Much love to all,
Pastor Susie (for the team)
Mongolia #4
Written by Pastor Susie
Monday, 15 June 2009 16:20
Greetings from Darkhan!
Things are going great!!! Everyone is happy and thankful. We are starting to feel the waves of the tsunami team coming! Yikes! Praise and worship has been explosive, and our first day of ministry is underway.
Let me back up.
Paul did a wonderful job preaching at the Sunday service on preparing for what God was going to do this week and brokenness before the Lord. Sunday night we had an awesome time of worship and hearing Pastor Mark and Pastor Muggi's (Mark's Mongolian pastor-in-training) testimony, in spite of a few nodding heads from jet lag : ). Then we "strongly suggested" that everyone get some fresh air, and we had the vans drop us off at the halfway point. We then walked the rest of the way to the hotel. There a few, brave souls became even braver as they yielded to the ice cold showers. The hot water has been turned off all over the city for three days. However, it has been really amazing to see how creative you can get when you have to. Andy Bright and Tyler (Dr. Brent's nephew) actually figured out how to beat the system with the knobs and at least get a lukewarm trickle. Several of the ladies have even taken baths, first heating the water up in the tea water warmer and then transporting it to the bathtub! Well, whatever it takes . . .
Monday, our day in the countryside was filled with camel riding, sheep holding, chasing (and eventually eating!), horseback riding, playing frisbee, and enjoying the cutural uniqueness of visiting a ger. Dawn's video of Pastor Jon galloping sideways on a horse,with his head almost touching the ground, will surely be a hit on U-tube!
This morning, 39 children took part in our first day of VBS. Debbie Aguilera has done a incredible job of organizing this, complete with bringing Mongolian children's banners, crafts, and snacks that match the lessons! WOW!
The medical team has been seeing people from the church all day, and the hallways are crowded with people receiving prayer, small gifts, medical attention, and medicine as needed. Dr. Brent is in his element, and the medical team is working hard.
Pastor Jon is teaching his Lifestyle of Worship class to the Mongolian worship team in the mornings, and in the afternoons, the American worship team is helping the Mongolian team on their instruments, song writing, and harp and bowl. The sanctuary is resounding with praise!!!
Following early morning devos and breakfast, the construction team headed out to the church site to begin their work. I know nothing about construction, but the fact that there is wood beams lying over cement with a lot of insulation around has to be a good sign of progress. They plan to work straight until dark.
Finally, Pastor Dick and his prayer walking team are presently pulling down strongholds at the Buddhist monastery and the local hospital, where as you might imagine, sadly, many abortions are performed.
We are believing that are presence here this week will advance God's kingdom in Mongolia. I know that together, we are an answer to Pastor Mark and Ginny's prayers.
Well, that's the news from here. Thanks for your continued support in prayer. Hope you enjoy reading these updates as much as we like sending them!!!
Much love,
Pastor Susie (for the team)
Things are going great!!! Everyone is happy and thankful. We are starting to feel the waves of the tsunami team coming! Yikes! Praise and worship has been explosive, and our first day of ministry is underway.
Let me back up.
Paul did a wonderful job preaching at the Sunday service on preparing for what God was going to do this week and brokenness before the Lord. Sunday night we had an awesome time of worship and hearing Pastor Mark and Pastor Muggi's (Mark's Mongolian pastor-in-training) testimony, in spite of a few nodding heads from jet lag : ). Then we "strongly suggested" that everyone get some fresh air, and we had the vans drop us off at the halfway point. We then walked the rest of the way to the hotel. There a few, brave souls became even braver as they yielded to the ice cold showers. The hot water has been turned off all over the city for three days. However, it has been really amazing to see how creative you can get when you have to. Andy Bright and Tyler (Dr. Brent's nephew) actually figured out how to beat the system with the knobs and at least get a lukewarm trickle. Several of the ladies have even taken baths, first heating the water up in the tea water warmer and then transporting it to the bathtub! Well, whatever it takes . . .
Monday, our day in the countryside was filled with camel riding, sheep holding, chasing (and eventually eating!), horseback riding, playing frisbee, and enjoying the cutural uniqueness of visiting a ger. Dawn's video of Pastor Jon galloping sideways on a horse,with his head almost touching the ground, will surely be a hit on U-tube!
This morning, 39 children took part in our first day of VBS. Debbie Aguilera has done a incredible job of organizing this, complete with bringing Mongolian children's banners, crafts, and snacks that match the lessons! WOW!
The medical team has been seeing people from the church all day, and the hallways are crowded with people receiving prayer, small gifts, medical attention, and medicine as needed. Dr. Brent is in his element, and the medical team is working hard.
Pastor Jon is teaching his Lifestyle of Worship class to the Mongolian worship team in the mornings, and in the afternoons, the American worship team is helping the Mongolian team on their instruments, song writing, and harp and bowl. The sanctuary is resounding with praise!!!
Following early morning devos and breakfast, the construction team headed out to the church site to begin their work. I know nothing about construction, but the fact that there is wood beams lying over cement with a lot of insulation around has to be a good sign of progress. They plan to work straight until dark.
Finally, Pastor Dick and his prayer walking team are presently pulling down strongholds at the Buddhist monastery and the local hospital, where as you might imagine, sadly, many abortions are performed.
We are believing that are presence here this week will advance God's kingdom in Mongolia. I know that together, we are an answer to Pastor Mark and Ginny's prayers.
Well, that's the news from here. Thanks for your continued support in prayer. Hope you enjoy reading these updates as much as we like sending them!!!
Much love,
Pastor Susie (for the team)
Tsunami Level 10 Hits Mongolia
Written by Paul Imbrone
Monday, 15 June 2009 17:20
Attention Living Stones:
Level 10 tsunami blasted into Darkhan today! Haha. All people present: check. All luggage accounted for: check. Smiling faces: check. Fiery hearts for the mission at hand: you betchya! Scared Buddha: mhm, crying like a baby.
Everybody's getting settled in before meeting with Pastor Mark and Ginny. We're believing God for big things this week; keep praying for us!
In Mongolia and Christ,
Paul and the Team!!!!
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