April 21-24

Sue and I had a wonderful time in Darkhan. That is actually the city where my heart is, but I think that is because the first time I came 3 years ago we saw God do so many things in the women. Bill and Sue are planning a trip next year where we will do big women's conferences in Darkhan and Ulan Batar (UB.) We were driven back to UB on the 22nd. Pastor Hetee arranged for a taxi to take us back and got a driver they use. I thought he looked like Genghis Khan, which most likely would have been a compliment to him if we could understand each other. He was a bit sleepy, so Sue bought him a black coffee when we stopped at the cafe that everyone stops at between Darkhan and UB. He seemed much more alert after that. We saw quite a few animal carcasses which were a result of the extremely harsh winter. They lost over 4 million livestock during the winter.

We got back to UB and for the next couple of days met with many individuals and cell groups for ministry time. The people are so dear and just pull the word of the Lord out of you.

During Rick and Bill's journey they met interesting people and ate interesting food. So much that I cannot post, but hopefully can talk personally to some of you. They found the city of Hoh Hot to be quite modern in so many ways. They were definitely the stand outs due to their light skin and hair. They were the first Westerners to be seen in at least one restaurant they ate in.

The train ride down to China took 12 hours. It is only about a 200 mile journey so you can imagine how slow the ride was. The train left at 8pm the 18th and arrived at about 8am the next morning. Rick was on a top bunk and nearly suffocated it was so hot, and there was no way of opening a window. When they got to Erlion China they hired a taxi to take them on the 5 hour journey to Hoh Hot. Needless to say and extremely looooong journey.

They were able to get a feel for the "lay of the land" so to speak, and although there was not a lot of fruit to be had, they are now more aware of what is needed for the health of the "body."

The trip back into Mongolia was accomplished the same way, except they took a different train which took even longer: 15 hours! To go the same amount of miles! I have heard of a slow boat to China, but would also add train to that saying.

Bill and Rick got back on Saturday morning and had little time for relaxing before we started having people in for more ministry. Sue and I went and ministered to some women in one of their homes while the men had a brief rest.

The final Sunday in UB was Rick's opportunity to preach, which he so enjoyed. The good-byes were not easy. It is amazing how close you can come to people in such a short time. They share so much of their lives with you and that brings about such a bond.

Overall what we discovered about all of the areas we ministered in was that the people have a great zeal for the Lord and sharing the gospel. What we see as a great need, however, is for "fathers" of the faith. The church is so young there, and things are very much like the book of Acts. What is needed are some Paul's to speak into the lives of the leaders of the churches. One British lady asked me if Rick and I would be willing to do that with our lives. I had to pause a moment; and everything around me seemed to fade to black with that question hovering between us. Then I said that of course we would if the Lord made it clear that He wanted us to do that. He is aware of the need and He is the One who will send out the call.

What a privilege to serve Him and to serve His people wherever in the world He calls.

The journey home was looong, and as always when we have traveled on our "missionary" journeys I want to kiss the ground of the US when we arrive home. We are so blessed to live in a place with so much. Even the poorest in our nation are richer than most of the middle-class in other nations. I am always reminded that "to whom much is given much is required." May we in the American church keep our less fortunate brothers and sisters; and future brothers and sisters ever before our eyes and in our hearts and prayers.

Sorry I could not be more detailed about certain aspects of the trip, but blogs are public domain, so.....

I don't know how to post pic's but maybe Rick can.

Until our next trip......

Greetings to all of you who were following the blog!

Since we have returned home we have been fighting jet lag and sickness; which is why there have been no more updates or pictures. Hoping to have Rick go on in the next 2 days to give the final few days updates with pictures. Still have to keep some things rather "obscure" to keep people protected, but should still be able to get an idea of what was going on. It was a great trip with many contacts made for future trips. Hang in there with us and we will post asap.

Barb

Hello all:

Sorry about the lack of information. We are getting packed and ready to return home. No time the last few days to blog, but Rick and Bill arrived back safely. We have been ministering non-stop since then. We fly out early in the morning, so we are wrapping up here, packing and last minute visits. Rick will blog all the pics and info when we are home. Thank you for your prayers and we appreciate them for our flights home. Love you all...Barb

April 20,2010

Hello All,

Back online, but there will be no pic's as we only have dial-up. I am up in the city of Darkhan, which is where I was 3 years ago at this same time participating in a women's conference. Sue and I travelled up here Monday evening. We spent time today with Melanie who is co-pastoring with her husband in a church here. Tonight we spent time with about 12 of their women who are in leadership. Had a great time. Doing women's meeting tomorrow evening and then back to UB on Thursday.

Rick and Bill are touring. They took a train and will be back in UB on Saturday. Our time is pretty full. The adventures we have can be fully understood by anyone who has been to a developing nation. Taxi rides are sometimes more "thrilling" then amusement park rides. I think the taxi drivers specialize in the game of chicken with the oncoming drivers. This becomes especially exciting at night when vehicles may or may not have all of their functioning headlights. And seatbelts.....well let's just say they must be under there somewhere, but I have yet to find one. For a child who was full of fear about every little thing, the Lord sure has brought me a long way. Things you would never consider at home, you find yourself doing without apology. It's really quite amazing. We have met some very interesting people and know that God has been moving among the people we have been meeting with. Our schedule is quite full and here it is around midnight and Sue and I have just had dinner. Ah, life on the move with someone else making all the decisions. Certainly cures a person of any control issues they may have. God is good and I will try to go online soon, but may wait until back in UB when we have wireless. Can then post some pic's and give more details. Thank you for your prayers, very much needed and appreciated.

Barb

Friday, April 16th, 2010

Rick, Bill and Sheika visited Sukhbaatar Square. It is in the heart of UB where they have their parliament buildings. It is here that they have on the steps a statue of Genghis Kong, their national hero.

Barb has had some swelling in her feet ever since we landed in Mongolia. It has turn into an infection, so we had to get some antibiotics for her. She spent most of the day sitting with her feet elevated.

This evening we had more students from the nursing school over to our apartment for dinner and bible study.

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

Today we were invited to tour the nations only children's hospital in UB, Mongolia. The director of the nursing school manages all here interns at the hospital. After Barb and Sue spoke to her nursing students on Monday, she wanted us to see the hospital also. There are 300 beds for children and 300 beds in their maternity ward for mothers. Children with serious conditions come in from all over the country, because the medical clinics in their villages are not equipped to care for them. As a result, mothers come with their child and stay in the same bed with them until they are released from the hospital.

All the cost for the children is paid by the government. We visited many rooms full of children and gave out gifts to them. You will notice that Rick and Bill had to wear capes while in the hospital because there is so much dust in the air outside. We thought we were Superman.

After leaving the children's hospital, Rick and Bill toured Gandan Buddhist Monastery.

This evening Barb and Sue had their second night of the women's conference, while Rick and Bill spoke at a young men's cell group.

Wednesday April 14th, 2010

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This evening Barb and Sue were speaking at a w omen's conference here in the capital city. There is a great need for Bible training. Just like in the days of the early church, false doctrine from their culture wants to mix with Christianity.

Rick and Bill did more teaching and training with a group of men from the capital city. These men are so hungry for the Word of God.