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......
