February 24, 2009
An Alliance outreach center in Ulaanbaatar (UB), Mongolia’s capital, is poised to reach thousands of university students with the love of Jesus. The grand opening of the Grain of Wheat Student Center took place on February 16, 2009.
Each year, 250,000 students pour into UB, the cultural hub of Mongolia from across the country. “The center is located in the heart of the city, close to several major universities,” says Bernie Anderson, who serves with The Alliance in Mongolia. “It exists for the benefit of students who come to the city to study.” Alliance workers hope to share the love of Jesus with the students through tangible acts of compassion.
A Strategic Beachhead
When they arrive in UB, many students enter the university dormitory system, which consists of up to 10 students sharing one room with no furniture. “They have no quiet place of their own to study,” says Anderson.
In addition, there is no place in the city to simply hang out with friends, with the exception of numerous bars and pubs. “Alcoholism is a huge problem in Mongolia, and much of the time it begins with university students,” Anderson adds.
The Grain of Wheat Student Center will help meet some of these needs, providing a warm and inviting environment for students to gather. It will feature a library and eventually computers for research, a quiet study area, and a coffee shop. Students will be able to attend English and vocational classes as well as movie and music nights.
The Alliance ministry team in Mongolia believes that the best way to build relationships with the people of UB is to have a visible presence in the city. Dennis Maves, field director for Mongolia, says, “Our first priority is to establish a beachhead in this strategic city by purchasing a permanent location for a multipurpose ministry center that will serve as a tactical hub for student outreach and outreach into communities throughout the city.”
“We’re excited and grateful to God for His help, direction, and wisdom,” says Anderson. “We’re [also] grateful for all of the support, prayers, and gifts that we have received from our partners!”
What You Can Do
Pray that many students will respond to God’s love through this cutting-edge outreach that meets the needs of the whole person. Pray also for His protection for staff members who work at the center and for ongoing provision of financial needs.