February 14, 2006
By Jeremy Bergevin, Alliance worker in Mongolia
Seven years ago, God inspired a new work in Mongolia, and today seven churches are growing here like trees beside streams of water. During America’s Thanksgiving weekend, Mongolian churches gathered to thank the Lord for seven years of abundant life and blessings.
They gathered at the first church planted by The Alliance in Mongolia’s second city, Darhan. Church members from Ulaanbaatar and other towns traveled many hours by train, and some spent all day preparing food for the big feast of roasted sheep, goat, and beef.
Church members geared up for the celebration well before its scheduled 10 a.m. start. Children dressed for a creative drama darted up and down halls while young people smeared shoe polish on their faces to complete their costumes. Later, they depicted the spirits of darkness in a drama of conflicting kingdoms. Cheers resounded through the crowd for the victorious outcome of the struggle.
Even the icy outside air could not subdue the lively celebration, which included energetic singing and dancing. The room was filled to capacity, with people crammed in the aisles and sitting on the floor because every seat was occupied. Each church was introduced and stood to cheers from the crowd. The workers also stood and received hearty applause.
These seven churches will worship the Lamb who was slain at the greatest Thanksgiving of all—around His throne for eternity. In Mongolia, Christ is gathering for his glory worshippers to fulfill that final celebration.