The very existence of so many churches and Christians in Mongolia today is amazing! After 70 years under Marxism, preceded by centuries of Buddhism, only a handful of Christian believers were known to exist in the country when communism collapsed 15 years ago. Today there are thousands of Christians and hundreds of churches, yet there are few trained church leaders. Most Mongolians live with deep pain resulting from centuries of spiritual darkness. SIM is there, in partnership with other ministries, seeking to prepare spiritual leaders and to offer hope through Christ.

Ariel and Connie Ceballos from the Philippines direct the SIM team in Mongolia, and they carry the needs of Mongolian churches and believers close to their hearts. Ariel is the Dean of Students at the Union Bible Training Center (UBTC), a partner ministry in the capital city. He teaches two courses each semester and directs the dormitory for about 45 students from the countryside. Some are from a nomadic background, used to living in gers (round “mobile homes”) and Ariel takes special interest in helping them build relationships with their more urban classmates.

Connie educates their three children, helps Ariel administer the SIM office, and encourages SIM workers who serve in remote and difficult locations. She also hosts a weekly meeting of unemployed women, teaching them Bible, English, cooking, and family skills. The Ceballos children are at home during the meetings, and the women learn a great deal simply from watching a Christian family in action.

There are so many needs! Alcoholism affects five out of six families—even church families. Often the culture wins over the Bible; it’s common for couples to live together without marriage and to split up just as easily. Young women feel desperate to have a man. Connie believes they need to see single missionaries who are happy and fulfilled. Ogie, a single woman, came weeping; her boyfriend had broken the relationship. “I understand,” Connie said. “I was single a long time. I learned I could be happy in Jesus.” Now Ogie has graduated from Bible School and is a church leader, training young people and conducting mission trips. She says, “I feel so free!” Connie explains, “Mongolian women are strong, but they live with lots of pain.”

Mongolian believers need to see models of obedient Christian living. The need and the solution can be summed up by the SIM team’s mission statement: to help churches reach maturity.

“His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness,” 2 Peter 1:3.

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Whatever your skills, you can bless Mongolia. Contact your nearest SIM Sending office.