We first went to Mongolia in early 1999 to help with an outreach of Mongolia Campus Crusade for Christ; a four-day seminar with Dr. Hugh Ross of Reasons to Believe with a target audience of university and secondary teachers and parliamentarians. Since then we have made numerous trips to participate in countryside outreach to the nomadic people and speaking to different groups, being primarily involved with the Centurions Ministry, an outreach to the Mongolian military under the "umbrella" of Campus Crusade for Christ.
Countryside Evangelism 2002
Our purpose for the journey to Mongolia was to join evangelistic teams made up of military cadets, showing the Jesus Film among the nomadic people living on the steppes or "countryside" in gers. We slept in our backpack tent each night. We went with 17 young Mongolian people from the military ministry of Campus Crusade and one young man from Singapore, 23 of us altogether in three rented Russian vans with drivers. We showed the film about 15 times to some 500 people. Each van, which went to a different location, had it's own projector, generator and a white vinyl sheet that was hung down the side of the van. We tried to start the 2½-hour film by 10:30 p.m. each night (when it would be dark enough there in the summer), but one evening we began the film at midnight! (We crawled into our tent at 3:30 that night!) There were 145 positive responses to the gospel! These people stayed after the showings and met in small groups with the Mongolian team members while we prayed. The Mongolian people are very open to the gospel. Most of these nomads have never heard of Jesus before! The film portrays a man (Jesus) with whom they can easily identify. The setting of the film--dry deserts and sheep and goats--is very much like Mongolia. The audience laughed at how smart Jesus was in answering the Pharisees and they responded in other appropriate ways! Besides being on the trip to encourage and teach the workers on the trip, especially in our van, I had also been asked to speak at different times to the whole group of young workers (most in their early 20s and cadets from the military academy). They were very responsive.
Moonlight
on the Steppe |
Jesus
Film Showing--between reel entertainment |
Jesus
Film Audience |
Our
Mongolian Hotel |
Lunch
break |
Mongolian Cowboy from Japan |
Keeping up with the "Joneses" |
Worship
time with Team Expansion congregation |
Thank
you, Lord! |
One
little sweetheart! |
RARE
"A-1" Facilities! |
Mountaintop
experience |
Mongolian
supermarket |
Fall Trip 2002
In actuality I spent more than a month of days in Mongolia during 2002, as I also returned in the fall for the Campus Crusade for Christ's 10th year anniversary of the premier showing of the Jesus Film-the timing of the present opening of Mongolia. This two-week period provided further opportunity to minister and plan for the future as well as providing the opportunity to share in a special part of the anniversary celebration, a gathering of all the Asian Directors of CCC to one of the most remote places on earth, Lake Hovsgul (there is a website). As our U.S. ambassador, wife and son were staying in camp with us, I had the privilege of inviting and guiding them on our fishing excursion.
Great
fishing! |
Winter 2004
I spent about 10 days in Mongolia in January 2004. The brothers and sisters there kept me very busy speaking to various groups and meeting with different individuals. It was a great time!
Three
happy Christians--center man served in Iraq |
A
new elderly Christian brother |
Fiddling
around |
Portable
telephone booth! |
Winter
in Mongolia |
Speaking |
Fall 2004
In October Paul spent three weeks and Rickie, two, in Mongolia. We were kept very busy with outreach events, teaching the military academy cadets, the junior officers and senior officers, and visiting and sharing the Lord in various homes.
Trip to a military outpost on the Northern Border with Russia
Arranging
for a "taxi"--common transportation |
Open
road--as good as it gets |
Welcome
to the outpost! |
On
the shooting range |
Jagaa
and two new converts |
On
the Mongolian-Russian border |
Fall
outreach to military academy cadets |
Real
Mongolian barbecue . . . |
.
. . eaten with your fingers |
Speaking
at the outreach |
Back in Ulaanbaatar with the Centurion Ministry branch of Mongolia Campus Crusade for Christ
Speaking
to junior officers |
Speaking
to women leaders -- Tuul, to the right of Rickie, disciples the other three |
Sharing
with senior officers |
Paul
teaching cadets |
Rickie
teaching cadets |
Bayaraa
and Gerlee -- Bayaraa leads the ministry with the junior officers |
Tugsuu leads the ministry with the military academy cadets | Gantumur and Deeg's engagement picture -- Gantumur and Tugsuu are in charge of the military ministry and Gantumur leads the ministry to senior officers |
Visiting and Sharing the Lord
With
Bayaraa's parents and niece |
Breakfast
with Tuul's parents |
Tuul and Tugsuu with her parents and Angie |
Wedding
of two Campus Crusade staffers |
We
were invited to another wedding reception in a ger suburb |
Proud
grandmothers and mother of the bride -- We were treated to a Mongolian
song by the grandmother in red |
Dick and Margaret are old friends from 1999 -- Even though retired, they spend several weeks of ministry a year in Mongolia | Having
a feast with Retired Lt.Col. Gonchigdorj, full time for the Lord now, and
family |
Learning the art of eating buuz |
Preaching
. . . |
.
. . at the International Fellowship in Ulaanbaatar |
Having
fellowship with Spencer and Pat Garner, Team Expansion missionaries |
Farewell
dinner |
Buddhist
temple -- the President of Mongolia worshipped the mountain in the background
while we were there |
Sunset
in Mongolia |
We
stayed overnight in this ger -- perhaps the only one built into the third
floor of a house! |
Evangelism Wild, Wild West 2005
The first phase of "Evangelism Wild, Wild West" took place in October 2005. Two teams went to two of the most western provinces of Mongolia, Gobi-Altai Province and Uvs Province. Although we had planned to use Blue Sky Aviation (Missionary Aviation Fellowship), our plans had to be changed and we flew with Mongolian Airlines on regular flights.
Blue
Sky Aviation |
Planning
the trip with Blue Sky Aviation to the three westernmost provinces of
Mongolia |
The
Far West of Mongolia is 3-4 hours' flight from Ulaanbaatar |
We were in the Gobi Desert under the "M" in Mongolia |
We were met by officials with a Russian Jeep |
There were five and sometimes six of us in the jeep |
The driver could choose his "lane" |
We crossed three mountain ranges in the Gobi |
Paul and Rickie and camels |
Paul teaching Ethics . . . |
. . . to 38 officers and NCOs |
We were with Gantumur, Director of Centurions Ministry, and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Gonchigdorj |
Rickie teaching motivational English |
The Regiment Commander like my Green Beret! |
Gonchigdorj taught Ethics at the Police Academy |
Breakfast, lunch and dinner--mutton soup |
Special treat for breakfast--sheep's head Yum! :) |
Have you ever smelled camel's breath? |
Rickie likes camels--at arm's length! |
Local church with parsonage in foreground! |
"Sanctuary" |
You should have seen this lady camel run! |
Our driver and his son--we were glad the roof of the jeep was padded! |
Sunrise |
Vehicle in the city streets |
The Steppe at sunset |
Sunset behind a ger |
Winter 2007
I was invited to speak for a Leadership Seminar in January 2007. As usual I was kept busy from morning to night . . . and loved it! A couple of the highlights were the privilege of addressing some 300 police officers and addressing the Mongolian equivalent of the Pentagon!
With Jagaa, one of the evangelists |
Speaking at the seminar |
I had the privilege of addressing 300 police officers |
Genghis Khan and me |
Centurion Staff Bible Study |
Leaving Mongolia in February |
May-June 2007
I went again to Mongolia in May-June for the 10th anniversary of the Centurions Ministry and was again kept very busy from morning to night.
Mongolian Cowboy 2007! |
With Ebe and Tugu whose wedding will be in April 2008 |
Preaching in congregation meeting in a ger |
Evangelism Wild, Wild West 2007
Two teams of us went to the far western provinces (aimags) in November 2007. We flew to Bayan Olgii where we were left with Gantumur, our leader and translator. The plane then flew back to another military post in Muran, about 2 hours east by air, to drop off the other team. During the course of 3 days at two different military bases and one outpost, I spoke on "Character as an Issue," "Transformational Leadership," and "Integrity." Rickie did sessions on "What is a Family?" and gave interactive English lessons to the groups, one of which involved about 100 officers and NCOs and the other involved an elite group of 40-60. At the border outpost (against the Russian border) we taught English words, questions and phrases that the immigration officers wanted to learn. I also was privileged to attend a Mongolian mission conference with over 1,000 in attendance.
At the airport ready to board Blue Sky Airline's (MAF's) Cessna Caravan |
View of the frozen Mongolian landscape from above |
Welcomed by the Commander |
Arrival in Bayan Olgii |
My Green Beret always opens doors |
Gantumur lecturing on Management |
Rickie teaching on "What is a Family?" |
Street scene in Bayan Olgii |
Traveling to the Russian border |
A ger on the cold summit! |
We were treated to a terrific dombra concert, then were presented with one of the instruments |
Highway construction crew |
Modern Ladies' and Men's rooms at the provincial airport--they even have walls and doors! |
We both lost to the two ping-pong champions and I appropriately came in second to the Commander in a target shooting contest |
Back home again in UB |
At a Mongolian mission conference attended by over 1,000 Christians |
October-November 2008
I spent 3 weeks in Mongolia this time primarily to speak at a Leadership Retreat for the Centurions Ministry. I also was privileged to be involved in a "ger church dedication" for a congregation our good friends Spencer and Pat Garner started in a small community about 40 minutes by car from Ulaanbaatar. They have now moved to Gobi Altai to plant another congregation.
The new 8-wall ger on the right is connected by a "vestibule" with the older 6-wall ger on the left which is now being used for Sunday School. The caretaker lives in the 4-wall ger to the far right. |
Worship in song |
Happy kids |
Mongolian milk tea time |
Medal of Appreciation from General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces (Pentagon)--10 years serving with Centurions Ministry |
Cadets meeting for worship |
Many come in uniform |
Dinner time at Leadership Retreat |
Speaking on the High Calling |
Worship time |
The Lord's Day in a Ten-Wall Ger |
Bayaraa leading men's Bible study |
October-November 2009
This year my time in Mongolia was cut a few days short, due to the H1N1 Virus that closed all public meetings: churches, schools and even universities. However, I did teach three hours a day for a week in the Great Commission Training Center of Campus Crusade for Christ as planned. The response was great as was the interaction and oral reports. I was to have spoken another four times (1 1/2 hours each time) on a military ministry leadership seminar. Even though the time was cut short, I felt my mission had been accomplished: God's people were taught and our Centurions staff was encouraged.
Great Commission Training Center class |
Friendships are formed through Jesus |
Bible study in candlelight during black-out |
October 2010
I spent 3 weeks in Mongolia this year and Rickie was with me the last ten days. This was my 15th time and Rickie's 6th. It was a very busy time ministering to the staff and disciples of the Centurions Ministry--an outreach to the Mongolian military. I spoke some 11 times at retreats and meetings and attended 5 other events. The weekend before Rickie arrived, I spoke a total of 10 hours at a staff retreat. Rickie spoke twice to ladies' groups and put on a Mexican Taco Dinner for one of the groups. We had four marriage counseling sessions and visited seven different couples or families. We also visited the military headquarters, the police academy and an airbase where the Centurions Ministry maintains computer rooms.
Addressing 40 new cadets. Twenty-two of 26 made positive responses at the follow-up BBQ |
Meeting with Jr. Officers |
Real Mongolian Barbeque! |
Yum! |
The nomadic lifestyle is on the "slippery slope" after a 2nd loss of 7-8 million stock in two years |
Thank you, Lord! |
Rickie arrives | Visiting an Air Force computer room set up by MCCC |
A surprise visit with old friends, Dick and Margaret, from our first trip to Mongolia in 1999! |
Bayaraa, Clarks, Wards and Mincks visiting Chingiss Khaan |
Life gets busy in Mongolia, too! Two cell phones at once! |
Batchimeg was our personnel manager |
Tuuguu and Ebe with little Angel |
Ganaa and Muju with newborn son Erkheme |
Eagle man! |
Oyun and her sister Naraa, both PhD's. We met Oyun in Japan. |
August 2011
Three days after returning home from the United States, I flew on to Mongolia for 19 days. I had been invited to give the daily devotional messages at the Association of Christian Military Fellowship's (ACMF's) Interaction 2011. This gathering of Christian military was from across Asia. It included several senior officers--a general, an admiral, and colonels--as well as cadets. My four messages were MISSION, MESSAGE, METHOD and MOTIVATION, which became thematic for the conference. All was blessed by God.
MISSION, MESSAGE, METHOD AND MOTIVATION |
Interaction 2011 |
With future leaders! |
Need gas? |
Oh, oh! |
Things happen! |
September-October 2012
The main purpose of this trip was to be present for Mongolian Campus Crusade for Christ's celebration of the 20th anniversary of showing the Jesus Film all over the country. From just a few Christians in 1992, now there are many congregations of Christians(some over 1,000 members). The evangelistic zeal remains today!
Celebrating 20 years of showing the Jesus Film |
"Presented to Paul & Rickie Clark in appreciation for your faithful service to the Lord and Centurions Military ministry of Mongolia CCC from the very beginning." |
National Directors of MCCC: First Director Warren Willis, present Director Batdorj (Bataa) Juvaa, and second Director Floyd Sebald |
Cadet gathering |
Meeting with military leaders |
Home Fellowship of military leaders |
Feasting on Mongolian Barbecue in ger |
Ger host and hostess with guests |
Softa and family--we've known her since 1999 |
New congregation--Grace Church |
Speaking on "God's Grace"! |
October 2013
The purpose of my trip to Mongolia was to encourage and minister to the staff of the Cenutrions Ministry after a year of change and trauma. Because their office was separated from the umbrella under which it operates legally, the government shut them down until they could work things out properly. The exciting news is that Mongolia Campus Crusade for Christ has raised almost enough money to purchase the 5th floor of a new building in downtown Ulaanbaatar. The Centurions Ministry will be able to occupy their own space on that floor!
Ger Hospitality |
Picnic in the cold with the Centurions Ministry staff |
Presented with a 14-candle cake, one for each year I've been going to Mongolia |
TWO PLACES OF WORSHIP: One worshipping the Creator of the Universe; |
the other, practicing rituals and magic in the realm of the gods, demons, and spirits
of ancestors |
Getting mare's milk! |
Teaching a Young Adults Bible Class, Gantumur translating |
At the Amen Church in Ulaanbaatar |
Leaving for Japan after another great time in Mongolia |
SUMMER 2014
Rickie and I were both free to go to Mongolia together this time. It had been four years since she had been able to go and we experienced such a wonderful time together in ministry. The first week we were in Ulaanbaatar, then the next 8 days we were in "the countryside"--first in an outpost of a National Park and the last 4 days camping with a nomad family in their summer location.
Another warm welcome from our Christian brothers!
|
. . and welcome from the Great Khaan, too! |
CM Staff waiting for the day when they will be able to finish out the large room |
Meeting with the senior officers |
The Blue Sky Building in Ulaanbaatar has become a landmark |
The Centurions Ministry has offices on the 5th floor along with Campus Crusade for Christ |
There are new buildings being built all over the city |
Entrance to Hustai National Park |
We were definitely on 4WD roads for many, many miles! |
Fellowship with the staff in praising God and studying the Word |
Out in the "boonies"--Hustai National Park
|
Our outpost in Hustai National Park |
Solar warmed "dribbles" (couldn't call them showers!) |
Our cabin was on the left
|
Riding a rocky camel |
Wild horses--the colt on the left had been bitten by wolves |
"Home, home . . . in a ger!" |
Under the shadow of Chinggis Khan |
"Eagle Man" |
Setting up camp (our tent is the yellow one) |
Fish for dinner! |
Relaxing after a hike |
Checking out the horses for the children's 15 km race |
Having fun before racing the horses |
Horse racing |
Nomadic farm life in Mongolia |
Lassoing with a ring on a pole |
Our serene valley on the steppe |
Mongolia is not brown, hot nor humid! |
Nomads are hard workers, but there's no "hustle and bustle!" |
The "facility" |
Rickie sharing on "Integrity" |
Nomad sunset |
November 2015
This winter trip was mainly for the purpose of encouraging the staff and young couples, and visiting in many homes. An added trip with the Nomad ministry was a special treat, even at minus 35 degrees celsius (minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit)!
Hand-picked young couples . . . |
. . . new staff member couple, Batka and Tuul . . . |
. . . and one "mature" couple! |
Speaking at a retreat . . . |
. . . to the husbands |
. . . and to the wives |
Nomad trip to the "countryside" with Bayaraa and driver Dagi |
Mongolian antelope beside the road |
Mongolian horses |
Mongolian two-humped camels, too! |
Roadside restaurant |
The three-sided rest stop |
Dinner with a nomad family |
Visiting another nomad family |
. . . and another |
Our overnight lodging |
Both of us slept in this single bed |
Our overnight host family |
Bringing in the frozen horse |
Sunrise on the steppe |
Lots of off-road driving |
The long journey home |
A Christian wedding in Mongolian |
Visiting families: Major Zolka and wife . . . |
. . . Colonel Gankhuleg and wife Nara . . . |
. . . Tuya, husband and baby . . . |
. . . Jamen and Mercy and little one |