As I look at the dates on our blog, I see that there hasn’t been a lot of activity on here, save a scattered sampling of Friday Photos. I regret this somewhat, as it’s a personal priority to keep this blog up to date and not to allow it to lag too far behind our lives. It’s important for Renee’ and I to keep our friends, family, supporters and interested parties up to speed with our lives over here! It is difficult to believe that we are already approaching the end of year three and the start of year four of our term in Mongolia. One year from now, we will be making preparations for Jonathan’s graduation and our year-long home assignment! The speed at which time goes by never ceases to baffle my mind. I still do not consider myself old enough to have teen-aged children, let alone one who will be graduating from High School in the next year. But, when you do the math, I am indeed old enough and it is happening whatever I may feel.
Part of the reason for silence on the blog front is probably due to busyness of schedule in recent months. We’ve found that things have been quite intense lately. Here’s a rundown of recent activity:
We are continuing our work with students at the “Grain of Wheat” student center. It has been a real blessing to see students show up for English class and cafe’, as well as guitar lessons. We are in the process now of making plans for a big start-up in the fall. We are raising money to purchase a computer, books for the library, as well as a stove so we can begin making our own pastries, cakes and other speciality items. We are going to kick things off this fall with a full program. For those who are going to the
C&MA's General Council, be sure to look for the Yak Polo/Vision for Chile booth to purchase your 2009 Yak Polo shirt - as proceeds will go toward Grain of Wheat. Friday, May 29th will be "Yak Polo Friday", so I hope that we will see
photos of all of you sporting the latest Yak Polo fashion trend!
Another new twist in our current ministry is the start of an International Church in UB. Cornerstone Church of All Nations has been officially meeting since Easter Sunday. On the first Sunday we had almost 180 people, from over 23 nations in attendance. Since then we’ve continued to see the Lord’s blessing and His hand upon the church. Last Sunday we were blessed with
Dilip Kurian from the Hillsongs worship team who led worship at our church (with over 200 in attendance). We’ve already more or less outgrown the rented space we are using now. A church like this is such a need in this city. Currently I am serving as interim pastor, until we can find a pastor to take this task on full time. We are praying for God to call the right person here to take on this ministry. It’s a little strange to be “Pastor Bernie” again, but not too strange. It is a blessing to see God at work and a real need being met in our adopted hometown.
Another area of ministry for us is the discipleship of Mongolian students in UB. Right now we are finishing up the school year, and many of our students are heading home for the summer. There will be a few residual students staying in the city, but most will be departing. However, summer will still be busy for us, as we will begin making preparations for the Fall. We are going to begin working with a team of Mongolian students to start a Student Fellowship on Friday evenings which will be used to reach their peers. From this, we want to disciple and equip them to be involved with or start local churches around the city. This will be a challenge on many levels, but we’re excited about the potential we see in reaching students in Mongolia for the Kingdom of God.
Our field director couple
Dennis and Marilyn Maves have left the country for their one year home assignment. This also leaves some extra responsibilities for those of us left here in the city. I will be working some in the field office, and Renee’ will be working with the female staff members through Bible study, discipleship and prayer with them.
Renee’ also has her plate full with ‘volunteering’ (that is a mandatory volunteering!) at the kid’s school every week, as well as attending a ladies’ Bible study and helping at the Student Center and with the International Church.
I am also currently working on a graduate degree program from the
University of South Africa. This is consuming time and energy, as well. However, I am enjoying the reading and writing that is involved. When I am finished I will have a recognized degree for the first time in my life. I feel that it is a necessary thing to obtain, as I desire to work more closely with higher education here in a Mongolian context. Having the proper degree is important to them in this regard.
On top of all this, Cori has brought home a new puppy. I managed to dodge the last “new puppy” bullet, as we found a home for it. When she brought this one home, I tried to be the hard-nosed Dad for as long as possible - but I went soft in the end and let her keep it. So now we have Gemma, the fluff ball. She is good for a laugh most of the time, and Cori has something to sleep with her at night - now that it’s finally stopped it’s night whining. Sadie seems to get along with it fairly well. They seem to keep each other company.
Jonathan and Cori are both finishing up their school year this month. Jonathan is having to say goodbye to a lot of friends who graduating this week. We’re all continuing to learn that this lifestyle involves saying good-bye alot. It can be hard on the kids, at times. But it is amazing to see our good God at work bringing new friends into our lives and meeting our every need.
In it all He’s been faithful. We look to Him to supply for all we need now and all that is to come.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers, support and partnership!