After many months my trip is finally finalized! It has been almost a year since I traveled to Mongolia and I miss my friends. I leave on September 9th and return September 22, 2006. (My itinerary has me in Seoul for 24 hours so if you have any suggestions on seeing Seoul please email me.)

In this past year there have been dramatic events taking place in Mongolia. In July they celebrated their 800th anniversary. Even though Mongolia is free and independent, they have only been so for a few years and they still struggle with who they are and who they want to be as a nation. Many forces pull at the fabric of Mongolia. They need your prayers.

I will be blogging from Mongolia as I always do. The people I'm staying with have internet so don't hesitate to contact me. Watch this page for all the latest, including pictures.

I always give gifts when I travel; not trinkets, real gifts that they actually need. I visit the orphanage in Darkhan and always wish I had another $1000 to give them for the kids. If you would like to donate towards these gifts please click here. Your gift is tax deductible. Thank you.

It's early Tuesday evening, just a few days before I begin my next journey to Mongolia. This time is a little different, and I'm looking forward to what God has in store.

I'm meeting a new friend in UB (Ulaanbaator). His name is Corey and he represents that part of the world for our denomination. Corey, bless God above, is a Kingdom guy. For those who care about such things it makes my job, and his, a whole lot easier here.

We'll be staying with a friend I met on my second trip. We plan on being in UB for about a week when another good friend, a local pastor staying in Singapore, will be flying in and we'll have some time to fellowship. Then it's off to Darkhan to stay with a wonderful pastoring couple. Their church is growing like crazy and they have all the normal things that go with that. I have some gifts with me that will, hopefully, lighten their load a bit.

In both UB and Darkhan I've been given permission to spend most of my time with the leadership. I've felt for a few months now that God wanted to bless them in a specific way and I can't wait to see God do what only God can do.

Let me take a moment to thank all of you who have donated funds, not only for my expenses, but especially for the gifts that will be so meaningful to the Mongolians who receive them. My heart's desire is that you could all go with me and receive the thanks and hugs yourselves. I'm humbled to accept them on your behalf.

Stay tuned... 

I arrived in Narita, Japan after a ten hour flight. Uneventful, except for the on-demand audio/video. Nice to be able to watch what I like, when I like. Food wasn't bad, either.

My 1stclasssleeper did the trick once again. Slept like a baby when I needed to sleep.

I'm off to Seoul in about 1 1/2 hours. Then I can finally get some sleep.

Seattle time is 1:00 AM. Narita time is 5:00 PM.

Chat again soon. 

I've arrived in Seoul. This is the first time I've had a 22 hour lay over so I got a hotel room outside the airport. As new and wonderful as the airport is I was rudely reminded that communication mix-ups happen so easily, especially when you don't speak the language.

I went to get the shuttle to my hotel and a very nice man, in a suit, standing by the hotel information booth at baggage claim told me he had a free shuttle to my hotel. After about a half hour drive later (my hotel was supposed to be 10 minutes away) we arrive at "my" hotel. Except it wasn't my hotel. I asked him at least five times if we were going to the Herb Hotel (my hotel). He assured me we were, but we arrived at the Hotel Grand, and I'm certain he gets a percentage for these type of "mixups".

I explained that I had a paid reservation at the Herb Hotel and I told him (commanded by this point, in my own sweet way) to take me to the Herb Hotel. He took me back to the airport, called the Herb Hotel for me and dropped me off at the pickup spot for the hotel. Then he stood around like I was going to tip him. I just ignored him, which is very hard for me when I'm in a foreign country (not that it's easy at home). I hate to look or act like the ugly Americian but this guy tried to hustle me and I was way too tired to feel sorry for him.

Now I'm in my real hotel. At first, I couldn't figure out how to turn the lights on, which is really a defeat for a traveler like me. I had to call the desk and even when he explained it to me I couldn't understand him. It turns out my roomkey fits in an unmarked slot on the wall that turns the power on to the room. When I leave it turns the power off. Go figure.

In a few minutes I'm going to attempt to call the church through Skype. Fingers crossed...

Skype is such a beautiful thing.

I called the church computer this morning (Monday for me, Sunday for them) and actually welcomed everyone and said the opening prayer: from my hotel room near the Seoul airport. Is that kewl or what.

And my grandson, Sam, said the AMEN! I set up the church computer to allow me to interact with the congregation through the sound system and apparently it worked flawlessly. Anyone with a mic came through loud and clear.

Just so you know that I think way more about God than I do technology let me acknowledge that God is good. 

God is good; His ways are good. He's just good. So good. Amazingly good. No way to describe Him good.

He's good. Really good.

Blessings!

I arrived in UB with no glitches. All my luggage made it, praise God. Tom and Corey were there to greet me and we spent the night at Tom's wonderful apartment. Really snazzy shower.

We got to bed around 3:00 AM and now we're off to breakfast and a tour of the TV studio. At noon Hetee and Melanie will meet us all for lunch and then we're off to Darkhan.

I'll try to keep in touch as much as possible. I know they'll have plenty for us to do. We have a mtg tonight at 6:00 PM with their main leaders. Should be fun.

We appreciate your prayers.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

We got about three or four hours sleep last night. We stayed up 'til 3:00 AM talking. 

We spent the first part of the day with Tom Terry at Eagle TV. First we took the "tour" with Tom as the guide and then we went to his office and discussed the various needs and how we might work together to help meet them. Then it was off to lunch at the Irish Pub, a wonderful place with great food. Hetee and Melanie had driven down from Darkhan, and Ganbold and Hishgee joined Tom, Corey and I for a great meal.

After lunch we headed for Darkhan. The day was sunny and all the trees are turning bright, vivid Autumn colors. We stopped for some water and made it to Darkhan just in time to begin a leadership meeting. I had a chance to teach on the kingdom of God and then pray for everyone. We were done about 9:00 PM and then I received notice that we were to go the hospital to pray for a young woman who was trying to bring her first baby into the world. The doctors had given her some very bad news so we went and prayed for her and now we're waiting to see what happens.

When we got home I had a chance to help Hetee with his new computer and then give Melanie all the new baby clothes. She was overwhelmed and passes her thanks to all who donated. She also sends her thanks for all the vitamins, etc.

It's now 12:45 AM and I'm off to bed. Not sure what's going on tomorrow but Melanie spoke of making waffles. That will make it much easier to get up.

Friday, September 15, 2006

Meeting with Hetee and Melanie's leaders was such a joy. On Tuesday we we drove up to the new church building they were all waiting outside for us. As I got out of the car they all came up with huge smiles and big hugs. It was so moving.

Corey and I got a tour of the new building and then went upstairs to speak with the leaders. I gave a short teaching on the kingdom of God and then ministered to them in prayer and power. The Lord was gracious to give such comforting words, as He always does.

On Wednesday at Hetee's and Melanie's apartment we ate a wonderful stew that she had prepared and then we talked. Corey shared at Melanie's G12 and gave his testimony. It was great.

The next day was very relaxing. Melaine made waffles and homemade syrup. Then we walked and they showed us their stationary store and part of the town. It was strange to see green grass, leaves on the trees, and it was quite warm, around 80-85 F.

Last time I was here I was doing 3-5 meetings a day. This time it was a time to spend with Hetee and Melanie and simply be their friends in Christ and bless them. It would take too long to explain all their responsibilities but let's just say they have a large church and five other churches to watch over.

The next day we were trying to figure out how we could get back to the shops to buy Melanie a birthday present. Finally, we had to purchase it with her, which worked out great, because she wouldn't stay at home and let us shop. She's never had a rug in her living room, never had a blender, and needed a pressure cooker. Because she was with us she could pick out exactly what she wanted. One of my greatest joys on this trip was seeing her face as she lay her baby on the new rug and then playing on it with her other two kids. She radiated with joy.

We talked for a good time and the it was off to bed. And, by the way, did I tell you we were without hot water for two or three days?

On Friday morning we left for UB. I hate leaving. The air is so clean and the people are family. I miss them before I'm in the car. 

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Hetee graciously drove Corey and I to UB and we stayed the night (if you can call it that) at Tom's. We got up at 4:15 AM to get Corey to the airport. I am so encouraged by his visit. Being able to introduce him to my friends, and then to meet his friends, was a real joy. We have much to follow up on.

Tom's family is just like being at home. Their three girls remind me so much of my girls; they are a delight. Tom and his wife are making my stay very easy. And, we have hot water.

I met Pastor Bat and Pastor Ganbold at a posh restaraunt in UB. I had a delightful meal of fish, somthing like salmon, and we talked for about two hours. Then we went to their new office. I almost cried as we took the elevator up and then walked into their very nice new office space. I am so excited for them and so blessed to see them finally have an office that is suitable for their needs.

As always, as we walked in they all got up and hugged me. I thank God for these humble and dedicated servants of God who work so hard for so little earthly reward. I pray there efforts are multiplied beyond their imaginations. 

Pastor Ganbold gave me my schedule for the rest of the week and it is very relaxed. I have two services on Sunday and then a 14 km trip to the countryside for fellowship and a meal. Then each day I have a lunch meeting and a meeting with one of the leader's G12 group. These are usually the most memerable times as God ministers to each one. Please pray for the continual outpouring of the Spirit as with all my heart I want to see each one touched by the power of God and His love.

I was hoping to have an audio blog entry but I can't get a Skype connection. I'll keep trying.

Blessings to all!

Sunday, September 17, 2006

The morning started with church at Tom's home. Diane made homemade cinnamon rolls that were delicious and just out of the oven when a few families arrived. Their daughter Rochele played some worship CD's for worship and then I was asked to share the Word. A few jokes were made about them being Southern Baptist and me being Foursquare but all in good fun.

The minute we were done with church Tom's driver wisked me off to the UB Palace for church at Pastor Bat's. Pastor Bat had invited me to come and pray for his people when he was done speaking. I literally walked into church, dropped my bag, and then prayed for about 250 people. It was such a blessing to watch the power of God come upon so many new believers.

The minute I was done praying they put me in Sheika's car and we drove to the river bed to pick up some rocks for what I would call "Sheep In A Can". After collecting the rocks we drove outside of town to the new home of a couple in their church for lunch. Here's how lunch was prepared:

First you build a fire. Then you add the river rocks to to the fire to be heated. Once heated you put the rocks in a large metal container with a locking lid, kind of like a giant pressure cooker. Then you add the butchered sheep, potatoes, carrots, water, beer and spices. You lock the lid and roll the container on the ground to mix things up a bit and then you put the whole thing on the fire to cook for one hour. After one hour you carefully open the container and using tongs you remove the ingredients. Served with pickles, salad and warm coke it was absolutely delicious. Click here for more pics.

After dinner we went inside their cozy home and blessed it. They've been married three weeks. 

We were done around 8:00 PM and a pastor and his wife drove me home. Almost the minute I hit the couch I started nodding off so I thought I'd better write this and get to bed.

Good night.