On Sunday morning, April 2, 2023, the city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, had a blizzard with cold strong winds as the temperature suddenly dropped to minus 15 degrees Celsius instead of warm spring weather. But the cold and snowstorm could not cool off the enthusiasm of 16 missionaries who applied for the 1000 Missionary Movement as a first batch and the opening of the Mongolian branch of 1000MM. Mongolia Mission, led by President Han SukHee, held the opening ceremony at Suut Resort. Guest speaker, Pastor Jeon JaeSong, Director of the 1000MM Training Center in the Philippines, was invited to share a special message for the first 16 trainees. The launch of the 1000MM program was a historic moment for Mongolia Mission. About 20 years ago, there were intermittent activities for 1,000MM in Mongolia, but programs were suspended due to various circumstances. With the active support of 1000MM Training Center Director, Pastor Jeon JaeSong and the NSD Youth Department Director, Pastor Choi HoYoung, the Mongolia branch was formed and the mission work in Mongolia has entered a new era.
In his opening remarks, Pastor Han, shared about his own background as a member of the first batch of 1,000 missionaries: “When this movement began in the Philippines about 31 years ago, it was a weak and seemingly insignificant movement that had to make something out of nothing.” He further recalled, “However, this movement, which started in a barren environment, amidst numerous challenges, has produced around 14,000 missionaries, brought about 74,600 baptisms, in over 1,500 meeting places and 800 churches.” He thanked God for being part of these historical events, and expressed his heartfelt desire for the future, “I look forward with eyes of faith, that the same amazing results and great blessings will be realized in Mongolia through the new Mongolian branch.”
Pastor Han also emphasized the three elements of the movement: “First, the work of the Holy Spirit; second, the participation of young people who have pledged to dedicate one year of their lives to the Lord; third, the constant prayers, encouragement, and support of administrators and church members. As long as these three elements have been effectively implemented in the establishment of the Mongolian branch and our young people, clear as the morning dew, continue to be trained as missionaries, a lot of people will be brought to baptism through them, and many churches will be established throughout Mongolia, reproducing the growth of the early church. I sincerely hope that the missionary horizon in Mongolia will be greatly expanded.”
Pastor Jeon Jae-song, said, “The 1,000 Missionary Movement, which serves as a channel for God’s blessings in each mission field of the global village, is a movement that trains and sends 1,000 elite young people every year and supports these missionaries to be active bearers of the gospel to barren areas of the world. Congratulations on the historic opening of the Mongolian branch, which will carry out this century’s greatest challenges on Mongolian soil. A sincere welcome to the 16 amazing young people who applied to join the first batch of trainees.”
Pastor Jeon went on to ask, “Who are the true Adventists?” In his sermon titled, Seven Characteristics of Adventists, he indicated that they bear the following characteristics: 1) Church members who are connected to Jesus Christ. 2) Church members who study, practice, and share the Word of God. 3) Church members who devote their lives to the work of saving souls. 4) Church members who have a meek, kind, and considerate character. 5) Church members who live true and sincere lives. 6) Church members who are guided by the power of the Holy Spirit. 7) Church members who live the life of a missionary, whether in season or out of season, whether they are going as or sending missionaries.
Jeon praised the program for its effectiveness in retaining church youth: “The 1,000 Missionary Movement is the best way to protect Adventist young people in Mongolia from the sinful outside world, to quickly complete the gospel work in Mongolia, and to strengthen the local church with the spirit of volunteer missionary service.” He ended with his earnest hopes for success.
Pastor Abba, who is the coordinator of the 1,000MM Mongolia branch, said, “The current general atmosphere of Mongolian society is being rapidly overtaken by secularization, materialism, and egoism.” These are very worrisome circumstances, and he fears that young people will lose their innocence and be easily swayed by secular influences.
Abba is convinced that at this time of crisis, the 1000MM training program is the most timely movement for Mongolia, turning young people into an army of gospel-bearers, making them missionaries, sending them to different regions, saving souls, and planting churches. He asks for everyone’s interest, support and prayers.
There is a total of 16 first-batch trainees, who, after completing the six-week training program (April 2-May 13), will be dispatched in pairs to strategic church planting areas designated by Mongolia Mission. These young missionaries will receive $100/month for living expenses and will serve as missionaries for the Lord for one year.
Pastor Han SukHee, The Mongolia Mission President’s Encouraging words:
This movement was started by the presence and wisdom of the Holy Spirit and is progressing with the power of the Holy Spirit and will be completed through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The 1,000 Missionary Movement is literally a movement of the Holy Spirit, and it will continue to bear fruit through God’s power. We all hope and pray that the activities of the Mongolian branch of 1,000MM will help expedite the Gospel work in Mongolia.