Last Thursday, we got to see the Baker family. They are missionaries in Mongolia who we have supported for years. It was truly a joy to be with David, the dad, Rachel, the mom, Julia, age 18, Timothy, age 17, Daniel age 14, and Esther, age 11. It was so encouraging to see and hear how God is working half way across the world in their church and how faith is working in their household.
We had about 20 people from our church for a potluck and a couple of other families who are friends. We sat down to a potluck when it got dark really fast and the wind started to whip up. It was that night. I looked into the church parking lot and it looked like tornado winds. I thought I was going to see a witch riding a bike chasing a little dog. The doors started to fly open by themselves. We locked them down and the power went out. We got candles for the potluck as well as the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting downstairs. Of course, missionaries are by nature improvisational. They shared their story without powerpoint or pictures.
They live in the capital city of Mongolia in an apartment but they travel all over the country. A new highway will allow them to move more freely. Their plan is to relocate on the western side which is more rural with fewer churches. Only .2% of the country is Christian with the vast majority being Muslim. A thousand years ago there were more Christians but they got wiped out. Turns out that the Bakers have discovered Christian traditions in the Mongolian culture that they use to proclaim the Gospel. Sheep’s head is a special feast there. When they prepare the meal, a cross is cut into the lamb’s forehead. The Bakers ask their hosts if they know the meaning behind the tradition and no one does. They explain Jesus’ work on the cross that their ancestors believed in. If you are interested in learning more about their life and ministry, read the “Missions” bulletin board in the hallway. We are blessed to support their church and family. I hope Jesus is proclaimed in your family as it is in theirs.
